Annual value sales reached €10.13 billion in 2025.

The European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) has released the ETRC Business Performance Index for the full year 2025.

The report reveals that European airport duty free and travel retail recorded total annual value sales of €10.13 billion (US$11.83 billion) last year, representing a +5.5% increase compared with 2024 – marking the highest value sales in the sector’s history.

Unit sales increased by +4.5% year-on-year, underlining sustained demand across the sector within a competitive travel environment.

At the same time, the Index highlights a divergence between retail performance and passenger traffic. Passenger numbers increased by +5.8% compared with 2024, outpacing sales growth. As a result, average spend per passenger softened slightly to €10.55 (US$12.32), representing a marginal decline of -0.3% year-on-year.

Across categories, the performance remained broadly positive. Tobacco and food recorded particularly strong results, each achieving double-digit increases. The spirits sub-category experienced a modest decline in both volume and value, with value sales decreasing by -0.7%.

ETRC President Nigel Keal commented: “The 2025 results underline the sector’s resilience, with record sales achieved despite a more complex environment.

“While spend per passenger has slightly softened, the industry remains well positioned to strengthen its performance and deliver sustainable growth in the years ahead. Fingers crossed, the Middle East situation is resolved as soon as possible.”

ETRC President Nigel Keal (above) noted how the 2025 results underlined the sector’s resilience.

Developed for ETRC, the ETRC Index is compiled by Pi Insight based on data provided by participating travel retailers, with passenger data supplied by ForwardKeys. The full report is available exclusively to ETRC members.

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