Enhancing Taiwan’s Gateway Image and Creating a Culture-Driven Airport: EVERRICH Wins the Golden Thumb Awards Excellence Prize for the Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 Concourse C PPP Project

EVERRICH Duty Free Shop overcame numerous challenges to complete the “Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2, Concourse C Integrated Duty Free Concession Project” (hereafter referred to as “the project”). The achievement significantly elevated the image of Taiwan’s primary gateway and supported local revitalization efforts. The project was widely praised, winning the Excellence Prize at the Golden Thumb Awards organized by the Ministry of Finance, commonly referred to as the Oscars of Taiwan’s PPP sector. EVERRICH was the only team to receive the Excellence Prize and also the only winner of the Public Welfare Award. This marks EVERRICH’s fourth time receiving the Golden Thumb Awards Excellence Prize, further demonstrating its exemplary role in creating public infrastructure.

Persevering Through the Pandemic – Gateway Upgrades Through Public-Private Partnerships

The project was awarded in 2018 amid intense international competition and construction began in 2019. During the contract period, the team faced severe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To preserve the image of Taiwan’s gateway and ensure uninterrupted airport operations, EVERRICH upheld its commitment to no layoffs and no pay cuts, safeguarding both the quality of airport services and the livelihood of employees. After borders were re-opened in 2022, the company quickly committed substantial resources and worked around the clock to overcome construction challenges to complete the entire project by 2025. Accepting the award on behalf of the company, Kevin Chiang, President of EVERRICH, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Taoyuan International Airport Corporation Ltd., and all supporting partners for their strong collaboration, fully embodying the spirit of PPP (Public-Private Partnership). He extended his deepest appreciation to the project team for their dedication and resilience.

Building the World’s Only Culture-Driven Airport and Upgrading Three Core Passenger Experience Pillars

Having withstood the challenges of COVID-19 and rapid market shifts, the project was completed with zero government subsidies. Rooted in cultural values and themed “Marketing Taiwan, Connecting with the World, Inspiring Every Journey,” the five-year undertaking transformed Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 Concourse C into one of the world’s foremost culture-driven airports, delivering comprehensive upgrades across duty free shopping, dining, and public spaces.

Regarding duty free services, EVERRICH strengthened its global sourcing capabilities, introducing top international brands to deliver a world-class shopping experience aligned with global standards. It also showcased Taiwan’s cultural identity by establishing the Taiwan Museum Shop, featuring creative goods from more than ten cultural institutions under the Ministry of Culture. The Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor store highlighted award-winning products such as Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor, OMAR Bourbon Single Malt Whisky, and Kavalan Single Malt Whisky. Through the Formula Culture Market, EVERRICH supported local start-ups and sustainable businesses, while nostalgic themes such as vintage ice shops and temple blessings added cultural depth to the shopping atmosphere.

In terms of dining, the project introduced Michelin Guide restaurants such as MoonMoonFood and Wang’s Broth as well as world-champion hand-drip coffee and coffee beans. The project also established the “Street Food Junction (街口食趣)”, featuring iconic snacks like salted crispy chicken and bubble tea. In support of local revitalization, the airport launched a series of rice-based dishes made with Duaho Rice, a variety honored as one of Taiwan’s Top Ten Classic Rice Varieties, delivering freshly sourced regional flavors right at the nation’s gateway and delighting travelers with authentic tastes of the island.

Through integrating interactive AI with important elements of Taiwanese culture, the team completely redesigned ten standard waiting rooms into upgraded public lounges, including the “Wandering the Island Waiting Lounge” which features themes from across Taiwan’s six outlying islands, and the “Taiwan Connections Lounge”, inspired by Indigenous, Hakka, and Minnan cultures. These efforts strengthened tourism promotion and cultural visibility. Long dedicated to cultural advocacy, EVERRICH earned recognition from the General Association of Chinese Culture. In support of global sustainability, the team also created the “Radiant Glass Bead Experience Pool” using 6.5 tons of recycled glass, demonstrating commitment to circular economy practices and sustainable operations.

Uninterrupted Service and Commitment to Local Revitalization Earns High Praise from Reviewers and Taoyuan International Airport

Reviewers highly commended the project for maintaining uninterrupted service throughout the expansion. By conducting complex nighttime construction to minimize operational impact and passenger disruption, and by integrating intelligent and user-friendly public infrastructure design, the project delivered a travel environment that balances efficiency with warmth. Reviewers also praised EVERRICH’s collaboration with local brands and support for Taiwanese SMEs in reaching global markets.

As a key member of the “Airport Service Alliance (機場大聯盟),” EVERRICH remained fully committed throughout the pandemic, despite drastic declines in passenger volume and unprecedented operational pressures. Its resilience and steadfast support earned strong recognition from Taoyuan International Airport Corporation Ltd.

Having cultivated the duty free industry for three decades, EVERRICH remains rooted in integrity, professionalism, innovation, and public welfare. Guided by a mission of public service and giving back to the community, the company promotes a “all-employee volunteer” culture that encourages employees to actively engage in community initiatives. Following previous awards in 2008, 2012, and 2013, EVERRICH once again received the Golden Thumb Awards Excellence Prize this year, and was also the only enterprise to be honored with the Public Welfare Award.

EVERRICH stated that despite uncertainties stemming from global geopolitical shifts and fast changing market conditions, the company will remain grounded in its founding values, uphold its professional standards, and carry out every service detail with precision. It emphasized that there will be no room for complacency in its commitment to excellence. Moving forward, EVERRICH will continue to work closely with Taoyuan International Airport to enhance every aspect of the passenger journey, support the airport in reaching new heights in international rankings, and jointly shape a Taiwan gateway hub with global influence.