Casualfood GmbH Company Profile

Background

Founded in 2005, Casualfood GmbH is a German company specializing in innovative food concepts tailored for the travel catering industry. Operating under the slogan "The taste of travelling," Casualfood develops and manages a diverse range of food and convenience store concepts primarily located in high-traffic areas such as airports and train stations. The company's mission is to enhance the travel experience by offering high-quality, convenient food options that cater to the diverse tastes of travelers. Over the years, Casualfood has established itself as a significant player in the German travel catering market, operating more than 60 restaurants, shops, and snack carts, and employing approximately 720 staff members.

Key Strategic Focus

Casualfood's strategic focus centers on developing and operating customized, location-specific food and convenience concepts that meet the unique demands of travelers. The company emphasizes innovation, quality, and sustainability in its offerings, ensuring that each concept aligns with current food trends and consumer preferences. Key areas of specialization include:

• Diverse Brand Portfolio: Casualfood operates a variety of proprietary brands, including:

• Mondo: An authentic Italian coffee bar.

• Basta!: Offering pizza and pasta dishes.

• Goodman & Filippo: An Italian-American deli concept.

• Natural and Superfood: Focusing on healthy snack options.

• Quicker’s: A convenience shop concept.

• Hermann’s: A snack bar.

• Brezel Lovers: Specializing in pretzels.

• Beans & Barley: A craft beer and coffee bar.

• East Side Berlin, Berlin Pub, and Deli Berlin: Brands inspired by Berlin's culinary scene.

Additionally, Casualfood operates the Kamps and ServiceStore DB brands on a franchise basis.

• Technological Integration: The company is a pioneer in food service digitalization, having introduced contactless payment methods like PayPass with Mastercard in 2007. Casualfood continues to integrate digital solutions such as Click & Collect, seat service, heat maps for peak times, and mobile payment options to enhance customer convenience.

• Sustainability and Health Focus: Casualfood places a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and offers a range of vegetarian and vegan food options, aligning with current consumer trends towards healthier and more environmentally friendly choices.

Financials and Funding

In September 2018, Swiss food and beverage group Orior AG acquired a 35% stake in Casualfood, marking Orior's strategic entry into the foodservice to-go market. This acquisition was structured to occur in several stages, with Orior obtaining a majority interest and full consolidation of Casualfood by autumn 2019. The acquisition was financed through Orior's existing cash reserves and lines of credit.

Prior to Orior's involvement, Casualfood received growth capital from COI Partners in 2012 to drive expansion at airport locations and growth at railway stations and service stations. The partnership with COI Partners concluded successfully in 2019, with the shares being sold to Orior Group.

Leadership Team

As of January 2023, Casualfood's leadership team comprises:

• Michael Schorm: Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.

• Andreas Förster: Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.

• Patricia Breitsameter: Chief Financial Officer.

• Anette Clauss: Head of Human Resources and Corporate Culture.

• Josef Naschberger: General Manager of Operations.

Founders Stefan Weber and Michael Weigel transitioned to roles on the newly established Strategic Advisory Board, alongside Orior CEO Daniel Lutz and CFO Andreas Lindner.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The travel catering industry is characterized by high competition and the need for constant innovation to meet the evolving preferences of travelers. Key trends include the demand for healthier food options, digital integration for enhanced customer experience, and sustainability practices.

Competitor Analysis

Casualfood's primary competitors in the German travel catering market include:

• SSP Group: A leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, offering a diverse range of brands and concepts.

• Autogrill: An Italian-based multinational catering company operating in airports, highways, and railway stations, known for its extensive brand portfolio.

• Lagardère Travel Retail: A global leader in travel retail, managing a wide array of foodservice and retail concepts in airports and other travel hubs.

These competitors focus on providing diverse food options, integrating technology for customer convenience, and expanding their presence in high-traffic travel locations.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Casualfood has engaged in significant collaborations to strengthen its market position:

• Smartseller Joint Venture: In partnership with Gebr. Heinemann, Casualfood launched Smartseller, a concept that combines travel retail with food and beverage services. This venture aims to enhance the travel experience by offering a seamless integration of retail and dining options.