Spar emerged as the fastest-growing grocery retailer in Croatia in 2018, according to a report published by the Agency for the Protection of Competition (AZTN).
The retail chain recorded the highest nominal retail sales growth and was placed fourth in the overall rankings.
Other retailers that saw significant growth in 2018 include Lidl, Konzum, Tommy, Mlin i Pekare, Studenac, Plodine, NTL, Boso and La-vor Trade.
Overall Market Trends
The grocery retail market comprising food, drinks, and household hygiene products recorded a 7% year-on-year growth in 2018.
During this period, 91 new stores were opened in the country and the net sales area increased by 23,700 square metres, the report highlighted.
Leading retailer Konzum ended the year with 623 stores, slightly down from 2017.
Konzum has a 20-30% market share in the country, followed by Lidl (10-20%), while Plodine, Spar, Kaufland, and Tommy have 5-10%.
Decrease In Asymmetry
The study noted a decrease in asymmetry between first placed Konzum and second-placed Lidl.
However, it is worth noting that Konzum operated under the extraordinary administration during 2018.
There has also been a decline in market concentration and increased competitiveness, as the top 10 retailers accounted for 81.8% of the market share, slightly down from 82.2% in 2017.
Konzum continued to rule the market in Zagreb and Osijek, Tommy was the leader in Split, while Plodine retained its top position in Rijeka.
Supermarkets were found to be the dominant store format, accounting for 49% of total retail sales.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
