USA. North American concessions developer Airmall USA is to open Italian fine foods store Bottega dei Sapori at Pittsburgh International Airport's Centre Core this Summer.

Airmall forged a seven-year agreement with Italian travel retail operator Airest Collezioni in March to develop concessions in the Airside Terminal. The new stores are part of a US$10-million concession upgrade to the AIRMALL at PIT.

"At Airmall USA, we're ready to take travellers on a culinary tour of Italy with the addition of Bottega dei Sapori," said Airmall USA Vice President of Development Jay Kruisselbrink.

"It will have a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere and a selection of Italy's finest gourmet cuisine, wine and coffee. Travellers can grab an espresso before their flight or purchase a memorable gift for the foodie in their life at this unique new store."

Inspired by Airest Collezioni's popular fine foods shop in Venice, the 1,125sq m Bottega dei Sapori store will offer gourmet cuisine, including artisanal pastas in several shapes, flavours and sizes; small batch extra virgin olive oils; fine meats and cheeses; luxury chocolates and cookies; and premium Italian coffee.

The store's knowledgeable staff can offer details about all of the store's offerings, and travellers can choose to have their purchases shipped.

"Bottega dei Sapori — which means 'a shop of flavours' in Italian — is a reflection of Airest Collezioni's passion for the wonderful tastes of Italy, and we look forward to giving travellers at PIT an authentic shopping and dining experience," added Monica Scarpa, CEO of Airest Collezioni parent company Airest S.p.A.

Bottega dei Sapori will also offer travellers a tasting corner, where they can select from a variety of freshly prepared products. This includes a panino with the finest San Daniele prosciutto and real Campania mozzarella, or a sampling of cheese and olives. Travellers can pair their meal with a glass or bottle from Bottega's carefully curated list of Italian wines. Those with morning flights will appreciate Bottega's selection of authentic Italian espressos and cappuccinos.

*NOTE: The Moodie Report and The Foodie Report's third annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference and Awards will be hosted this year by Dubai Airports at Atlantis, The Palm. Click here for more details or email [email protected]