EL&N operates more than 30 outlets across Europe, the Middle East, East Asia and South Africa | Photo credit: EL&N

Travel concession operator Lagardère Travel Retail is set to launch boutique café brand EL&N in Cambodia in 2025 as part of a new 12-year contract at Techo International Airport, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in the first half of 2025
 

Paris-based Lagardère Travel Retail, appointed EL&N’s exclusive franchisee for travel locations in February 2023, and its local franchise partner HSC Group have signed a contract with Cambodia Airport Investment Company (CAIC) to operate 34 retail and dining units at the airport serving Phnom Penh.

The Foster+Partners designed airport will initially handle up to 15 million passengers a year and a projected 30 million by 2030 as new phases are completed. 

Alongside EL&N, Lagardère will also operate food hall chain Marché, premium Aelia Duty Free, travel essential brand Relay and souvenir store concept Discover. 

“This agreement opens new horizons to our operations in Asia and I am deeply grateful to our teams and partners who support us writing this new chapter. I am convinced that we will raise the retail and foodservices for South Asian and international travelers to the next level,” said Séverine Lanthier, Asia Chief Operating Officer & Chief Strategy and Development Officer, Lagardère Travel Retail. 

London-based EL&N opened its first store in Asia in July 2023 at the Pavilion shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – one of more than 30 outlets the specialty coffee chain operates across Europe, the Middle East, East Asia and South Africa. 

Lagardère Travel Retail currently operates more than 1,600 foodservice units across 29 markets, including its own 1Minute Café and So! Coffee brands and licensed Costa Coffee, Paul, Pret A Manger and Starbucks stores.  

Founded in 2007, Phnom Penh-based HSC Group operates licensed Paris Baguette, Tealive and Burger King stores across Cambodia.