A new Horizon in Algiers: Salvo Grima Group and partners open with fresh branding at Houari Boumediene Airport

ALGERIA. Malta-based Salvo Grima Group and its Algerian partners this week celebrated the inauguration of their 2,000sq m duty-free at Houari Boumediene International Airport, Algiers, under the newly created Horizon brand.

As revealed by The Moodie Davitt Report, the partners were awarded the anchor retail concession at Algeria’s main gateway earlier this year after an open tender in 2024.

The launch marks the group’s entry into the Algerian travel retail market under the Horizon brand, working closely with key supply partner Gebr. Heinemann, which also assisted with shop design and fit-out.

The West Terminal store offers travellers duty-free items from a line-up of prestigious core category and fashion brands.

The project was designed and developed by the group’s multinational travel retail team in line with the specifications and input of the Société de Gestion des Services et Infrastructures Aéroportuaires d’Alger.

On opening day, Salvi Grima Group General Manager Dermon Gatt said, “This is the result of months of international teamwork. A heartfelt thank you to our shareholders, the airport team, our local partners, Gebr. Heinemann, our brand partners, and both our HQ and fantastic new local team – your dedication made this possible in just a few months.”

Algiers International Airport served approximately 3.5 million international departing passengers in 2024 out of total traffic (including domestic) of around 10 million.

Horizon will now serve as the main umbrella branding for all Salvo Grima Group’s travel retail operations, its name symbolising the group’s geographical diversification strategy.

Expansion in North Africa

Algiers International Airport is not the only recent tender success for Salvo Grima. Under the leadership of CEO Karl Aquilina, the company has been operating travel retail and duty-free outlets in several Mediterranean and North African locations.

In addition to the Algiers concession, Salvo Grima Group, in partnership with its local Algerian partners led by Mohamed Boulhouchat, will also be operating the duty-free concession at Oran Ahmed Ben Bella Airport in Algeria and supplying existing concessions in Constantine (Mohamed Boudiaf International) and Sétif International airports.

Salvo Grima has also been awarded the ferry terminal duty-free concession at the Port of La Goulette in Tunis, Tunisia. All these operations are set to begin this year.