SSP Canada Brings Local Okanagan Flavour to YLW
Okanagan Vintners Exchange Gastrobar and Ellison Field Taphouse Kitchen & Bar debut at Kelowna International Airport
(Canada, 18 February 2026): SSP Canada, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, today announced the opening of two new dining concepts at Kelowna International Airport (YLW): Okanagan Vintners Exchange Gastrobar and Ellison Field Taphouse Kitchen & Bar.
The openings reflect SSP Canada’s commitment to bringing a true taste of place to airport environments, celebrating the flavours, producers, and community spirit of the Okanagan while meeting the needs of today’s travellers.
SSP Canada worked with the award-winning portfolio of wineries from Iconic Wineries of British Columbia and its local sommelier, Bram Bolwijn, to bring the Okanagan Vintners Exchange Gastrobar to YLW. The opening showcases the region’s celebrated wine culture in a welcoming, contemporary setting. Vintners Exchange offers travellers a curated selection of local Okanagan wines from estates such as Mission Hill Family Estate and CedarCreek Estate Winery, paired with thoughtfully crafted dishes that highlight local ingredients and regional flavours.
SSP Canada tapped the BC Ale Trail to open Ellison Field Taphouse Kitchen & Bar at YLW. The bar celebrates British Columbia’s vibrant craft beer scene. Featuring a rotating selection of local brews alongside approachable, comfort-driven fare, Ellison Field Taphouse delivers a relaxed and social dining experience rooted in the culture of the region.
“Bringing these two concepts to Kelowna International Airport allows us to showcase the flavours of the region,” said Rich Wilson, SSP Canada’s vice president, brand development. “Vintners Exchange and Ellison Field Taphouse bring authenticity, quality, and a strong taste of place. We’re proud to partner with YLW and the BC Ale Trail, and to feature wines from Iconic Wineries, to create memorable dining experiences that reflect what makes this region special.”
“The opening of Ellison Field Taphouse and Vintners Exchange reflects our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience at YLW through improved food offerings,” said Sam Samaddar, chief executive officer of Kelowna International Airport. “We’re thrilled to partner with SSP Canada and local producers to deliver dining experiences that showcase the best of the Okanagan Valley right here in the airport.”
These openings underscore SSP Canada’s continued focus on partnering with airports and local brand partners to create dining experiences that are rooted in place, thoughtfully executed, and designed to be the best part of the journey.
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Further information:
Lana Cramer, Vice President, Brand Strategy and Communications
240.882.0754, Lana.Cramer@foodtravelexperts.com
About SSP Canada
SSP Canada is a division of SSP Group plc (LSE:SSPG), a global leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations employing 49,000 colleagues in around 3,000 units across 38 countries. We specialize in designing, creating, and operating a diverse range of food and drink outlets in airports, train stations, and other travel hubs across six formats: sit-down and quick service restaurants, bars, cafés, lounges, and food-led convenience stores. Our extensive portfolio of brands features a mix of international, national, and local brands, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients and customers.
Our purpose is to be the best part of the journey, and our focus is on making every journey taste better – bringing great food and welcoming hospitality to travellers across the globe. Sustainability is crucial for our long-term success, and we aim to deliver a positive impact for our business while uniting stakeholders to promote a sustainable food travel sector.
www.foodtravelexperts.com/america
Media Contact for YLW:
Jeff Ramsden
Communications Advisor
Kelowna International Airport
250-317-0579
About YLW
Kelowna International Airport operates as the 9th busiest airport in Canada, offering direct flights to 23 destinations, both domestic and international, with eight airlines. YLW operates on a low-cost business model, which helps to support air service development. YLW is one of the single largest economic drivers for jobs and revenues in BC’s southern interior and generated $2.08 billion in total economic output in 2024 (YLW’s 2024 Economic Impact Study).