Riga Airport is set for a significant transformation of its shopping and dining offer after global travel retail operator Avolta secured a 12-year master concession contract covering both retail and food and beverage operations at the Latvian hub.
The agreement marks Avolta‘s first contract in Latvia and its entry into the Baltic region. It covers eight retail stores and 22 food and beverage outlets, making it one of the most substantial concession awards the airport has seen.
Latvian Identity at the Core
The new retail offer centres on two hybrid concepts designed to reflect Latvian culture. A main walkthrough duty free store will feature Avolta‘s Haute Parfumerie concept alongside a dedicated area for Latvian products. A second outlet, Spirit of Latvia, will combine local craftsmanship, curated Latvian products and coffee in a single format.
The food and beverage lineup blends homegrown Latvian brands with international names. Three established local businesses will open airport locations for the first time: Kalve, a Baltic specialty coffee brand; Vīnkalni Picērija, a family-run pizza concept; and Ausmena Kebabs, a popular Riga street food brand.
Espresso House, an international coffee brand, will also make its debut in Latvia through the airport contract.
Sports Bar Taps into Ice Hockey Culture
One of the more distinctive additions to the terminal will be 7th Player, a hybrid sports bar concept that draws on Latvia’s strong ice hockey tradition. The format combines hospitality with merchandise retail in a single outlet, a format Avolta describes as part of its next-generation dining approach.
The broader food and beverage offer balances proprietary brands, international names and locally developed concepts, with Latvian identity running through the overall design of the concession.
Strategic Expansion into Northern and Eastern Europe
Luis Marin, President and CEO EMEA at Avolta, said the contract reflected the company’s focus on high-quality concession assets in growing travel markets.
“This contract marks Avolta’s entry into Latvia and the Baltics region, further strengthening our presence across Northern and Eastern Europe,” said Luis Marin, President and CEO EMEA at Avolta. “The 12-year agreement reflects our focus on securing high-quality concession assets in growing travel markets. Riga Airport offers a compelling opportunity to deploy our integrated retail and F&B model at scale, while advancing hybrid formats.”
Laila Odina, Chairperson of the Board of Riga Airport, said Avolta‘s international experience combined with its ability to integrate local concepts would raise the quality of the passenger experience. “The company’s approach aligns with our long-term vision to develop Riga Airport as a modern Northern European travel hub offering high-quality, innovative and locally relevant services,” she said.
Airport Expansion on the Horizon
The 12-year contract length positions Avolta to grow alongside Riga Airport’s own expansion and renovation plans. The airport has outlined a long-term development programme aimed at establishing itself as a modern hub for Northern Europe.
Avolta operates across major international aviation hubs and has been expanding its presence in European markets in recent years. The Riga contract adds a new country to its portfolio and gives the company a platform in the Baltic region for the first time.
The Latvian capital’s airport serves as the main international gateway for the Baltic states, handling passengers travelling to and from destinations across Europe and beyond. The concession overhaul is expected to be phased in line with the airport’s broader infrastructure programme.
