Starbucks, an international coffee roaster and retailer, has partnered with its operating partner SSP, to open its first Finnish store in Helsinki Airport in the year 2012, as part of its expansion in Nordic markets.
SSP, an operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, will operate Starbucks stores at Helsinki Airport. The company said one of the two stores will be located in the arrivals hall, being accessible to passengers and visitors from the city. The other will be located past security.
SSP entered into a strategic relationship with Starbucks in June 2008. The partnership resulted in opening 29 stores in the UK, Spain, France, Germany andSwitzerland. The companies opened first Swedish store in Arlanda Airport in the year 2010.
Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa president Rich Nelsenope said the expansion is consistent with the company’s growth strategy to further develop its existing retail business in the travel channel.
“We are looking forward to meeting our new customers in Helsinki, Gothenburg and Malmo and we are delighted to further our expansion into the Nordics,” Nelsenope said.
The coffee company has recently launched Starbucks Iced Latte, Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso and Milk, and Starbucks bottled Frappuccino coffee drinks in grocery and convenience stores in Denmark, Finland, and Norway.
Recently, the two companies have announced their plans to open a store in Gardermoen Airport in Oslo, Norway in early 2012. Starbucks said it will have full presence across the Nordic markets with the stores in Helsinki Airport.
