SPAR Italy partner Aspiag Service has opened a new fresh-focused EUROSPAR Supermarket in Lugo di Romagna, near Ravenna. With the opening of this new EUROSPAR store, Aspiag Service is actively promoting the revitalisation of local economies through its development investments.

Local community bonds

The assortment reflects SPAR’s close-knit relationship with its local communities, in line with SPAR’s strategy of promoting local sourcing. Local producers from Emilia and Romagna supply more than 320 products. These include a wide choice of fresh and dry groceries such as cheese, cured meats, and traditional pasta.

Besides a large food offering, customers at this EUROSPAR store can find several non-food departments, such as newspapers and books, toys, homeware, and textiles.

State-of-the-art sustainable solutions help minimise the store’s environmental footprint. Innovative technologies in place include energy-efficient air-conditioning and heat recovery systems, as well as a complete LED lighting system.

Boosting employment

The store team comprises 42 employees, 38 of whom are newly hired. Many new team members applied during a local staff selection campaign promoted by Aspiag Service in June and July, using a dedicated information truck stationed at new stores. Aspiag Service has an important role in creating local employment opportunities, focusing on young people.  The company also contributes to local facilities such as public parking lots near its stores.

“The new EUROSPAR Supermarket marks a step forward that further enhances the bond between the SPAR Brand and Emilia Romagna”, said Alessandro Urban, Regional Director of Aspiag Service for Emilia Romagna. “We prioritise the  redevelopment of run-down areas. In close partnership with local governments, we invest in plans that promote sustainability and accessibility, such as implementing road systems that favour pedestrians and cyclists and ensure their safety.”

“The Emilia-Romagna region is at the heart of our corporate growth strategy. Today in Emilia Romagna, we operate 24 company-owned stores across different SPAR formats, and there are more than 50 independently owned stores”, Alessandro Urban continued.

“Our growth strategy is set to continue, with two more new store openings planned by the end of 2021, as well as the launch of our new head office and distribution centre in Castel San Pietro Terme, within the next few months.”

Source: Aspiag Service

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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. 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.