Grab’n Go, delicatessen and smart vending machines at KEF
Later this year, high-tech vending machines, delicatessen store, and grab 'n go shops will be opened at Keflavík Airport (KEF).
SSP in Norway, part of the international SSP Group, made the most competitive bid in the tender for operating the shops. SSP specializes in running restaurants at airports and operates over 2,600 such locations worldwide. The company has been managing Jómfrúin and Eldur at KEF in collaboration with Icelandic restaurateurs since 2022, and the operation has been highly successful.
Managing Director of SSP Norway and Iceland Stian Lund said; “It was a competitive tender against significant players in the market, and to be expanding our presence at KEF less than a year after we were awarded our first contract is a testament to the hard work of the SSP team across our business, and gratifying evidence of the airport’s faith in our abilities.
SSP will open two new Point convenience stores, a delicatessen and seven high-tech vending machine spaces at KEF, which are set to open by the end of the year.
The Point outlets have been specifically tailored to appeal to guests travelling to and from Iceland. They will offer a number of products unique to the country including Icelandic confectionery and beverage brands, while hot food offerings including the renowned Icelandic pylsur (an Icelandic style hot dog) will feature prominently on the menu.
The delicatessen store will display Icelandic delicacies to travellers from all over the world. It will offer a wide range of quality local foods and delicacies, ranging from artisan cheeses, cured meats and seafood to local breads, gourmet condiments, chocolates, snacks, and other food items. A selection of artisan beers, spirits and other beverages will also be featured.
In addition, a total of 17 smart vending machines will open in locations across the airport. These will offer a range of fresh food, confectionary, coffee, pastries, travel, and gift items. As the first introduction of smart vending in Iceland, they represent a step-change for retail technology in Iceland and will provide customer-friendly and convenient retail options at the gate areas.
Gunnhildur Erla Vilbergsdóttir, Commercial Manager at KEF said “A substantial number of operators took part in the tender process. We were particularly keen to work with an operator with a high degree of professionalism in operations that can respond quickly and well to changing conditions in the complex operating environment, which led us to choose, and we are certain that SSP will live up to our expectations.”
About SSP
SSP is a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide. They operate sit-down and quick service restaurants, cafes, lounges, and food-led convenience stores, principally in airports and train stations, with a portfolio of around 550 international, national, and local brands.