Düsseldorf Airport honours front-line retail and dining teams with Excellence Awards

GERMANY. Düsseldorf Airport recently hosted the latest edition of its DUS Excellence Awards, which recognise outstanding service among retail and food & beverage front-line teams. Prize money of €25,000 was split between teams and individuals, who were honoured in three categories: Retailer & Services, Food & Beverage and Travel Market.

The awards ceremony took place at Düsseldorf’s Apollo-Varieté, a renowned theatre venue.

The awards were determined through independent mystery shopping, undertaken by an independent market research company. Over several weeks, mystery shoppers made purchases across the airport’s commercial areas.

They tested at different times of day and at various locations, rating food, staff, appeal and order and serving processes. The results yielded detailed insights into the service, atmosphere and quality of the store and restaurant products for an objective and thorough evaluation, said the airport company.

Overall, the locations that were tested performed well, with an average score of 85 out of 100 points. All stores and restaurants gave a strong first impression, with 96 out of 100 points awarded. The quality of the food was also rated highly at 91 out of 100 points.

Düsseldorf Airport Commercial Director and Labor Director Pradeep Pinakat said: “Your performances and passion in the shops and restaurants enchant and inspire our passengers, guests and staff. This is a significant contribution to the success of the airport overall.”

Winners: Retailer & Services

Gold: Gebr. Heinemann

The Gebr. Heinemann duty-free team at Gate B01 won for “superior quality and excellent customer service”, taking a €5,000 prize.

Silver: Metropolitan Pharmacy

The Metropolitan Pharmacy was honoured for its consulting expertise and the comprehensive range of products and services across pharmacy, beauty and travel. The team received €3,000.

Bronze: Prosegur Change

Prosegur Change was recognised for its large selection of international currencies, fair exchange rates and outstanding service. The team received €1,000.

Winners: Food & Beverage

Gold: Anadolu

First place went to Anadolu for its eastern Turkish-style cuisine and outstanding customer service. The team received €5,000.

Silver: Le Crobag

Le Crobag won for its original French baked goods and fast and friendly service. The team received €3,000.

Bronze: Rigolétto

Rigolétto impressed with its authentic Italian cuisine, opera-style setting and friendly service. The team received €1,000.

Winners: Travel Market

The DUS Excellence Award winners in the Travel Market category were honoured in advance in recognition of the outstanding consulting services provided to customers as part of the ‘You Book, We Pay’ competition. First place went to Isabell Meyer from the Holiday Land travel agency, who won with €1,250. Second place went to Fatima Adaköy (who won €750), and third place to Siyami Kapakli (€500), both from the Travel Store.

The winners can use the prize for anything they wish, such as a joint purchase, a party or travel. Düsseldorf Airport Head of Commercial Anja Dauser said: “I am very happy for the winners. They are examples of the highly committed employees who give our guests and passengers an experience of heaven on earth in the stores and restaurants at Düsseldorf Airport.”

*Düsseldorf Airport recently awarded food & beverage contracts to Lagardère Travel Retail, Casualfood and SSP following a Europe-wide tender. Click here for more.