Waitrose is making its first move into airport retail, partnering with Lagardère Travel Retail to bring its premium food-to-go range to four RELAY stores at Heathrow Airport Terminal 2. The first store is set to open in May 2026, with all four locations operational by the end of the year.
For travellers passing through the Queen’s Terminal, the tie-up means access to Waitrose-branded sandwiches, wraps, salads and fresh fruit airside; a notable upgrade to the food options available before boarding. The partnership marks the first time the British supermarket chain has entered the airport retail space.
The partnership between RELAY and Waitrose combines convenience with quality. The product assortment has been optimised to drive food-to go purchases, increase penetration and enhance quality perception, while maintaining clear and consistent Waitrose branding on the products and in-store.
By pooling the expertise of a global leader in travel retail with one of the most trusted brands on the High Street, RELAY reinforces its position as the world’s leading Travel Essentials brand while delivering a high-quality and relevant food-to-go offer for travellers at Heathrow T2.
Nicholas Dunne, Commercial Director of Lagardère Travel Retail UK & Ireland, commented: “This partnership with Waitrose marks a significant step in our ambition to elevate the food-to-go experience within our blended Travel Essentials offer. By bringing one of the UK’s most trusted premium food brands to RELAY at Heathrow Terminal 2, we are combining quality, convenience and strong brand recognition to better serve passengers in a fast-paced environment. The partnership demonstrates our ability to leverage our cross-business line expertise and partner with leading High Street brands to adapt their offer to the specific needs of travellers.”
Charlotte Di Cello, Waitrose Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Launching at Heathrow marks our first move into airport retail and an important step in growing our brand by bringing our offer to more customers in high-traffic locations. In partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail, our food-to-go offer will launch in four stores in Terminal 2 by the end of the year, building on the progress we’re already making in travel retail, alongside continued investment in our own shops and online offer.”
Lagardère Travel Retail, a subsidiary of Louis Hachette Group (through Lagardère group), an international group listed on Euronext Growth, is a leading global Travel Retailer, with the longest standing expertise of serving the needs of travellers and partners across Travel Essentials, Duty Free & Fashion and Dining. Lagardère Travel Retail operates over 5,000 stores in airports, railway stations and other concessions in over 50 countries, and generated €8.0 bn in sales (100%) in 2025.
Waitrose is the Home of Food Lovers, serving customers with exceptional quality products and expert service.
Part of the John Lewis Partnership – the UK’s largest employee-owned business – Waitrose has 320 shops and a strong online business. It also has agreements with brands like Welcome Break and Shell, further bolstering its local footprint.
It works closely with British farmers and suppliers, and is a market-leader for animal welfare and responsible sourcing – using sustainable farming methods, including on its very own farm, the Leckford Estate.
Waitrose has 800 specialist counters across its shops and a Beer, Wine and Spirits team that includes more Masters of Wine than any other UK supermarket. It holds a Royal Warrant as Grocer and Wine & Spirits Merchant to His Majesty King Charles III.
