Germany news 

Metro generated like-for-like sales showing a slight contraction, of just 0.5%, in its fourth quarter. The company said a recovery in HoReCa sales and a ‘ positive sales development ’ in Germany, Russia and Eastern Europe had underpinned its improving performance. Strong recovery in key markets Metro said like-for-like sales had turned positive in Germany, Russia, and Eastern Europe, which ...

In recent years Aldi Nord’s group sales have grown at around 2%, one of the slowest rates in the discount channel globally. The AniKo concept, launched in 2016, was expected to drive a recovery in growth and has required billions to be invested to upgrade the store network. However, the slow pace to add new and more varied products to the assortment, the growing competition and pricing pressures ...

As Rewe Group commits to cutting greenhouse emissions, announces plans to exit Ukraine and appoints a new member to its International board, we round up news from the retailer. Rewe Group looks to cut greenhouse emissions linked to its private labels The retailer is aiming for a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across its Rewe and Penny private label supply chains. It is looking to...

We explore the latest updates from German drugstore operators: Dm, Rossmann and Muller on their sustainability and digitalisation developments.    Dm and Rossmann partner with Henkel to test refill stations Dm and Rossmann are piloting refill stations of Henkel’s new brand- Love Nature. Customers can refill laundry detergents and dishwashing detergents from participating stores. The refill ...

The loyalty app Lidl Plus is now available in the UK and Germany. What is the Lidl Plus app? The app is Lidl’s digital loyalty and rewards programme and offers the following features: Coupons to be redeemed at checkout. Offers include money off on first purchase and 15-50% off on selected private label products Digital receipt and tracking Stores locator with opening hours We...

At the end of July, Aldi Süd launched a global request for startups specialized in computer vision and sensor-based products monitoring technologies. This could contribute to the fast track of Aldi Sud’s technological evolution and enable it to catch up with competitors, especially Amazon. Looking for startups ready to test their solutions Like other recent projects launched by the di...

In its Q3 2019/20 results, Metro reported a 17.5% decrease in like-for-like (LFL) sales, compared to the previous year, driven by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its negative impacts on the hospitality sector. However, as of July this year, Metro noted that sales had recovered to the previous year’s level in its Hotels, restaurants and catering (HoReCa) division. Germany: like-for-like...

Schwarz Group reported a net sales increase of 8.6% to €113.3 bn for its financial year 2019/20. Lidl posted one of its strongest growths in the recent years with net sales up by 9.5% while Kaufland sales grew by 4.5%. The group maintained its expansion pace with 400 store openings, similar to 2018/19, reaching 12,500 stores in 33 countries. Lidl: sales growth accelerates The discounter ...

Aldi Süd has launched a new programme, called What’s Next. It aims to support startups and companies with innovative ideas. The objective is to accelerate the development of new products that are aligned with the latest trends. What is the What’s Next programme? The new programme was launched in early 2020. Aldi Süd is looking for startups and companies with innovative food and non-food pro...

Aldi Sud has appointed a third managing director, Erik Döbele, at its central purchasing team. As reported by Lebensmittel Zeitung, Erik Döbele will take over a part of the purchasing team from August 1, whilst Simon Gelzer, another director, will focus on the coordination of purchasing activities with Aldi Nord. Accelerating coordination with Aldi Nord The new appointment aims to accelerat...