Newrest inaugurates its new Digital Factory in Iceland

Newrest proudly inaugurated its new Digital Factory in Keflavík, Iceland, marking an important milestone in the Group’s continued investment in innovation, operational excellence, and its long-term partnership with Icelandair.

Operational since September 2026 following a major renovation project, the inauguration provided customers, partners, and invited guests with an opportunity to discover the transformation first-hand and meet the teams behind the operation.

The event began with a welcome breakfast attended by numerous distinguished guests, including Bogi Nils Bogason, CEO of Icelandair, members of the Icelandair Board, representatives of the Newrest Board, as well as Marie-Gaëlle Robles, Ambassador of France to Iceland, accompanied by Guillaume Mounier, First Counsellor of the French Embassy.

The morning continued with speeches delivered by Bogi Nils Bogason and Jonathan Stent-Torriani, Non-Executive Chairman of Newrest, followed by a guided tour of the facility.

Transforming operations through technology and expertise

Visitors were particularly impressed by the advanced automation and robotics integrated throughout the facility.

The renovation project ran from December 2024 to September 2026 and involved the complete transformation of a 4,500 m² facility. While retaining the same overall footprint, the unit was completely redesigned to optimize operational flows and support the future growth of Newrest’s partnership with Icelandair.

Far more than a renovation project, the site embodies Newrest’s Digital Factory vision, which combines robotics, data intelligence, sustainability, and culinary expertise to create a smarter, safer, and more efficient operation.

Automated tray setup assembly, loading preparation, and pick-and-pack processes now work alongside connected planning tools and data-driven decision-making systems. By reducing repetitive tasks, these technologies allow teams to focus on higher value-added activities while improving reliability, food safety, and operational performance.

The project also included the installation of a new CO₂-based refrigeration system and the replacement of all dishwashing equipment with more energy- and water-efficient solutions, reinforcing the site’s sustainability credentials.

Strengthening the partnership with Icelandair

Beyond the technology, the project reflects Newrest’s commitment to supporting Icelandair’s development over the long term.

The renovation was designed to improve the reliability of catering preparation, strengthen coordination between customer requirements and daily operations, and provide greater visibility over products, equipment, and production planning. Automation and connected systems help ensure greater consistency while enabling teams to react more quickly and efficiently to operational demands.

The event concluded with a cocktail lunch, providing an opportunity for all participants to continue discussions in a more informal setting. Feedback from Icelandair was extremely positive, with great enthusiasm expressed regarding the continued development of the partnership.

Ultimately, the success of this investment will be measured by its ability to support Icelandair’s operations every day, delivering the quality, reliability, and flexibility expected by one of Iceland’s leading companies.

The new Digital Factory in Keflavík stands as a powerful example of how Newrest continues to combine technology, sustainability, culinary expertise, and operational excellence to shape the future of airline catering.

The inauguration featured on Iceland’s national news channel, Vísir: Vél­menni út­búa nú matar­bakka og ferja í flug­vélarnar – Vísir