Dufry Group has secured contract extensions covering its duty free and duty paid businesses at Brazil’s Belo Horizonte International Airport.

The global travel retailer will run duty free concessions for a further two years through to 2029, adding four stores in the process to increase its retail footprint to 2,228sq m.

In addition, Dufry will build an extra three new duty paid stores including a 670sq m walkthrough shop as part of a 10-year duty paid contract.

It represents the second contract extension for Dufry in Brazil in almost as many months, having renewed its partnership with Salvador International Airport in May.

Dufry has enjoyed a presence at Belo Horizonte Airport situated in Confins, Minas Gerais since 2007, operating a total of 10 duty free and duty paid shops over a total combined retail area of 1,605sq m.

Broad assortment for travellers

It currently operates four duty paid units including Dufry Shopping and Hudson concepts.

By sealing the new contracts, Dufry says it will continue offering customers a wide range of goods across all key product categories such as beauty, liquor, food & confectionery, tobacco, toys & souvenirs, electronics, fashion and luxury accessories.

The airport, which typically handles more than 11 million international and domestic passengers, is operated by BH Airport, a special purpose company formed by CCR Group and Zurich Airport, with state-owned Infraero possessing a 49% stake.

Gustavo Fagundes, Chief Operating Officer for South America, Dufry commented: “Dufry is delighted to have not only extended our current contract at Belo Horizonte International Airport, but to also have been awarded the contract to build and operate three new duty paid stores.

“One of these will be a walkthrough ‘megastore’ incorporating the latest digital technologies, alongside an extensive product mix comprising internationally renowned brands, exclusive products and new launches. Our sincere thanks go to our partners at BH Airport for the continued trust they have shown in Dufry.”

Kleber Meira, CEO of BH Airport, added: “Belo Horizonte International Airport celebrates the success of this partnership. We are sure that the new Dufry stores will be very important to the experience of our passengers and visitors. Thank you for your trust in our management.”

To read more on Dufry’s business dynamics across the Americas, see the TRBusiness March/April e-zine.

All images courtesy of Belo Horizonte International Airport.