IPlanet and Autogrill join forces with an exclusive concept across 41 service stations

• Agreement signed between Autogrill and IPlanet for the development of a new foodservice concept at 41 fuel and electric vehicle charging stations.
• The new concept is designed with a green vision, aiming to meet the needs of EV drivers during their stopovers.
• The partnership is expected to have a positive impact on local communities, creating over 200 new jobs.

Rome, 18 September 2024 IPlanet, the joint venture established by IP and Macquarie Capital EV Asset Holding to electrify urban and extra-urban service stations, has signed an agreement with Autogrill the leading travel foodservice operator and part of Avolta for the development of an exclusive foodservice concept at 41 service stations. The signing took place in the presence of Pasquale Cuzzola, CEO of IPlanet, and Bruno Bestetti, CEO of Nuova Sidap (Autogrill’s Oil Division).

Under the agreement, Autogrill will manage all customer-facing services at these sites, including food, beverages, and other amenities tailored to meet the needs of EV drivers. The selected stations are located across Italy, including Lombardy (13), Piedmont (9), Lazio (6), Apulia (3), Veneto (3), as well as in Trentino-Alto Adige, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Umbria, and Calabria.

The new foodservice concept will offer high-quality coffee, snacks, light meals and refreshments. It has been designed to accommodate both quick stops and longer breaks in a welcoming environment. The concept is based on circular economy principles, extending the lifecycle of materials by reusing and repurposing them. The furnishings will be made using WAS materials developed by Autogrill, produced from coffee grounds, citrus waste and recycled plastic.
The agreement is expected to have a positive social impact on the surrounding communities, with the creation of over 200 jobs nationwide.

“We are launching a new venture as Autogrill’s partner with an ambitious project that aims to enhance and enrich the customer experience at our stations through quality services and products, in collaboration with the best national and international suppliers,” said Pasquale Cuzzola, CEO of IPlanet. “IPlanet was established to develop a fast+ and ultrafast EV charging infrastructure across urban and extra-urban service stations. With this new initiative, we are combining the charging experience with a range of services in food, retail and car care.”

“Innovation and sustainability are core values that guide our business decisions, aligned with Avolta’s sustainability framework,” said Massimiliano Santoro, CEO Italy F&B at Avolta. “This agreement with IPlanet stems from shared values and a joint commitment to support and promote green-oriented projects that offer high-quality stopovers and environmentally conscious infrastructure from the choice of materials and packaging to the food offering.”

“This important partnership with IPlanet allows us to offer a full suite of quality services to all travellers, including those who choose electric mobility,” added Bruno Bestetti, CEO of Nuova Sidap (Autogrill’s Oil Division). “With over 20 years of experience in integrated travel services, rom food & beverage to retail and fuel distribution, we are committed to delivering relaxing and enjoyable stops while promoting circular economy models and supporting local communities.”