SPAR International has reported global retail sales for the year ending December 31, 2015 of €33 billion, a 3.5 per cent increase on 2014.
Growth in 2015, the strongest in five years, was characterised by the growing pace of recovery in Europe, in addition to the continuing expansion of the SPAR brand in emerging markets.
Growth for the brand was particularly strong in Africa and SPAR continued to grow its presence by entering into four new countries on four continents during the year including store openings in Indonesia, Cameroon, Oman and Azerbaijan.
Commenting on the 2015 results, SPAR International managing director, Tobias Wasmuht, said: “The 2015 figures show the continuing strength and attractiveness of the SPAR brand globally. With a presence now in 42 markets around the world, SPAR continues to be the partner of choice for independent retail partners keen to embrace retail best practice and fast-track their development in the face of international competition.
“The continuing growth of the brand in new and emerging markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as the quickening pace of recovery in many of our traditional European markets, is testament to both the adaptability of the SPAR brand and the entrepreneurial drive of our retail partners.
“The last five years has seen SPAR continue to grow despite volatile international economic conditions. This sustained growth has been achieved by meeting the needs of the local communities we serve with a commitment to deliver excellence in fresh, a passion for quality and best in class customer service. It is very pleasing to see this focus and investment paying dividends.”
Performance highlights for 2015 included:
- Europe: Recovery in traditional European markets has gathered pace with strong retail sales growth reported by SPAR Austria, 2.4 per cent; SPAR Belgium, 6 per cent; and SPAR Hungary 2.9 per cent. SPAR UK increased store numbers to more than 2600 with turnover up 2 per cent to GBP £2.6 billion.
- Central & Eastern Europe: Central and Eastern European markets showed strong growth with SPAR Croatia, 15 per cent; and SPAR Poland, 17 per cent; with both adding significantly to their store footprint. SPAR Russia reported a 19.2 per cent increase in local currency.
- Asia: Significant developments in Asia with entry into the Indonesian retail market in partnership with Ramayana – opening 15 stores in nine months. Continuing growth for SPAR China which reported sales up 6.8 per cent to €1.9 billion and, following re-entry into the market in 2014, the rapid growth of SPAR India.
- Africa: SPAR now has a presence in 12 African markets accounting for 17 per cent of SPAR’s global retail turnover. SPAR South Africa continues to perform strongly, up 18 per cent, with significant potential for growth shown in Nigeria and Namibia.
- Middle East: SPAR strengthened its presence in the Middle East by opening its first stores in Oman, in partnership with Khimji Ramdas, and expanding to 13 stores in the UAE.
Commenting on the outlook for the year ahead Wasmuht said: “With recovery in Europe continuing and considerable untapped potential in many emerging markets we see significant potential for future growth – both short term and long term. As part of our future strategy we shall continue to drive forward into significant new and high potential markets during 2016, having already in place partnerships that will see the SPAR brand grow in Asia and Africa in the second half of the year”.
SPAR International’s multi-format strategy sees its partners operate more than 12,100 hypermarket, supermarket, neighbourhood and convenience stores serving the needs of 13 million customers daily.
SPAR Australia MD Lou Jardin will be speaking at the 2016 C&I Convention and Expo in Melbourne in August. To register for the Expo, click here.