MMI and ELR appointed to develop world-class retail, and F&B experience at Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport

• MMI and ELR, in partnership with global design giants, Eight Inc, will create a world-first seamless airport travel retail experience
• Expands MMI and ELR’s travel retail footprint to five continents 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates : Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI)  and Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR) have been appointed as the master concessionaire for all food and beverage, duty-free and commercial outlets in Abeid Amani Karume International Airport’s (ZNZ) newly-built Terminal 3. 

MMI and ELR are joining forces to create and deliver a world-class, next-generation customer experience at ZNZ from Spring 2022. The companies’ vast international expertise will bring a mix of Zanzibarian inspired food and beverage outlets, alongside a multi-category duty-free shopping experience showcasing a carefully selected range of the world’s best brands.

Andrew Day, Group CEO of Emirates Leisure Retail and MMI said,

“We are delighted to be appointed as the master concessionaire for F&B, duty-free and the commercial spaces in the new Terminal 3 at Zanzibar airport.  This represents a bold and exciting next step for both ELR and MMI. We currently have over 100 outlets in over 20 domestic and international airports, across the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Asia. Our goal has always been to expand our footprint and do so in a way that continually enables us to challenge existing norms and develop our global expertise. 

We strive to create innovative, compelling and constantly evolving retail environments for airports that drive incremental value, for airport operators, brands and our travelling guests alike. It is our ambition to set a new standard of excellence and airport experience. We’re very excited to be taking the next step with Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) and look forward to working with Eight Inc in delivering a truly innovative and seamless F&B and retail consumer experience that transforms the way travellers spend time at an airport.” 

Eight Inc, the globally renowned creative collective, has been appointed to work with MMI and ELR to develop a new blueprint concept, which is set to create a unique airport customer experience. Eight Inc will explore and create the passenger journey, across all duty-free, food and beverage and commercial spaces, incorporating a full suite of integrated digital solutions.  It will redefine travel retail and create a sense of place for travellers, bringing together local Zanzibar character and design with the latest technologies including a seamless payment solution, so consumers can pay for their F&B and retail purchases in one simple transaction. 

The new project will become the world’s first integrated F&B and retail experience in travel retail, providing travellers with a unique, and integrated airport experience that will be a destination in its own right.

Tim Kobe, CEO and Co-Founder, Eight Inc, commented,

“We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Emirates Leisure Retail. At Zanzibar airport we have a great opportunity to challenge the category norms, creating a new type of seamless, digitally integrated experience that makes life easier and more pleasurable for passengers. In a sector that’s known for progress and invention, we’re gearing up to make the next big leap forward.”

Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport has been identified as a key investment and redevelopment pillar to support Zanzibar’s growing travel and tourism economy and is set to become a new standard of experience for all travellers and the model for future developments. Not just a point of transit, but a global destination for the international traveller.

The newly-built Terminal 3 is expected to serve over 1.5 million passengers with dnata servicing over 4,000 flights annually at the airport.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:
Renee Mallia
Marketing Manager MMI
reneem@mmi.ae 

About Emirates Leisure Retail

Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR), a subsidiary of the Emirates Group, owns and operates a diverse portfolio of restaurants, cafés and bars across the Middle East, South East Asia, Australia and the USA. Operating over 300 outlets (including more than 90 outlets across 20 domestic and international airports) models range from franchise to own brand, and are all designed to offer a premium experience at great value. Key brands operated by ELR include Costa Coffee, Hudsons Coffee, Pret A Manger, The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, as well as bespoke, world-first and award-winning concepts including Coopers Alehouse, Jack’s Bar & Grill, Heineken Lounge and The Draft House.

About MMI

MMI is a dynamic marketing, sales and distribution organization, established in 1916 in Dubai UAE and in 2016 saw it celebrate its centennial, a remarkable journey from humble Dubai Creekside shipping agent to one of the world’s leading independent distributors.

A passionate group committed to delivering and enjoying sustainable, profitable growth by achieving leadership through excellence in our chosen beverage categories and markets. MMI is headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with joint venture operations across Abu Dhabi, Oman, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, South Africa, Thailand and Singapore

MMI is a subsidiary of the Emirates Group. Its long-standing operation in the market has given it a unique understanding and respect for both the cultural differences and common interests in diverse markets. At every interaction with their portfolio, events and outlets they strive to bring more to the lives of their customers and consumers, through innovations such as the award-winning Le Clos, the fine wines and luxury spirits retailer.

© Press Release 2021