Across the network, SPAR is committed to providing customers with a wide range of fresh and dry goods that are sourced locally and/or sustainably. Here, we showcase initiatives by SPAR country organisations that empower local producers and provide them with opportunities to feature their products in SPAR stores.

Gran Canaria

SPAR Gran Canaria supports local producers through long-term partnerships, enabling them to sell their produce in stores across the region. SPAR Gran Canaria collaborates with over 200 producers on the island to promote local products. This support includes a partnership with the Agricultural Cooperative Society of San Nicolás (COAGRISAN) to promote the production of tomatoes from La Aldea. Additionally, SPAR Gran Canaria purchases bananas directly from local farmers, collaborates with farmers in Vallesco to promote local reineta apples, and sources strawberries grown in Valsequillo.

Croatia

A large majority of the total food range in SPAR and INTERSPAR stores in Croatia comes from domestic suppliers. SPAR Croatia’s campaign Yes, it’s homemade! brings together manufacturers from all over Croatia and helps them market their products throughout the country and in the foreign markets in which the organisation operates.

SPAR Croatia supports local producers in various ways, including providing access to the formal market through its annual incentive programme called ‘Start it Up Croatia’. The fifth edition was held last year, supporting eight new entrepreneurs and allowing them to grow and promote their innovative products. In 2024, the project has achieved historic success, with a record number of applications.

Slovenia

SPAR Slovenia values local food production and self-sufficiency, investing significant effort in maintaining good relationships with Slovenian food producers and processors. SPAR branded stores nationwide offer products from small traditional farms and well-known brands. Through SPAR Slovenia’s website, customers can learn about local producers, young farmers, and cooperatives under the motto “Straight from the grower.”

Applications for SPAR Slovenia’s 10th edition of their ‘Start it Up, Slovenia’ campaign are now open. The programme gives local entrepreneurs the chance to win an exclusive long-term contract with the retailer. Since the launch of ‘Start it Up, Slovenia!’ in 2016, over 80 teams of entrepreneurs and producers developed more than 300 innovative products.

Denmark

SPAR Denmark actively supports local producers and continuously expands its range of locally sourced products. Recently, this range grew by over 200 products, resulting in a 10% increase in the turnover of Danish products in SPAR stores. Positioning itself as Denmark’s local supermarket, SPAR Denmark offers Danish products at low prices, making it worthwhile for customers to shop locally. These products are easily recognisable by the Danish flag on their packaging. SPAR Denmark released a new film showcasing the journey of fresh products from the fields to the shelves.

“The new brand film is not just an advertisement. It is a window into what SPAR Denmark stands for: quality, local sourcing, and low prices that make a difference for customers and the local community,” said SPAR Denmark’s CEO, Esben Keller.

South Africa

SPAR South Africa began the SPAR Rural Hub in the Mopani District of Limpopo in 2017 to assist smaller producers in entering the formal value chain. The model provides relevant technical and food safety training, facilitates access to funding, and provides a guaranteed market for harvested produce.

SPAR South Africa’s Supplier Development programme helps micro and small food suppliers become fully compliant in the delivery of food-based products to the company’s retail network. The programme has been designed to ensure that all micro and small suppliers have all the tools, knowledge, and access to industry specialists to help grow their business.

Sources: SPAR Gran Canaria, SPAR Croatia, SPAR Slovenia, SPAR Denmark, SPAR South Africa