Dubai Airports, Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR) and Costa Coffee Join Forces for the Worldwide Launch of the First 5-Sense Self-Serve Coffee Experience

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

On 1 July 2013, Costa Coffee reached new industry heights with the worldwide launch of the first 5-sense self-serve coffee experience by Costa Express in association with ELR. A consortium of experts combined forces to deliver the Marlow 200, a one-of-a-kind self-serve machine that made its debut at Terminal 3, Concourse A, Dubai International, a global showcase for travel retail innovation.

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In 1999, ELR became the first international franchise partner of Costa Coffee and opened the first Costa Coffee store outside of the UK at the Aviation Club, Dubai. Emirates Leisure Retail has repeated that feat being the first international franchise partner of Costa Express, with the launch of the Marlow 200.

The Marlow 200 is the result of 12 years of coffee innovation and is the next wave of the Costa Express business. 3,000 machines are now in operation since the launch of Costa Express in the UK just two years ago, and the Marlow 200 has taken this technology to the next level.

Working in partnership with a number of the world's leading companies including Intel, Microsoft, Thermoplan, Bsquare, and Pininfarina, the Marlow 200 continues to serve the unique and world-renowned Mocha Italia coffee with fresh milk, however new technology and design brings the utmost quality to customers with a smarter and more connected coffee experience.

Scott Martin, Managing Director of Costa Express, commented "As the current world leader in self-serve espresso bars, we have a responsibility to be innovative. Our existing concessions are hugely successful in the channels where we currently operate and the Marlow 200 will now enable us to offer great espresso drinks of outstanding quality to customers in new markets. It is a very exciting time and we were very proud to present the first cups of coffee from the Marlow 200 to Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, and Gary Chapman, President of Group Services and dnata, Emirates Group and Chairman of Emirates Leisure Retail, our trusted partners."

The Marlow 200 is designed to appeal to all 5 senses of the coffee lover:

The initial sight of the Marlow 200 is striking from any angle. Designed by leading Italian design house, Pininfarina, the body is characterised by sinuous lines conveying an elegant look reminiscent of the automotive world.

Each unit recreates the sound of a bustling café. This breakthrough approach has been pioneered by eMixpro, who have mixed sound for U2, The Killers and Snow Patrol.

The 27-inch HD touchscreen is the window to a rich user experience. Intel and Microsoft technology are fused with a richly intuitive user interface created by gaming specialists, Atomhawk.

The smell of a coffee shop is recreated to greet customers as they approach the machine. The scents and their delivery has been created by Givaudan and Scentys, world leaders in engineering the best tastes and scents.

Taste is crucial, and coffee lovers have more choice than ever before with over 250 espresso drinks- all bespoke using Costa's famous Mocha Italia blended coffee and fresh milk, and with the ability to personalise drinks as per their preferences.

"ELR's partnership with Costa to introduce the world's first Marlow 200 here at Dubai International means time-pressed consumers now have the opportunity to enjoy the great Costa taste as they make their way to their flight out of Concourse A at Emirates Terminal 3," said Andrew Day, Group CEO of Maritime Mercantile International (MMI) and ELR. "The Marlow 200 is now in full-scale production and we look forward to introducing more of these innovative machines across the UAE, giving customers access to their favourite Costa coffee in locations where it is not currently available."

He continued: "ELR has made a significant contribution to the growth of the Costa business in the region and in fact we will shortly be opening our 100^th store in the UAE. The addition of the Costa Express franchise enhances the partnership we have with Costa and provides ELR with an exciting new addition to our business portfolio."

"Introducing quality and innovation with exceptional partners and brands is at the heart of our strategy," said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. "Costa Express reflects this spirit very well, and we are confident that this new experience will connect with global travellers."

The launch event was attended by key executives including Scott Martin (CEO of Costa Express), Gary Chapman (President of Group Services and dnata, Emirates Group), Paul Griffiths (CEO of Dubai Airports), Eugene Barry (Senior Vice President of Commercial, Dubai Airports) Andrew Day (Group CEO of MMI and ELR), Kevin Zajax (Chief Commercial Officer, ELR) and Eric Hughes (General Manager of Costa Coffee UAE).

About Costa:

Costa was founded in London by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in 1971 and now represents the second largest international coffee shop operator.

At present the company has more than 2,300 stores across UK, EMEI and Asia. Costa EMEI covers operations in Europe, the Middle East and India encompassing 708 stores across 25 international markets.

Costa has been voted "Best Branded Coffee Shop Chain in the UK and Ireland" by Allegra Strategies for three years running (2010, 2011 & November 2012) and also Winner of "Best Branded Coffee Chain in Europe" Allegra Strategies 2011 and 2012.

Costa chooses just 1% of the world's production of coffee. Only the very best 100% RFA certified coffee available goes into creating the unique taste and aroma of their Mocha Italia blend.

Costa is committed to looking after their coffee-growers hence they have established The Costa Foundation, a registered charity. The Foundation aims to relieve poverty, advance education and the health and environment of coffee-growing communities around the world.

So far, Costa has funded the building of 22 schools and improved the social and economic welfare of coffee-growing communities.

About Emirates Leisure Retail:

Emirates Leisure Retail, a subsidiary of the high profile Emirates Group, owns and operates a wide-ranging portfolio of restaurants, cafés and bars in the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) countries, Australia and beyond. Operating over 190 outlets (including more than 40 outlets across nine domestic and international airports) models range from franchise to own brand, and are all designed to offer a premium experience at great value with concepts that cover all 24 hours of the revenue clock. Key brands operated by ELR include Costa Coffee, Hudsons Coffee, Left Bank, Giraffe and Bidi Bondi.

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SOURCE DPQ Communications JLT