Two independently owned SPAR stores in Northern Italy have recently opened their doors, reaffirming their strong bonds with local communities. Both stores are run by retailers who source most of their products locally and support their regions’ finest culinary traditions.

EUROSPAR Supermarket in Valsamoggia, Bologna

Near Bologna in central Italy, SPAR regional operator Aspiag Service has welcomed a new EUROSPAR Supermarket in the town of Valsamoggia. Owned by Flavio and Silvio Battelli, this EUROSPAR store is the continuation of a family tradition that is rooted in a passion for local quality food.

The Batelli name has become synonymous with quality local specialities and love for the local tradition. Mr Battelli sr., Flavio and Silvio’s grandfather, opened Cascina Battelli, a well-known cheese factory, in Valsamoggia in the 1950s. The facility still produces excellent cheeses based on regional tradition and using local dairy. Having developed strong bonds with their local community, Flavio and Silvio are well-placed to further develop their business with the SPAR Brand.

Source: DESPAR regional operator Aspiag Service

Upgraded DESPAR store in San Salvatore Monferrato

In San Salvatore Monferrato, a DESPAR store has reopened after three weeks of intense renovation work, implementing the latest retail design style. The result is a modern and refined supermarket with a striking design that blends harmoniously with the SPAR values, showing a clear bond with its local community and traditions. Monferrato is a traditional cheese- and wine-making area in the Alessandria province in Northwest Italy recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Fresh Italian and traditional regional products are the strong point of this DESPAR store. A total of 98% of the food assortment on offer is sourced in Italy, including locally produced fine wines, cheeses, and other products. The renovation has expanded the fresh and ultra-fresh sections, fruit and vegetable department, food-to-go area, and fresh meat counter. The redesigned bakery offers freshly baked bread, focaccia, and pastries. The store includes a coffee break area, where customers can enjoy hot beverages and baked goods.

New LED lighting and a state-of-the-art refrigeration system provide the best performances while reducing consumption and helping protect the environment. The store offers home deliveries, and increased parking space is now available to customers visiting the store.

“The DESPAR Supermarket in San Salvatore has been a daily destination for many customers for years. Our local community has trusted us and relied on us even during the most difficult part of the pandemic. We aim to ensure our customers have a pleasant, convenient and quality shopping experience”, said Donatella Tomasello e Salvatore Lombardi, who own this DESPAR store as well as the DESPAR stores in nearby Casale Monferrato and Villanova D’Asti.

Watch a video of these two stores

Source: DESPAR Northwest – Gruppo 3A

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About SPAR Italy

SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, was first granted the SPAR Brand’s licence in 1959. The first store opened in 1960, and with it, SPAR became the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in the country. In addition, SPAR Italy licenses regional partners, all of whom work together to grow the brand across the country.

The DESPAR Partners operate stores under three formats: DESPAR Neighbourhood Supermarkets, EUROSPAR Supermarkets, and INTERSPAR Hypermarkets. Many of the larger format stores are company-owned, reflecting the scale of investment required. While the company achieves most of its turnover through these larger format stores, the independently owned neighbourhood supermarkets remain vital.