Germany news 

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...

We bring you the latest news from Germany. Edeka Südwest improving fresh department Edeka Südwest set a goal of increasing its fruit and vegetable sales by 10% in 2019 which it was successfully able to do. It has developed and rolled out new concepts to aid with this and other departments that have seen impressive returns include bakery and meat. The coronavirus pandemic has also boosted sa...

The price war between Aldi and Lidl in Germany is escalating quickly, with the two discounters pushing prices down further. Most retailers are focusing their advertising and communication on low prices, following the VAT rate cut implemented by the government. VAT cut to help population and consumption Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the German government has implemented a temporary VAT ra...

We bring you the latest news from Edeka in Germany. Structural reorganisation There are a number of changes occurring within the Edeka management board. Purchasing will be distributed amongst fewer heads of departments, with two managers, Dirk E ßmann and Florian Decker now responsible for more purchasing areas. This includes international purchasing, which has become more important for E...

Penny, Rewe’s discount banner, has rolled out its Scan and Go app at 100 stores on 29 June. This is part of the retailer’s recent strategy to enhance its model and enable a more frictionless, in-store customer journey. Improving shopping experience and stores’ efficiency The new solution aims at easing and accelerating the payment process, usually a point of friction at discounters. Penny i...

We look at the German discounter’s most recent acquisitions and what it could mean for its future digital developments, including the idea of launching a marketplace. Acquisition of German marketplace real.de Schwarz Group, Lidl’s and Kaufland’s parent company, has acquired in June 2020 one of the largest marketplaces in Germany: real.de. The marketplace, which offers both grocery and non-g...

Following an agreement to sell Real earlier this year, the wholesaler has completed the sale to the SCP Group. The sale allows Metro Group to focus on its wholesale business. Deal signed The deal was agreed earlier in 2020, however it was awaiting approval from the supervisory and antitrust authorities which has now occured. The inflow of funds will be €300m. The SCP Group will take full...

The Giant Company has partnered with Flashfood, as it looks to reduce food waste at four supermarkets in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, Apeel Sciences has revealed it raised US$250m to continue supporting supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Separately, the Schwarz Group has signed the United Nation Global Compact to focus on sustainability initiatives. The Giant Company partners with Flashfood to...