Lagardère Travel Retail and HWH join forces and gain F&B leadership in the Middle East
Lagardère Travel Retail today announces it has entered into an agreement with HWH to integrate the two companies’ F&B operations at Dubai airport.
Lagardère Travel Retail and HWH, a highly recognized Dubai-based independent restaurateur, have agreed to join forces and incorporate HWH’s portfolio of F&B operations, including 13 existing restaurants at Dubai airport, and a pipeline of other opportunities into Lagardère Travel Retail’s operations. The portfolio includes a broad mix of F&B concepts, with key brands such as Fix, Roti Bai, Treehouse Juicery, Flour + Stone, Tranzeet and Grabb’it. Lagardère Travel Retail already operates the Daily DXB, a bespoke concept that showcases Dubai’s history alongside street food over 600 sqm at the heart of Dubai International Airport T3, known as the Emirates hub. The combined business will be called Lagardère-HWH Travel Retail.
The combination represents a significant leap in Lagardère Travel Retail ambition to further strengthen its partnership with Dubai airport and consolidate its Foodservice footprint in the Middle East region. The group is also proud to welcome HWH founder and his management team, that will continue to provide leadership and help drive the combined business at Dubai airport.
It is expected that the integration will be completed by the end of Q1 2022.
Commenting on this announcement, Vincent Romet, CEO Lagardère Travel Retail France and COO KSA and Middle East, said: “We are thrilled to be adding the network of beautifully designed HWH, concepts and its various tasty food offerings to our Middle East portfolio. The founders have done an amazing job at creating an eclectic mix of restaurants and it is a privilege to be continuing working with them and build on their commitment to innovation and excellence to serve more travelers at Dubai airport. This partnership is a testament to the vision and leadership of Dubai, and a significant step for us in consolidating our F&B expertise in the region and in developing the very fruitful partnership we have with Dubai airport.”
Lagardère Travel Retail’s Foodservice business line operates in 23 countries globally, with over 1,000 stores. A global player in Foodservice, the business line has passed the one billion mark in sales in 2019. Focusing on quality and operational excellence, Lagardère Travel Retail offers a strong brand portfolio combining partner brands - from global brands to local favorites - and internal brands, covering the whole spectrum of the food offer and customers' needs.
The excellence of the Foodservice division has also been recognized with eight wins in the FAB Awards in 2019, and with four FAB Superstars Awards in 2021, making it one of the most-awarded in the industry.