Getting in the mood for FAB 2018

The 2018 Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards will take place in Helsinki, Finland next week (20-21 June), hosted by Finavia. We look back on highlights from previous editions of FAB in preparation for the next instalment of the airport world’s only event dedicated solely to food & beverage.

Leon co-founder John Vincent leads Greater Toronto Airports Authority’s Suzanne Merrell and HMSHost International CEO Walter Seib (as well as the audience) in a rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline’ before a memorable address. The event in Toronto last year was FAB’s first in North America and proved to be a roaring success.

Against the stunning backdrop of the Alps, Swiss culinary star Benjamin Luzuy’s Le Chef restaurant at Geneva Airport (operated by Autogrill) was the perfect setting for FAB 2016’s Welcome Evening. Luzuy prepared 12 dishes for the event, all based on seasonal ingredients and the local terroir, which he said was at the heart of his cooking style.

Claus Meyer, gastro-entrepreneur and co-founder of Noma, famed as the ‘world’s best restaurant’, was at FAB 2014 in Copenhagen to provide inspiration from beyond the travel F&B sector. He did so in style, sharing thoughts on healthy food, partnerships and the importance of local produce.

A compelling CEO panel was one of the highlights of FAB 2013, held in Dubai. The panel of industry leaders from some of the major concessions companies examined the health of the business. They assessed some of the challenges facing the industry, from partnerships with airports to consumer perceptions of the offer.


The winners of the first FAB Awards gather for a group shot next to the famous Concorde airplane at Manchester Airport in 2011. A spectacular Gala Dinner was held at the airport's Concorde Conference Centre. The awards evening remains a highlight of the airport food & beverage industry calendar.



The Foodie Report | 14 June 2018