Aspiag Service, which operates the Despar banner in northern Italy, has reported a 2018 turnover of €2.25 billion, representing growth of 4.2% on the previous year.
Last year, the company hired 194 employees, opened 15 new stores, including seven direct branches and eight franchised outlets, and renovated 13 others, contributing to its positive performance.
According to the retailer, Aspiag Service recorded a better performance than the Italian retail sector in general, which saw an increase of 0.8% in sales in 2018, with a 1.1% growth in the food retail segment.
Daily Commitment
Commenting on the results, Rudolf Staudinger, president of Aspiag Service, said he wanted to "thank" all the employees because it is thanks to "their daily commitment" that the company has achieved this positive performance.
Aspiag Service is part of the Spar Austria Group, which ended 2018 with a turnover of €15.05 billion, recording a growth of 4.7% on the previous year.
According to Staudinger, being part of a solid European network has helped the company to grow and strengthen its presence in northern Italy.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Alessandra Arosio. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.