SPAR Hungary continues to invest in different areas of the business, from launching new product ranges to rolling out new stores. Here we take a look at a few recent initiatives that are helping to grow the brand and that have led to the partner winning a number of industry-recognised awards.

Five year anniversary SPAR Partner License Programme

SPAR Hungary first launched the SPAR partner format in 2012. Today, a total of 133 SPAR license stores are operated throughout the country, providing employment to almost 1,500 people. The annual turnover of SPAR license stores amounts to over HUF 32 billion (just over €100 million). SPAR Hungary has an agreement with 109 SPAR retailers throughout the country and continues to welcome new independent retailers to the network.

New SPAR plant in Üllő

Construction is underway of a new plant for the preparation of mayonnaise, salads and sandwiches on the site of the existing SPAR logistics centre in the town of Üllő in central Hungary. The investment of more than HUF 1.2 billion (€3.8 million) includes HUF 250 million (€800.000) spent on technology and equipment. The facility will feature two packaging lines and complies with the highest level of food safety standards. It is the company’s short-term aim to supply quality products made in Üllő to all SPAR, INTERSPAR and SPAR Partner license stores in Hungary.

 New vegan products launched

SPAR Hungary has expanded its range of plant-based products under the popular Veganz brand. The selection of more than 60 different products includes delicacies found in dedicated SPAR stores such as organic vegetable milk, natural sweeteners, seed creams, high-concentration protein powders and various confectionery and biscuit items.

SPAR Hungary celebrates an array of awards

The ongoing investments being made by SPAR Hungary are paying off with the partner winning numerous awards, reflecting recognition from the industry and customers.

Most recently, SPAR Hungary received awards at three professional competitions one of which was the Superbrands title, which it took home for the ninth time. The Superbrands programme is one of the most important international brand evaluation awards and is currently carried out in 90 countries. The competition puts the focus on customer feedback. After professional and financial screening of brands and evaluation by the expert panel of judges, an additional online brand recognition and popularity survey is conducted by a Market Research Institute. The award gives positive feedback on the brand, highlighting the best based on professional considerations.

SPAR Hungary also received prestigious acknowledgement at the SuperStore competition organised by Trade magazine and Trade Marketing Club, in which the Érd INTERSPAR store was ranked first in the hypermarket category. The Érd Hypermarket also came in second at Mastercard’s ‘Retailer of the Year’ competition, in the category Best customer experience.

 “These awards mean huge recognition and confirmation for us, meaning that our efforts and investments for providing top quality services to our customers have paid off. During the last years, we carried out numerous investments enabling our customers to visit modern stores every day. This year, we will invest more than HUF 23 billion (€73 million) in the development of our retail chain,” said Márk Maczelka, Head of Communications at SPAR Hungary.

To read more news from SPAR Hungary, follow this link.

About SPAR Hungary

The first SPAR Supermarket opened in Hungary in 1992, following the acquisition by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG) of a majority stake in General Kereskedelmi Rt. Since its launch, SPAR Hungary has been actively involved in the development of the retail industry in the country.

The move to license independent retailers to operate the SPAR Brand has proven to be very successful for Hungary, with new stores meeting the needs of a larger number of shoppers.

Hungary is the largest SPAR market in Central and Eastern Europe with over €1.67 billion turnover.