Among overseas operators, Switzerland's Avolta (formerly Dufry), the world's No. 1 duty-free retailer, is watching trends in the re-bidding for duty-free zones being carried out by Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC). Avolta took part on the 18th in a briefing related to the re-bidding for the duty-free business licenses returned by Shilla and Shinsegae Duty Free.
At the briefing on the DF1·2 (cosmetics, perfume, liquor, tobacco) re-bidding held by Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) at 10 a.m. that day at Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), Avolta of Switzerland was the only overseas operator in attendance. When asked about future bidding plans, an Avolta official said, "We cannot comment."
According to the U.K. duty-free trade journal The Moodie Davitt Report, Avolta reclaimed the top global ranking by sales in 2023, overtaking China Duty Free Group (CDFG). It kept the lead last year as well. CDFG held the No. 1 spot for three years after the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020.
Ahead of the briefing, the four domestic companies (Shinsegae, Lotte, Shilla, Hyundai) kept a close eye on whether overseas operators would participate while engaging in a battle of wits. The four domestic companies also attended the briefing that day. Participation in the briefing does not necessarily lead to bidding later, but if bidding is not under consideration, there is no need to attend the briefing.
Inside and outside the industry, many expected that, in addition to Avolta, CDFG, Thailand's King Power, and France's Lagardère were highly likely to join the re-bidding. Among them, CDFG also took part in the 2023 bidding.
The briefing consists of a brief introduction to the project by the corporation and a Q&A. In the afternoon, on-site tours of Terminals 1 and 2 are also scheduled. The bid proposal submission date is Jan. 20 next year.