Jamie Oliver expands Jamie's Italian into France

Jamie Oliver has signed a new agreement with concession caterer SSP to take the Jamie's Italian restaurant brand into Europe, with restaurants planned for airports in France, Germany, Switzerland and Holland.

The first two restaurants are expected to open at Nice airport in 2017, as part of SSP's contract to operate 10 outlets at the airport, and marks the brand's first foray into France.

The 11-year deal has also led to the creation of new restaurant L'Estivale, created in partnership with two-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, of Mirazur in Menton, France.

Commenting on the new agreement Kate Swann, SSP chief executive, said: "At SSP, we partner with leading brands across a range of categories, and we firmly believe in working with the best in the business. Jamie Oliver's reputation is outstanding, and we are delighted to be able to bring the hugely successful Jamie's Italian brand to our clients and customers."

Simon Blagden, CEO of Jamie's Italian, added: "As F&B operators in the travel sector they are held in very high regard and we have found their team to be an accomplished partner to work with. We believe Jamie's Italian will appeal to all passenger groups and we're now looking forward to working towards our first opening in Nice."

The first Jamie's Italian opened in the UK in 2008, and the restaurant brand is now loved by diners across the world in countries including Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Jamie Oliver ‘explores options' for Union Jacks restaurants >>