Maritime Mercantile International (MMI) and Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR) have opened six new retail outlets at Dubai International Airport’s Concourse A.

 

The companies say that this includes some world ‘firsts’, reinforcing Dubai International as “a global showcase” for travel retail innovation.

 

All six outlets opened on schedule and budget on January 2nd 2013 to meet the first flight into the new concourse, with each outlet chosen for the innovation related to its travel retail offering.

 

The MMI-ELR outlets include the world’s first ‘Le Lounge by Moet & Chandon’ Champagne bar, plus the world’ first Jack’s Bar & Grill and the first ‘Giraffe’ family restaurant outside the UK.

 

There is also an extension of MMI’s own award-winning Le Clos finest wines and luxury spirits duty free retail concept and the airport says that the simultaneous launch of the outlets represents the most ambitious F&B programme ever undertaken by MMI-ELR.

 

COMPETITIVE TENDERS

MMI-ELR won the six prime F&B and retail outlets at the new concourse after a “highly competitive tendering process” against local and global operators.

 

Andrew Day, MMI & ELR Group CEO said: “Our aim is to create the world’s best airport culinary and beverage experiences, 24-7. We understand the vital role that both food and beverage as well as retail play in enhancing the travellers’ experience and we are bringing to Concourse A all our global experience in running successful airport outlets – and also breaking new ground which will help position Dubai International as a unique, world class travel retail destination/environment.

 

“We would like to congratulate the Dubai Airports team and everyone involved in making Concourse A a reality and MMI-ELR is very proud to be supporting the ambition that it represents.”

 

ELR now has five new launch premium F&B brands in the new concourse A with the Giraffe Restaurant (the first outside the UK); a Costa Metropolitan coffee outlet; the first Le Lounge by Moët & Chandon Champagne bar; the second Heineken Airport Lounge at terminal 3; the world’s first Jack’s Bar & Grill, showcasing the world famous Jack Daniel’s brand; and a third ‘Le Clos’ store, said to have been acknowledged as “game-changing” in the wine & spirits industry.