Autogrill has announced the closure of the agreement with Pret a Manger, the historic British fast food chain. The Group led by Gilberto Benetton will open, thanks to the new collaboration, Pret a Manger points of sale in the main airports of North America and in the European airport and railway channel.
Autogrill will manage the new openings in the United States thanks to its subsidiary HMSHost, while in Europe the management will be entrusted to HMSHost International. The first store resulting from the collaboration will be opened in Copenhagen Airport in early 2018.
Pret a Manger currently has more than 440 stores in seven different countries (UK, United States, France, Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Dubai). Autogrill stock did not react positively to the announcement: it lost 1,27% in Piazza Affari.
“This agreement with Pret allows us to bring one of the most successful brands in the world to airports and railway stations. This will help enrich our portfolio of over 300 brands with a unique offer of its kind – commented Ezio Balarini, Chief Marketing Officer Autogrill – We are delighted with this new and important partnership with Pret, a brand that shares our same business vision in terms of sustainable approach, food quality, freshness and innovation”.
Satisfaction also expressed by the top management of the British chain: “Pret's menu, made with fresh and nutritious food ready to be eaten on the go, is perfect for today's travellers. The partnership with Autogrill will allow us to open new stores in major airports in North America, as well as in Denmark and the Netherlands – said Michael Haley, Partnership Director of Pret – Choosing the right partner is essential for Pret. We admire the strength of Autogrill's operations and have already hosted their Danish team in our stores in Great Britain, for the necessary preparation in view of the opening in Copenhagen airport”.
The news of the agreement comes a week after the announcement of the final go-ahead for Autogrill's corporate reorganization project, which aims to separate the operational activities of Food & Beverage in Italy and the service coordination functions carried out on behalf of the European subsidiaries from the direction and coordination activities of the group. The project will take effect from 1 January 2018.
