Discover the Top 10 Supermarket Chains in Germany for All Your Grocery Needs
Top 10 Supermarket Chains in Germany
Germany’s supermarket sector blends efficiency, affordability, and innovation, serving as a model for global retail. Dominated by discount giants like Aldi and Lidl, and complemented by full-range players like Edeka and REWE, the industry generated over €250 billion in 2022 10. This guide explores the top 10 chains reshaping how Germans shop—combining sustainability, digital transformation, and hyper-localized offerings.
🛒 Top 10 German Supermarket Chains: Profiles & Performance
| Supermarket | 2022 Turnover (€) | Store Count | Key Services & Differentiation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edeka | 66.2 billion | 11,126 | Full-range groceries, premium fresh produce, SPAR Express convenience stores |
| Lidl & Kaufland | 51.03 billion | 4,020 | Lidl: Hard discount (900 SKUs); Kaufland: Hypermarkets with non-food items |
| REWE | 41.1 billion | 6,725 | Extended hours (until midnight), Rewe Ja! budget line, Penny discount stores |
| Aldi | 30 billion (est.) | 4,215 | Ultra-low prices, limited SKUs, global private labels (e.g., Trader Joe’s) |
| Lekkerland | 8.5 billion | N/A | Convenience wholesaling, partnership with Aral fuel stations |
| Bela (Famila) | 5.2 billion | 201 | Large-format stores (Famila), electronics, apparel, Bela C&C cash-and-carry |
| Metro AG | 4.71 billion | 102 | Wholesale focus, business customers, international sourcing |
| Norma | 4.2 billion | 1,450+ | Budget discount model, Step Up efficiency program |
| Globus | 2.1 billion | 66 | Fresh/organic focus, Tesla charging stations, Czech/Russian expansion |
| Hit Handelsgruppe | 1.875 billion | 94 | Mid-size hypermarkets, regional dominance in Eastern Germany |
Edeka
Profile: Germany’s #1 food retailer, operating 11,126 stores under brands like Netto Marken-Discount and SPAR Express. Known for supporting independent retailers through its cooperative model.
Key Services: Full-range groceries, luxury fresh produce, and sustainability initiatives (e.g., plastic reduction). SPAR Express outlets offer urban convenience.
Website: edeka.de
Lidl & Kaufland (Schwarz Group)
Profile: Europe’s largest retail group. Lidl runs 3,250 discount stores with 900 core SKUs; Kaufland operates 770 hypermarkets selling electronics and apparel.
Innovation: Lidl’s “efficiency-first” model includes in-box product displays and solar-powered stores. Kaufland excels in local sourcing (e.g., German meat) .
Website: lidl.de, kaufland.de
REWE
Profile: Founded in 1927 as a cooperative, REWE mixes premium fresh sections with budget brand Ja! (70% cheaper than rivals). Operates 2,150 Penny discount stores.
Standout Service: Stores open until midnight; select locations feature sushi bars and salad stations.
Website: rewe.de
Aldi
Profile: Pioneer of hard discounting since 1913. Split into Aldi Nord (North Germany) and Aldi Süd (South), offering 1,300 own-brand products at ultra-low prices.
Global Reach: Owns Trader Joe’s (US) and runs 60 stores in China with “no membership fees”.
Website: aldi-nord.de, aldi-sued.de
Lekkerland
Profile: REWE-owned wholesaler supplying convenience stores and fuel stations (e.g., Aral). Focuses on snacks, beverages, and tobacco.
B2B Edge: Extended partnership with Aral until 2028, enabling 24/7 product access.
Website: lekkerland.de
Bela
Profile: Operates Famila hypermarkets (100+ locations) and Markant cash-and-carry hubs. Targets families with non-food categories like toys.
Regional Strength: Dominates Northern Germany with large-format stores.
Website: www.bela.de
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Metro AG
Profile: Wholesale giant serving hotels/restaurants since 1964. 102 German stores offer bulk goods and specialty imports.
Digital Shift: Investing in AI procurement and rebuilt Düsseldorf HQ (2026 completion).
Website: metro.de
Norma
Profile: Budget discounter with 1,450+ stores. Runs Step Up efficiency program to optimize logistics.
Cost Focus: Limited SKUs, minimal staffing, and private labels for staples.
Website: norma-online.de
Globus
Profile: Eco-focused hypermarket chain with Tesla charging stations. Emphasizes fresh/organic produce and DIY sections 110.
Sustainability: Partners with EnBW for renewable energy at 50+ locations 10.
Website: globus.de
Hit Handelsgruppe
Profile: Regional player in Eastern Germany with 94 mid-size stores. Competes via localized assortments and community engagement.
Niche Appeal: Targets towns underserved by giants like Edeka.
Website: hit.de
🔑 Trends Shaping Germany’s Grocery Market
1. Discount Dominance: Aldi and Lidl control 40% of the market through ruthless cost control—e.g., SKU limits and in-box merchandising.2.
2. Green Transformation:
- Edeka and Rewe target 100% recyclable packaging by 2027.
- Globus and Lidl install EV chargers and solar panels.
3. Hybrid Formats:
- REWE blends gourmet sections with discount sub-brands (Penny).
- Kaufland merges hypermarkets with Lidl’s discount efficiency.
4. Digital Integration:
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