An exciting year full of challenges and comprehensive changes lies behind us. As a system-relevant company, the Austrian REWE Group is aware of its responsibility and keeps the supply of everyday goods to the population secure - this is made possible first and foremost by the great commitment of the employees in the shops, in the warehouses and in logistics.
Toilet paper, germ and hygiene products in demand like never before
The first lockdown in particular was an exceptional situation, and many people stocked up on daily necessities and non-perishable products in large quantities. Psychologists explain this behaviour with an increased need for security, which can be satisfied by hoarding toilet paper, for example. The toilet paper rolls, that were sold, lined up add up to a distance of more than 10,000 kilometres, which is roughly the distance from Vienna to Los Angeles. Last year, many people discovered their love of cooking and baking at home, and there was particularly strong demand for yeast, which meant that at times there was a shortage on the shelves: Austrians bought so much yeast in the past six months that it would be enough for almost 4 million Striezels.
Careful hand washing is considered an important measure to stop the virus - the fact that many followed this advice could also be seen in the sales volumes of hand soaps, disinfectants and hygiene products as well as cleaning agents. The amount of soap sold in about 5 months is enough to last a city like Graz a whole year. Foods for immune defence are also more in demand than ever, with customers reaching for almost ¼ more citrus fruits compared to the previous year.
BILLA Online Shop expands capacities
Compared to the previous year, the BILLA Online Shop has recorded a strong increase in demand of around 80 percent since the first lockdown and demand is still continuing. In order to meet the demand, capacities were significantly increased in a very short time and the delivery windows were significantly extended. There are currently over 400 Click & Collect branches across Austria and these are continuing to expand.
Food donations worth around 20 million euros
Especially in an exceptional year like 2020, social commitment must not be neglected. REWE Group Austria takes its social responsibility very seriously and is increasingly pushing donation projects such as "Round up, please", the PENNY family fund, food donations to social institutions or environmental protection projects of the non-profit private foundation "Blühendes Österreich" ("Blooming Austria").
Despite precise calculations and computerised ordering systems, not all food is always sold in time. Instead of throwing away valuable food, it is given to charitable organisations. Last year, REWE Group Austria donated food worth around 20 million euros to social institutions.
PENNY Family Fund helps 3,750 families
Since 2011, funds from the PENNY Family Fund have already helped more than 3,750 families and 7,400 children. Together with the Austrian Red Cross, PENNY Austria set up this fund to help people in need, for example with subsidies for important medical treatments, school materials or heating costs.
Local and regional foods are booming
Already now, a great variety of local foods can be found at BILLA, MERKUR, PENNY and ADEG. This variety is particularly evident in the fresh produce section. At BILLA alone, around 62,000 tonnes of local fruit and vegetables find their way onto the shelves every year. Customers find 100 per cent Austrian fresh meat and poultry, fresh eggs, bread & pastries and fresh milk. A total of 7,000 products from 500 local suppliers are available in MERKUR stores. Around 200 producers from 32 regions supply 600 regional specialities to BILLA.
Exotic foods directly from Austria
REWE Group Austria promotes a "new" regionality with Austrian exotics such as lemons, ginger, figs, watermelons, rice, sweet potatoes, organic peanuts, physalis or goji berries. These novelties will also be expanded in the new year together with innovative Austrian farmers in order to offer our customers an extended regional range.
Fresh food heroes and our own butcher at PENNY
PENNY focuses on personal service and direct contact with customers, which is why PENNY butchers fulfil individual wishes in 216 shops throughout Austria, using only pork and beef from Austria. The PENNY freshness heroes check the stock on the shelves every two hours, re-size fruit and vegetables and ensure cleanliness. More than 900 fresh food heroes are on duty in all PENNY shops throughout Austria.
REWE Group as a Crisis-Proof Employer
Particularly in these challenging times, REWE Group Austria and its trading companies offer secure jobs and continue to increase their commitment to apprentice training. Our company thrives on the diversity and different talents of its approximately 45,000 employees - we are very proud of this diversity. Creating equal opportunities for all and thus also promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market is a major concern for us. BILLA and MERKUR currently employ around 500 employees with a wide range of disabilities as well as over 230 integrative apprentices.
Posting on "Forest Cities" caused laughter
As is well known, it is especially important not to lose one's sense of humour in difficult times. The BILLA Facebook posting on the topic of #forestcities dealt humorously with the Trump slogan and, with over 4,000 interactions in a very short time, provided a successful distraction.
