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'''SSP''' is a British [[Multinational corporation|multinational]] contract foodservice company, with headquarters in [[London]], England. It is listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]] and is a constituent of the [[FTSE 250 Index]].
'''SSP''' is a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations, operating in nearly 40 countries in over 600 locations, employing more than 42,000 globally<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=5 December 2023 |title=SSP Annual Report and Accounts 2023 |url=https://www.foodtravelexperts.com/media/c2hddoyn/ssp-group-plc_annual-report_2023.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>.


==History==
The company, headquartered in [[London]], England, is listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]] and is a constituent of the [[FTSE 250 Index]].
The business was established as a division of Scandinavian airline [[SAS Group]] under the name of SAS Catering in 1961.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.eqtpartners.com/news/Press-Releases/2006/EQT-to-acquire-Select-Service-Partner-from-Compass/ |title=EQT to acquire Select Service Partner from Compass |publisher=EQT |date=9 April 2006 |access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref> Its Select Service Partner (SSP) division was acquired by [[Compass Group]] in May 1993 for £72 million.<ref name=guardian>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2006/apr/10/food.foodanddrink|title=Compass sells Moto service stations and Upper Crust food chain for £1.8bn|work=[[The Guardian]]|location=London|date=10 April 2006|access-date=8 September 2014}}</ref> Compass then merged SSP with several other companies it owned, including [[Travellers Fare]], [[British Rail]]'s former catering division which had been privatised under a management buy-out in 1988 before being bought by Compass in 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cinven.co.uk/ourinvestments/default.aspx?investmentid=87 |title=Travellers Fare |publisher=Cinven|access-date=8 September 2014 }}</ref> In 2006 the business was bought by [[EQT Partners]] for £1.822 billion.<ref name=guardian/> The company was the subject of an [[initial public offering]] in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10958894/Shares-rise-in-SSP-stock-market-debut.html|title=Shares rise in SSP stock market debut|publisher=The Telegraph|date=10 July 2014|access-date=8 September 2014}}</ref>


During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom]], SSP announced it was cutting 5,000 UK jobs across its chains, including [[Upper Crust (restaurant chain)|Upper Crust]] and [[Caffè Ritazza]], as part of a restructuring aimed at keeping the company afloat.<ref name="Makortoff-01Jul2020">{{cite news |last=Makortoff |first=Kalyeena |title=Upper Crust and Caffè Ritazza owner to cut 5,000 UK jobs |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jul/01/upper-crust-and-caffe-ritazza-owner-to-cut-5000-jobs-ssp-group-coronavirus |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=1 July 2020}}</ref> In November 2022 it was announced that SSP was buying [[AMT Coffee]] out of [[Administration (law)|administration]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Joe|last=Middleton|title=AMT Coffee sold with rescue of 25 sites, but 100 staff face redundancy|work=The Guardian|date=2022-11-19|page=51|accessdate=2022-11-21|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/nov/18/amt-coffee-sold-out-of-administration-to-ssp-with-loss-of-100-jobs}}</ref>
Patrick Coveney is the CEO of SSP as of 2022<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 December 2022 |title=SSP Annual Report and Accounts, 2022 |url=https://www.foodtravelexperts.com/media/sinnxjj2/ssp-annual-report-and-accounts-2022.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>.


==Operations==
==Operations==
[[File:Cafè Ritazza, Paragon Station, Hull - geograph.org.uk - 941209.jpg|thumb|240px|A Caffè Ritazza outlet at [[Hull Paragon Interchange]]]]
[[File:SSP units at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand.jpg|alt=Three units in airport|thumb|240x240px|'''SSP units at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand''']]
SSP operates a large portfolio of small brands, many of which are locally specific. Significant brands include:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foodtravelexperts.com/international/brands/|title=Brands|publisher=SSP Group|access-date=25 April 2017}}</ref>
SSP has a wide portfolio of brands, including its own and those it franchises. Brands range from well-known grab ‘n’ go sandwich shops and cafés to casual dining restaurants and bespoke high-end concepts. SSP operates international brands, national brands and local heroes, which are prominent brands in specific markets, as well as brands and concepts it has created<ref name=":0" />.
Some examples are:

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*Le Grand Comptoir
*Le Grand Comptoir
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*[[YO! Sushi]]
*[[YO! Sushi]]
*[[Le Train Bleu (restaurant)|Le Train Bleu]]
*[[Le Train Bleu (restaurant)|Le Train Bleu]]
*Walter
*UrbanCrave
*Millies Cookies
*Millies Cookies
*Whistlestop
*Nippon Ramen
*[[M&S]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


SSP also provides outsourced catering on board a number of train services, operating under the brand RG (previously Rail Gourmet). Clients have included [[Abellio Greater Anglia]], [[Arriva Trains Wales]], [[Chiltern Railways]], [[DB Schenker]], [[East Coast (train operating company)|East Coast]], [[East Midlands Trains]], [[Eurostar]], [[Great Western Railway (train operating company)|Great Western Railway]], [[South Western Railway (train operating company)|South Western Railway]], [[Gatwick Express]], [[Hull Trains]], [[Iarnród Éireann]], [[National Railway Company of Belgium]], [[Norwegian State Railways]], [[First ScotRail]], [[Thalys]] and [[VR (company)|VR]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.railgourmet.com/our-clients/|title=SSP — RG|website=www.railgourmet.com|language=en|access-date=2018-01-16}}</ref>
==History==
The business was established as a division of Scandinavian airline [[SAS Group]] under the name of SAS Catering in 1961.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.eqtpartners.com/news/Press-Releases/2006/EQT-to-acquire-Select-Service-Partner-from-Compass/ |title=EQT to acquire Select Service Partner from Compass |publisher=EQT |date=9 April 2006 |access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref> Its Select Service Partner (SSP) division was acquired by [[Compass Group]] in May 1993 for £72 million.<ref name=guardian>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2006/apr/10/food.foodanddrink|title=Compass sells Moto service stations and Upper Crust food chain for £1.8bn|work=[[The Guardian]]|location=London|date=10 April 2006|access-date=8 September 2014}}</ref> Compass then merged SSP with several other companies it owned, including [[Travellers Fare]], [[British Rail]]'s former catering division which had been privatised under a management buy-out in 1988 before being bought by Compass in 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cinven.co.uk/ourinvestments/default.aspx?investmentid=87 |title=Travellers Fare |publisher=Cinven|access-date=8 September 2014 }}</ref> In 2006 the business was bought by [[EQT Partners]] for £1.822 billion.<ref name=guardian/> The company was the subject of an [[initial public offering]] in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/10958894/Shares-rise-in-SSP-stock-market-debut.html|title=Shares rise in SSP stock market debut|publisher=The Telegraph|date=10 July 2014|access-date=8 September 2014}}</ref>

In 2023, SSP announced its entry to the Italian and Icelandic market. The company also announced its expansion in North America with the acquisition of the concessions business of Midfield Concession Enterprises Inc. (“MCE”)<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 May 2023 |title=SSP expands its presence in North America with acquisition of the Midfield concessions business |url=https://www.foodtravelexperts.com/news-and-insights/2023/ssp-expands-its-presence-in-north-america-with-acquisition-of-the-midfield-concessions-business/ |url-status=live |website=SSP website}}</ref> and, later in 2023, the acquisition of the Calgary-based business ECG Ventures Limited.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 December 2023 |title=SSP to increase its footprint in North America and Middle East through two new transactions: the acquisition of ECG in Canada and a major new contract with Jeddah Airport |url=https://www.foodtravelexperts.com/news-and-insights/2023/ssp-to-increase-its-footprint-in-north-america-and-middle-east-through-two-new-transactions-the-acquisition-of-ecg-in-canada-and-a-major-new-contract-with-jeddah-airport/ |url-status=live |website=SSP website}}</ref>

In 2024, SSP entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Airport Retail Enterprises Pty Ltd (“ARE”) in Australia.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walsh |first=Dominic |date=12 February 2024 |title=Australia deal offers appetising prospect for SSP |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/12ssp-8h959hg80 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Locations==
Some of the principal locations where SSP operates are<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 December 2023 |title=Our markets - SSP |url=https://www.foodtravelexperts.com/our-markets/ |url-status=live |website=SSP website}}</ref>:


SSP provides services at [[Ottawa International Airport]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dfnionline.com/lead-stories/paradies-lagardere-ssp-named-master-concessionaires-ottawa-airport-09-07-2019/|title=Paradies Lagardère and SSP named new Ottawa Airport master concessionaires|date=9 July 2019|publisher=DFNI Online|access-date=4 March 2020}}</ref>
* Heathrow Airport, London, United Kingdom
* Victoria Station, London, United Kingdom
* Dublin Airport, Ireland, United Kingdom
* Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, France
* Paris Gare de Lyon, France
* Copenhagen Central Station, Denmark
* Helsinki Airport, Finland
* Zürich Airport, Switzerland
* Amsterdam Central Station, The Netherlands
* Stockholm Central Station, Sweden
* Oslo Airport, Norway
* Barcelona El Prat International Airport, Spain
* Athens International Airport, Greece
* JFK Airport, New York, USA
* Salt Lake City International Airport, UT, USA
* Indianapolis International Airport, IN, USA
* Melbourne Airport, Australia
* Perth Airport, Australia
* Mumbai Airport, India
* Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, India
* Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Philippines
* Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia
* Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand
* Changi International Airport, Singapore
* Doha International Airport, Qatar


== Criticism ==
== Criticism ==

Revision as of 14:17, 14 February 2024

SSP Group plc
Company typePublic
LSESSPG
FTSE 250 Component
IndustryFoodservice
Founded1961
HeadquartersLondon, England, UK
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Mike Clasper, Chairman
Patrick Coveney, Chief Executive
ProductsRestaurants, Cafes, Bars, Fast Food
ServicesFoodservice
RevenueIncrease £3,009.7 million (2023)[1]
Increase £204.8 million (2023)[1]
Increase £56.1 million (2023)[1]
Number of employees
36,943 (2023)[1]
Websitewww.foodtravelexperts.com

SSP is a British multinational contract foodservice company, with headquarters in London, England. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.

History

The business was established as a division of Scandinavian airline SAS Group under the name of SAS Catering in 1961.[2] Its Select Service Partner (SSP) division was acquired by Compass Group in May 1993 for £72 million.[3] Compass then merged SSP with several other companies it owned, including Travellers Fare, British Rail's former catering division which had been privatised under a management buy-out in 1988 before being bought by Compass in 1992.[4] In 2006 the business was bought by EQT Partners for £1.822 billion.[3] The company was the subject of an initial public offering in 2014.[5]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, SSP announced it was cutting 5,000 UK jobs across its chains, including Upper Crust and Caffè Ritazza, as part of a restructuring aimed at keeping the company afloat.[6] In November 2022 it was announced that SSP was buying AMT Coffee out of administration.[7]

Operations

A Caffè Ritazza outlet at Hull Paragon Interchange

SSP operates a large portfolio of small brands, many of which are locally specific. Significant brands include:[8]

SSP also provides outsourced catering on board a number of train services, operating under the brand RG (previously Rail Gourmet). Clients have included Abellio Greater Anglia, Arriva Trains Wales, Chiltern Railways, DB Schenker, East Coast, East Midlands Trains, Eurostar, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Gatwick Express, Hull Trains, Iarnród Éireann, National Railway Company of Belgium, Norwegian State Railways, First ScotRail, Thalys and VR.[9]

SSP provides services at Ottawa International Airport.[10]

Criticism

Rail Gourmet staff redundancy criticism

In 2018, SSP brand Rail Gourmet was criticised for giving staff four days' notice that they were being made redundant on the Thameslink Railway routes.[11]

Caged eggs in the global supply chain of brands franchised by SSP

SSP Group which operates 550 (300 partner brands) across 600 locations arround the world,[12] has been facing negative publicity for using battery-cage eggs in the supply chain of its franchised brands.[13][14][15][16] SSP has committed to moving to cage-free eggs in own brands, and some of its franchised brands made their own commitments either because it was required by law or by franchise agreements.[17]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Annual Report 2023" (PDF). SSP Group. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  2. ^ "EQT to acquire Select Service Partner from Compass" (Press release). EQT. 9 April 2006. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  3. ^ a b "Compass sells Moto service stations and Upper Crust food chain for £1.8bn". The Guardian. London. 10 April 2006. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  4. ^ "Travellers Fare". Cinven. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  5. ^ "Shares rise in SSP stock market debut". The Telegraph. 10 July 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
  6. ^ Makortoff, Kalyeena (1 July 2020). "Upper Crust and Caffè Ritazza owner to cut 5,000 UK jobs". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  7. ^ Middleton, Joe (2022-11-19). "AMT Coffee sold with rescue of 25 sites, but 100 staff face redundancy". The Guardian. p. 51. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  8. ^ "Brands". SSP Group. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  9. ^ "SSP — RG". www.railgourmet.com. Retrieved 2018-01-16.
  10. ^ "Paradies Lagardère and SSP named new Ottawa Airport master concessionaires". DFNI Online. 9 July 2019. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  11. ^ Neilan, Catherine (2015-07-22). "Thameslink slammed as staff sacked with four days' notice". Retrieved 2018-01-16.
  12. ^ "What we do | SSP". www.foodtravelexperts.com. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  13. ^ "The reach-out notes" (PDF). Brands restaurants and supermarket egg policies. The British Hen Welfare Trust. 2 February 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2024.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. ^ "SSP Group: Food safety risks and animal cruelty". SSP Group: Filth and Cruelty. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  15. ^ "ChickenTrack report launched to monitor food companies' progress towards better chicken welfare". www.ciwf.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  16. ^ The Food Foundation (2 February 2024). "SSP Group Scorecard" (PDF). www.foodfoundation.org.uk. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  17. ^ "Sustainability Report 2023 | SSP". www.foodtravelexperts.com. Retrieved 2024-02-02.

External links