As former WHSmith boss Kate Swann moves to SSP as chief executive, Retail Week takes a closer look at the travel food and beverage franchisee.

  • SSP operates a number of food and beverage brands such as Upper Crust, Starbucks, Burger King and M&S Simply Food in over 400 travel locations worldwide.
  • Since its formation over 60 years ago, the business has expanded to run operations in 30 countries across four continents. It currently employs 30,000 people worldwide.
  • SSP estimates it serves more than 1 million customers daily.
  • It operates over 2,100 units in travel locations including JFK Airport, Heathrow Airport, Liverpool Street station, Dublin Airport, Frankfurt Central Station, Paris Charles de Gaulles Airport, Helsinki Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport.
  • Its Asian operations began in 1995, when the company opened its first outlet in Bangkok. With a presence in seven countries, SSP claims to be the leading airport food and beverage operator in the region.
  • The company has plans to open 80 new outlets across North America throughout 2013.
  • Turnover hit £1,737m in 2012, up 3.2% on the previous year.
  • Like-for-like sales grew 2.7% in 2012, compared to a 4.8% like-for-like sales growth in 2011.
  • In 2012, SSP’s cash flow from operating activities hit £86m against a capital expenditure of £64m.
  • SSP has an on-going relationship with WHSmith. Last month the travel retail company announced it will open one brand new and five re-designed WHSmith stores at Copenhagen Airport, following the signing of a renewed contract.
  • WHSmith’s travel division have delivered growth for the company. In its latest update, the stationer revealed travel retail sales were flat at £216m in the six months to February 28. It currently operates 440 travel outlets at airports, train stations, hospitals and motorway service areas, and is investing in new travel store formats including trials of a kids’ toy and book store.

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