Corporate Update – January 2026

Avolta AG, a specialty retailer that operates duty‑free and convenience outlets in airports and other travel hubs, announced a series of development activities in January 2026.

Geneva Airport Redevelopment

The company secured a contract to redevelop the food and beverage footprint at Geneva Airport. The project covers twelve sites across more than three thousand square metres. It is part of a partnership that began in 2015 and will introduce new concepts and local brands, aiming to broaden choice and enhance the dining experience for passengers.

The redevelopment is a strategic move that aligns with Avolta’s focus on premium, differentiated offerings in high‑traffic travel environments. By refreshing the portfolio with locally inspired concepts, the firm seeks to increase dwell time and spend per visitor, countering the overall softness that has characterised the duty‑free sector in recent years.

Expansion into Indonesia

In addition to the Geneva project, Avolta opened new stores at Kualanamu International Airport in Indonesia. The expansion reflects the firm’s ongoing strategy to increase its presence in key international travel markets. Kualanamu, as the largest airport in Indonesia, offers significant exposure to both domestic and international passengers, including a growing segment of Chinese travellers.

The new outlets are designed to provide a streamlined, high‑quality shopping experience, consistent with Avolta’s brand positioning. By establishing a foothold in Southeast Asia, the company positions itself to capture emerging demand in a region that is forecasted to see a rebound in outbound tourism.

Market Context

Demand for duty‑free retail has remained subdued compared with pre‑pandemic levels. In particular, sales in South Korea fell by more than ten percent year‑on‑year during 2025. The decline is largely attributed to restrained overseas spending by Chinese tourists, a key driver of duty‑free revenue in many Asian markets.

These market conditions underscore the importance of Avolta’s efforts to refresh and diversify its retail offering across high‑traffic airports. By expanding into new geographies and updating existing sites, the company seeks to mitigate concentration risk and adapt to shifting consumer behaviour.

Strategic Implications

  1. Portfolio Diversification – The Geneva redevelopment and Indonesian expansion broaden Avolta’s geographic reach and product mix, reducing dependence on any single market or customer segment.
  2. Competitive Positioning – Introducing local brands and novel concepts enhances differentiation against larger, commodity‑focused duty‑free operators.
  3. Economic Resilience – A focus on high‑traffic travel hubs provides exposure to core travel demand, which is expected to rebound as global mobility normalises.

Conclusion

Avolta’s January 2026 initiatives demonstrate a disciplined, analytical approach to navigating an industry marked by volatility and changing consumer preferences. By investing in strategic redevelopments and expanding into high‑potential markets, the company is positioning itself to capture emerging opportunities while maintaining a resilient, diversified portfolio.