Barcelona-based travel catering company Areas is pushing forward with its expansion in the U.S. through an ambitious growth strategy. According to CEO Óscar Vela, the company will compete in upcoming concession bids for major airports, including Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York’s JFK, with a potential value of €1.2 billion. Having already gained a foothold in the U.S. market, Areas has built trust with concession partners and solidified its presence in high-traffic hubs.
Growth in the U.S. is a top priority, with the company expecting to double its size in the market over the coming years, bringing it to the same level as its operations in Spain and France—its two largest markets. In 2023, Areas hit a record-breaking revenue milestone, surpassing €2 billion and fully recovering from pandemic-related losses. Notably, 80% of its revenue now comes from outside Spain, aligning with its international expansion strategy.
Beyond the U.S., the company has strengthened its position in other key markets. In Spain, it secured the concession for 35 locations at Madrid-Barajas Airport, projecting €1 billion in revenue over eight years. Areas also won the exclusive rights to manage food services at IFEMA and expanded its footprint in airports and service stations across Mexico, Germany, and Chile. Vela confirms that the company will continue growing through concessions and strategic acquisitions, following its purchase of Autogrill Iberia in 2020 and the French operator Sighor in 2023.
Despite increasing competition in the sector, Areas remains committed to its expansion. “We compete with industry giants, but we are the third-largest global player, which is not bad at all,” says Vela. Backed by private equity firm PAI Partners, the company has no immediate plans for a change in ownership and remains focused on its goal of becoming a global leader in travel catering.
For more details, the full interview with Óscar Vela can be found in Cinco Días here.