Ergon, one the license holders for the DESPAR brand in Sicily, recently presented their 2019 results and confirmed plans for future growth through additional investment.

15% sales increase and 21.6% margin growth

In 2018, Ergon made several acquisitions which resulted in the growth of the DESPAR brand locally. The 15% increase in turnover and growth in margin of 21.6% for 2019 reflects the results of the steps taken the previous year to expand the business.

Ergon stated that the positive result was made in a year that also brought various challenges deriving from the acquisitions. For 2020, the SPAR retailer has equally ambitious plans, for which a €6.5 million fund has been set aside by the Ergon Group.

Scholarships for school results

For 12 years, Ergon has provided scholarships to the children of employees, ranging from primary school to university graduates. Recently, the company awarded 35 more scholarships to children of employees that have achieved the best school performances, bringing the total commitment to students up to 302.

The award ceremony was held in a prestigious location, Villa Criscione in Ragusa, where all employees and their children were present at the invitation of Ergon.

“We wish those who received a scholarship this year”, said Concetta Lo Magno, Area Marketing Manager for Ergon, “to always be aware of your abilities and talent, and to use it, where possible, also for the benefit of our local communities”.

Source: DESPAR Sicily

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About SPAR Italy

SPAR International first granted a licence for the operation of the SPAR Brand to SPAR Italy in 1959. The first store opened in the latter part of 1960 and with it, SPAR became the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in Italy. SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, 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 majority of the company’s turnover is acquired through these larger format stores, the independently owned neighbourhood supermarkets remain a key part of the business.