UK-based SSP Group has secured an eight-year contract to operate five outlets at Christchurch International Airport, marking the company’s entry into New Zealand and expansion in Asia Pacific.

The company did not disclose the outlet brands to be opened but said they will showcase strong local brands and demonstrate a sense of place.

“The Asia Pacific region offers a significant opportunity to build returns and drive growth, and this deal is a fantastic foundation for our operations in a truly exciting territory,” SSP Asia Pacific CEO Jonathan Robinson said.

“This is an important part of our wider refresh of our food and beverage offering, to give us a suite of offerings to meet all our customer needs. It is important to have a range of great modern food and beverage options to reflect not only the broad international spectrum of our customers, but also their tastes and preferences,” Christchurch Airport CEO Justin Watson added.

Earlier this year, SSP Group said it had signed an agreement to acquire Australian food and beverage operator Airport Retail Enterprises.