BILLA (BILLA and BILLA PLUS) generated sales growth of +8.8 per cent in 2023, despite another difficult market environment. "Last year, we came a step closer to our goal of becoming the No. 1 among customers. Especially with our own brands, initiatives such as 'Fair zum Tier' and the largest plant-based range in Austria, we offer our customers an affordable, fair and sustainable shopping experience," emphasises CEO Marcel Haraszti. BILLA celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2023 and around 10 million customers shop at BILLA every week. "I am proud to be part of the BILLA family, which has been close to the people of Austria for over 70 years. Whether it's affordable food, better husbandry conditions for farm animals or climate protection - as one of the largest local suppliers in the country, we take the needs of our customers seriously and fulfil our pioneering role in many areas - from plant-based to animal welfare," says Haraszti.
BILLA set a milestone in 2022 with Pflanzilla, Europe's first store from a traditional food retailer with a purely plant-based range, followed by a Pflanzilla pop-up store in Graz in 2023 with more than 2,000 products in its range. BILLA PLUS also boasts the largest plant-based range in Austria, which is becoming attractive to an ever-growing customer base thanks to price reductions.
Another milestone was reached last year with the successful expansion of the BILLA Kaufleute model to ten locations - including the first BILLA Kauffrau in Vienna's 21st district and the first BILLA PLUS Kaufmann. "The Kaufleute model is an important strategic pillar in terms of customer orientation. With this concept, we are a strong partner at the side of our retailers, who strengthen awareness of the region and its people with customised offers in their stores," says Haraszti.
PENNY with + 11.0 per cent increase in turnover
PENNY Austria increased its turnover by 11.0 per cent in 2023. This means that the anniversary year 2023 was not only pleasing due to PENNY's 20th anniversary, but also very successful economically. Increased investment in the store network led to the opening of six additional locations.
BIPA turnover grows by + 13.2 per cent
BIPA recorded further sales growth in 2023 with an increase of 13.2 per cent to EUR 939.0 million. Increased investment was made in the store network with 9 new stores and 13 refurbishments. The "Red Box" was a successful initiative last year. The joint project with the City of Vienna makes an important contribution to more equal opportunities in the health sector and in the fight against period poverty.
REWE Wholesale Austria with growth of 9.5 per cent
REWE's wholesale business includes supplying ADEG retailers, petrol station shops and cooperation partners. Turnover grew by 9.5 per cent (adjusted for discontinued operations AGM), and the expansion strategy (investment volume of around 17 million euros in 2023) of recent years in the wholesale sector in particular has strengthened the local presence. The transfer of merchants to ADEG expands the network and sustainably strengthens REWE Group's position at the local level.
Tourism
The travel industry has recovered from the crises. Total tourism turnover rose by 18.8 per cent to 210.4 million euros in 2023.
Investment offensive continue
REWE Group has set itself the goal of actively contributing to climate protection and the mobility transition through efficient measures. For example, additional shops as well as warehouse and central locations are being equipped with photovoltaic systems and e-charging stations. "In order to be able to offer our customers a modern shopping experience, we continue to pay particular attention to achieving the best possible ecological effects for the surrounding neighbourhoods and communities when renovating and building new stores," emphasised the REWE International AG Management Board member. This ranges from optimised space and resource requirements, the highest possible energy efficiency and ecological construction methods to the integration of the respective store into sustainable mobility concepts.
Position as a top employer strengthened
As one of the largest employers in the country, with a total of 47,176 employees, REWE Group offers a wide range of career opportunities and crisis-proof jobs for people of all ages and backgrounds. The focus is on various work and training models, explains Haraszti: "In 2024, we will continue to expand our training centres and address potential employees in an even more target group-oriented manner in order to strengthen our position as a popular employer in Austria." In order to counteract the shortage of apprentices in particular, BILLA 2023 has rethought the search for young talent and toured Austria with an innovative truck.
50 million euros: record food donations
REWE Group's retail companies donated more food than ever before in 2023: for the first time, products worth around 50 million euros were donated to social and charitable organisations.
Outlook for 2024
REWE Group will continue its clear focus on animal welfare, plant-based enjoyment, sustainability and social responsibility in 2024. In addition, the modernisation of the store network in Austria will continue. "Our employees in the BILLA, BILLA PLUS, PENNY, BIPA and ADEG stores ensure that our customers throughout Austria are supplied with everyday products. As REWE Group, we will do everything we can in 2024 to continue on this successful path of recent years," says Haraszti.
-1713512219.jpg){kind=link}