Avolta Launches First Eataly Store at Schiphol Airport

Key Takeaways

• Eataly opened its first Netherlands store at Schiphol Airport Lounge 1 on July 18, 2025.
• Avolta and Schiphol Group partner to bring authentic Italian food and retail experience.
• Eataly offers warm design, Italian classics, aperitivo bar, coffee counter, and retail products.

Travelers passing through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol on July 18, 2025, found something new and exciting: Avolta, a leading travel retail company, opened the first Eataly store in the Netherlands. This launch brings authentic Italian food and culture to one of Europe’s busiest airports, marking Eataly’s debut in Northern Europe and offering travelers a fresh, high-quality dining and shopping experience.

Avolta and Eataly: A New Chapter at Schiphol Airport

Avolta, in partnership with Schiphol Group, chose Lounge 1 at Schiphol Airport for Eataly’s first Dutch location. Lounge 1 is a busy area where many travelers spend time before their flights, making it the perfect spot for a new food and retail concept. The opening of Eataly at Schiphol Airport is not just about adding another restaurant; it’s about raising the standard for airport dining and retail in the region.

Walter Seib, CEO for Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe at Avolta, shared his excitement:
“We are incredibly proud to bring the authentic Eataly experience to the Netherlands for the first time, right here at Schiphol Airport. This opening underscores Avolta’s commitment to continuously enhance the airport experience by introducing world-class brands that offer quality to passengers. Eataly’s dedication to high-quality Italian food and its inviting atmosphere will undoubtedly be a fantastic addition for all travelers passing through Schiphol.”

Arthur Reijnhart, Schiphol Airport’s Commercial Director, added:
“With Eataly, we are bringing an iconic Italian food concept to Schiphol and the Netherlands that perfectly matches our travelers’ desires: quick, fresh, and high quality. It is a great addition to Lounge 1, where we continue to focus on improving the traveler experience, through more ambiance and a wide range of offerings.”

What Makes Eataly at Schiphol Unique?

The new Eataly store at Schiphol Airport stands out for several reasons:

• Warm and Welcoming Design: The store uses warm wood and bright colors, creating a relaxing space where travelers can enjoy a meal, grab a coffee, or shop for Italian products. This design helps travelers feel comfortable and at ease, even in the busy airport environment.
• Classic Italian Menu: Eataly offers a menu filled with Italian favorites like pizzas and paninis. These dishes are made fresh and served quickly, perfect for travelers who may not have much time before their flights.
• Retail Section: The store also sells a wide range of Italian food products, such as olive oils, pasta sauces, and traditional biscuits. Travelers can buy these items to take home, allowing them to enjoy a taste of Italy even after their trip.
• Aperitivo Bar: Eataly features a special bar serving Italian wines and spritzers, highlighting Italy’s famous “aperitivo” culture. This gives travelers a chance to relax and enjoy a drink before their journey.
• Coffee Counter: For those who love coffee, Eataly has a counter serving traditional Italian espresso, giving travelers a true Italian coffee experience.

Why Schiphol Airport?

Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, serving millions of passengers each year. By bringing Eataly to Lounge 1, Avolta and Schiphol Group aim to improve the airport experience for both local and international travelers. The goal is to offer something special that goes beyond the usual airport food options.

Andrea Cipolloni, Group CEO of Eataly, explained:
“Eataly has always brought Italy to the world through high-quality food. Our partnership with Avolta allows us to reach strategic locations around the world, expanding our global presence and international vision, and making Eataly’s cuisine and products accessible to travelers from all countries.”

Background: Eataly’s Journey into Travel Retail

Eataly is known worldwide for its focus on high-quality Italian food and products. The company first entered the travel retail sector in 2024 with a store at Rome Fiumicino Airport. Before that, Eataly and Avolta worked together at motorway locations in Italy, starting in 2016. The success of these partnerships led to the decision to expand into airports, with Schiphol Airport being the first location in Northern Europe.

Avolta’s strategy is clear: bring top international food and beverage brands to new places and travel channels. By doing this, Avolta hopes to make airports more enjoyable and memorable for travelers.

How Does This Affect Travelers?

For travelers, the opening of Eataly at Schiphol Airport means:

• Better Food Choices: Travelers now have access to authentic Italian food, made fresh and served quickly. This is a big improvement over standard airport fare.
• Cultural Experience: Eataly offers more than just food; it brings a piece of Italian culture to the airport. Travelers can enjoy Italian coffee, try traditional dishes, and even shop for Italian products to take home.
• Convenience: The store is located in Lounge 1, which is easy to reach for most travelers, especially those flying within the Schengen area. Both dine-in and grab-and-go options are available, making it easy for travelers with different schedules.

For Schiphol Airport: A Competitive Edge

Schiphol Airport has always aimed to be a top choice for travelers in Europe. By adding Eataly, the airport strengthens its position as a premium travel hub. The new store supports Schiphol’s ongoing efforts to improve traveler satisfaction and create a more welcoming atmosphere in its lounges.

Arthur Reijnhart highlighted this focus:
“It is a great addition to Lounge 1, where we continue to focus on improving the traveler experience, through more ambiance and a wide range of offerings.”

Industry Analysis: Setting a New Standard

Industry experts see the arrival of Eataly at Schiphol Airport as a major step forward for airport dining in Northern Europe. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move reflects a growing trend where airports invest in premium, experience-driven food and retail options. Travelers today expect more than just a quick meal; they want quality, authenticity, and a sense of place.

Eataly’s entry is likely to set a new benchmark for airport food and beverage offerings, attracting both leisure and business travelers who value quality and unique experiences. This could encourage other airports in the region to follow suit, raising standards across the board.

Multiple Perspectives: Who Benefits?

• Travelers: They get to enjoy better food, a taste of Italian culture, and the chance to buy unique products.
• Airport Management: Schiphol Airport becomes more attractive to travelers, which can lead to higher passenger satisfaction and more repeat visits.
• Industry Analysts: The move shows that airports are taking food and retail more seriously, seeing them as key parts of the travel experience.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Avolta and Eataly?

The opening of Eataly at Schiphol Airport is part of a larger plan by Avolta and Eataly to expand into more international airports. Both companies have said they will keep investing in new ways to make travel better for everyone. This could mean more high-profile brand partnerships and new concepts coming to airports in the future.

Travelers can expect to see more stores like Eataly in other major airports, giving them more choices and better experiences wherever they go.

Procedural Details for Travelers

If you’re traveling through Schiphol Airport and want to visit Eataly, here’s what you need to know:

• Location: Eataly is in Lounge 1, which serves Schengen departures.
• Access: All travelers with access to Lounge 1 can visit the store.
• Offerings: You can dine in, grab food to go, or shop for Italian products during airport operating hours.

For more details about airport services, travelers can visit the official Schiphol Airport website.

Official Resources and Contacts

• Avolta: For news and updates, visit Avolta’s newsroom.
• Schiphol Airport: For airport information and traveler services, check the Schiphol Newsroom.
• Eataly: To learn more about Eataly’s products and philosophy, visit Eataly’s website.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Opening Date: July 18, 2025
• Location: Lounge 1, Schiphol Airport
• First Eataly in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 and first in a Northern European airport
• Partners: Avolta, Schiphol Group, Eataly

Broader Context: The Role of Food in the Travel Experience

Food plays a big role in how people remember their travel experiences. Airports are no longer just places to wait for flights; they are becoming destinations in their own right. By bringing in brands like Eataly, airports can offer travelers something special, making their journey more enjoyable.

This trend is not limited to Schiphol Airport. Around the world, airports are working with well-known brands to improve their food and retail options. The goal is to make travel less stressful and more enjoyable, even during layovers or delays.

Challenges and Solutions: Meeting Traveler Needs

One challenge for airports is meeting the needs of travelers from many different countries and cultures. By partnering with brands like Eataly, which is known and loved around the world, airports can offer something familiar and high-quality to a wide range of people.

Avolta’s approach is to work with trusted brands and bring them to new locations, making sure that travelers always have access to good food and products, no matter where they are.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Plan Ahead: If you have time before your flight, consider visiting Eataly for a meal or to shop for gifts.
• Try Something New: Eataly offers dishes and products you might not find elsewhere in the airport.
• Check Lounge Access: Make sure your ticket allows you into Lounge 1 if you want to visit the store.

Conclusion: A Positive Step for Travelers and the Airport Industry

The opening of Eataly at Schiphol Airport is a win for everyone involved. Travelers get better food and a taste of Italy, Schiphol Airport strengthens its reputation as a top travel hub, and Avolta and Eataly continue their successful partnership. As airports continue to evolve, moves like this show that the focus is shifting toward quality, experience, and traveler satisfaction.

For those interested in learning more about airport retail trends, the European Commission’s official page on air passenger rights provides helpful information about what travelers can expect at airports across Europe.

As more airports follow this example, travelers can look forward to better experiences and more choices, making every journey a little more enjoyable.

Learn Today

Avolta → A leading travel retail company partnering to introduce international food brands at airports and motorways.
Eataly → An Italian food retail brand known for authentic Italian cuisine and high-quality products worldwide.
Schiphol Airport → One of Europe’s busiest airports located in Amsterdam, serving millions of passengers annually.
Aperitivo → A traditional Italian pre-meal drink time featuring wines and spritzers to relax and socialize.
Lounge 1 → A key terminal area at Schiphol Airport serving Schengen departures with enhanced traveler amenities.

This Article in a Nutshell

On July 18, 2025, Eataly launched its first Northern European store at Schiphol Airport, enhancing traveler dining with authentic Italian food, retail, and culture in a welcoming Lounge 1 environment, setting a new premium benchmark for airport experiences across Europe.
— By VisaVerge.com