SSP secures five-unit contract at Auckland Airport, strengthening its position in the New Zealand market

SSP, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has secured a contract to operate five food and beverage locations at Auckland Airport. The agreement marks a significant milestone in SSP's growth ambitions in New Zealand and will see the company introduce a portfolio of four bespoke concepts alongside one franchise partnership at the country's largest airport.

The new locations will span both airside and landside environments, delivering a carefully curated food and beverage offer designed to reflect the character of Auckland and the evolving needs of today's travellers. The agreement further strengthens SSP's presence in New Zealand and establishes a platform for future growth alongside Auckland Airport's long-term terminal development plans.

As New Zealand's largest airport by both passenger numbers and catchment population, Auckland Airport plays a central role in SSP's strategy for the market. The contract reflects SSP's continued focus on growing in strategically important locations where it can combine local relevance, operational excellence and strong commercial performance.

The brand portfolio has been developed to provide a distinctive sense of place, while drawing on SSP's expertise as global food travel experts. Each concept has been designed specifically for its location within the airport, reflecting SSP's approach to creating tailored food and beverage experiences that enhance the passenger journey while supporting airport commercial objectives. 

Four bespoke concepts have been created specifically for the airport. Auckland Coffee Exports is a premium coffee-led café and bar inspired by New Zealand's renowned coffee culture. NZ Pie Co. & Croissant Lab will bring together gourmet pies and sweet and savoury pastries in a format tailored to the needs of travelling customers, while The Local will offer a family-friendly café and bar experience designed to serve a broad range of passenger occasions. A fifth SSP-owned concept focused on healthier food choices is also planned for landside.

These will be complemented by a franchise partnership with Roll’d which marks the brand's first airport location in New Zealand and SSP's fifth Roll’d operation across Australia and New Zealand.

Each of the locations will incorporate self-order technology from launch, helping to deliver a seamless customer experience while supporting operational efficiency.

The new contract builds on SSP's strong track record across Australia and New Zealand, where the business continues to combine local market insight with expertise drawn from a broader international network. 

Jonathan Robinson, CEO of SSP Asia Pacific, said: "Securing these locations at Auckland Airport represents an important step in our growth strategy for New Zealand and reflects our confidence in the long-term opportunities within the market.

"Auckland Airport is a strategically important gateway and an ideal location to showcase the strengths of our business. The concepts we have developed place local relevance and passenger needs at the centre of the offer, while drawing on the operational expertise and innovation we have built across the wider region.

"We look forward to working closely with Auckland Airport to bring these concepts to life and to supporting the airport's future growth ambitions through outstanding food and beverage experiences."

Auckland Airport’s Head of Retail Lucy Thomas said: "We're delighted to welcome SSP's new food and beverage offer to Auckland Airport. This portfolio reflects the quality and variety we want to offer travellers, with concepts that celebrate local flavour and character alongside the convenience today's travellers expect. It's a strong fit with our long-term vision for the terminal, and we look forward to seeing these new outlets come to life for our customers."