The Schwarz Group, which operates the Lidl and Kaufland chains, has reported sales of €154.1 billion in its 2022 financial year, an increase of 15.4% year on year.
The German group said that it was growing 'at a stable level' despite inflation and higher interest rates, offsetting increased costs of raw materials, energy and merchandise with 'efficient process management'.
Lidl And Kaufland
Lidl reported sales of €114.8 billion last year, a 13.8% increase year-on-year. Online sales at the discounter stood at €1.9 billion, a 8.5% increase on the previous period.
Elsewhere, Kaufland, reported €31.8 billion in sales last year, an increase of 16.1%, which was boosted by the integration of former Real stores.
As of the end of the financial year, Schwarz Group operated a total of 13,700 outlets, a 400 increase on the previous year.
Read More: Discounter Lidl Marks 50th Anniversary In Germany
Other Divisions
Its environmental division, PreZero, reported sales of €1.8 billion last year, a 84.7% increase on the previous year due to acquisitions made during the period.
In addition, the manufacturing companies within Schwarz Group delivered goods worth around €3.4 billion to Lidl and Kaufland at internal transfer prices, a 29.7% increase on the previous year.
This includes the sale of goods from a pasta factory acquired in October 2022, as well as a newly-built coffee factory.
Some €8 billion was invested by the group in both strategic projects and digitalisation last year, with activities primarily focusing on supply chain enhancement, branch expansion and modernisation, the company added.
Read More: Lidl GB Raises Staff Pay For Third Time In A Year
© 2023 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
