SPAR Hungary has reported a very positive year despite the extraordinary challenges caused by the pandemic. Annual sales reached €2.10 billion, a considerable growth of 8.7% from the previous year. A total of 500 new jobs were created, growing the number of employees to over 14,000. Highlights of the year were the expansion of several logistics centres, improvements within the retail network, and the acquisition of a meat factory in Perbál in November. SPAR Hungary also invested a total of €78.3 million in strengthening the business.

As of 31 December 2020, SPAR Hungary operates 588 stores in different formats. These include company-owned INTERSPAR and SPAR stores, forecourt stores, and independently owned stores. SPAR Hungary added two SPAR Supermarkets and two SPAR City stores to its portfolio of company-owned stores. The company also modernised fourteen existing stores.

Twenty-one independently owned stores also joined the SPAR operator’s store network, increasing the total number to 207. Independently owned stores achieved a total turnover of more than €182 million, employing almost 1,800 SPAR colleagues.

SPAR online shop

SPAR Hungary’s online shop, first launched in 2019, is currently accessible to over 2 million Hungarians. Due to the increase in demand, the company expanded the number of team members involved in the e-commerce business to 144 and added more delivery time slots.

With home delivery and drive-in pick-up becoming increasingly popular, SPAR Hungary also expanded its e-commerce capabilities by adding new locations. INTERSPAR Tatabánya now offers on-site pick-up, while a SPAR store in the Lake Velence area now features a home delivery service.

Improving logistics and production

SPAR Hungary expanded its meat production capacity and acquired the Perbál meat factory from ZIMBO Perbál Húsipari Termelő Kft in November. In 2020, SPAR Hungary expanded its logistics centres in Bicske by 3,400m² and in Üllő by 7,900m² to meet the requirements of the growing store network.

Responsible retailing

In 2020, SPAR Hungary supported various social organisations by donating more than €500,000 in total. For more than 20 years, SPAR Hungary supports people in need through its ‘Joy to Give’ Christmas donation campaign. This year, a total of €98,000 was donated.

Sustainability is high on SPAR Hungary’s agenda, with a focus on the reduction of plastic waste. SPAR also encourages shoppers to act more sustainably by providing information on a sustainable lifestyle, sustainable transport and by encouraging consumers to assess the impact of their ecological footprint.

SPAR Hungary received various awards in 2020, including awards in the areas of supporting environmental sustainability initiatives, CSR, and retail trading activities focusing on customer demands.

Source: SPAR Hungary

Read more SPAR Hungary news.

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 developing the country’s retail industry.

The move to license independent retailers to operate the SPAR Brand has proven successful for Hungary, with new stores meeting the needs of a larger number of shoppers. The retailers benefit from becoming part of the SPAR organisation with access to own brand products, operating systems, and the brand, whilst consumers enjoy the increased number of store locations.