The 20 Biggest Supermarkets in Europe in 2024

Key Takeaways: The Biggest Supermarkets in Europe

The biggest supermarkets in Europe are also among the biggest in the world. The European supermarket retail landscape in 2023-24 showcases resilience and adaptability amid economic challenges. This market is expected to be worth US$3.26 trillion in 2024 and reach US$4.29 trillion by 2033. It has demonstrated steady growth despite inflationary pressures and shifts in consumer behavior.

The past year has seen significant investments in digital infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and enhanced customer experiences. Retailers have navigated supply chain disruptions and rising costs by focusing on efficiency and innovation. Looking ahead, the European supermarket sector is poised for robust growth, driven by technological advancements, increased demand for convenience, and a strong emphasis on sustainability. As retailers continue to adapt to evolving market dynamics, the future prospects for supermarket retail in Europe remain promising, with a focus on meeting consumer needs through innovation and strategic investments. In this article we’ll look at the 20 biggest supermarkets in Europe as well as trends impacting this sector.

Overview of the European Supermarket Sector

Top 3 Consumer Trends

1. Digital Shopping and Convenience: The rise of e-commerce and online grocery shopping has transformed consumer behavior, with more shoppers opting for home delivery and click-and-collect services.
2. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Choices: Consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, driving demand for eco-friendly products, reduced plastic use, and locally sourced items.
3. Health and Wellness Focus: There is a growing preference for organic, health-focused, and specialty diet products as consumers become more health-conscious and seek out nutritious food options.

Top 3 Market Trends

1. Technological Advancements: The biggest supermarkets in Europe are investing in digital infrastructure, AI, and automation to enhance operational efficiency and improve the shopping experience.
2. Expansion of Discount Retailers: Discount supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl are expanding rapidly, attracting price-sensitive consumers and intensifying market competition.
3. Sustainability Initiatives: Supermarkets are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon footprints, enhancing supply chain transparency, and promoting eco-friendly packaging.

Grocery Market in Major European Countries

Here is an overview of the diverse and dynamic supermarket sector across Europe, highlighting the key markets across the continent.

1. Germany: The largest grocery market in Europe, valued at over €200 billion (US$216.37 billion), dominated by discount retailers such as Aldi and Lidl, focusing on cost-effective, no-frills shopping experiences.
2. UK: Valued close to €180 billion (US$194.73 billion), the UK market is marked by fierce competition and rapid innovation, with major players such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s investing heavily in online shopping and digital infrastructure.
3. France: With a market value of around €150 billion (US$162.27 billion), France balances traditional shopping habits with modern retail trends, driven by major retailers like Carrefour and Leclerc.
4. Italy: Valued at approximately €100 billion (US$108.16 billion), Italy’s market is characterized by a strong preference for high-quality local products and a significant presence of small, family-owned stores.
5. Spain: The grocery market in Spain, valued at about €90 billion (US$97.34), is one of the fastest-growing. It is led by innovative retailers such as Mercadona, which focus on customer service and product diversification.
6. Russia: With a market value around €70 billion (US$75.71 billion), Russia’s grocery sector is rapidly expanding and modernizing. The segment features significant regional variations and a focus on Western-style supermarket formats.
7. Netherlands: The Dutch grocery market, valued at approximately €35 billion (US$37.84 billion), is known for efficiency and high standards. It is led by retailers like Albert Heijn and Jumbo, with a priority on sustainability and quality.
8. Poland: Valued close to €30 billion (US$32.45 billion), Poland’s market is experiencing substantial growth driven by economic development, with major players like Biedronka focusing on affordability and convenience.
9. Belgium: Valued at around €20 billion (US$21.63 billion), Belgium’s market balances traditional and modern retail formats. Major players include Colruyt and Delhaize.
10. Sweden: The Swedish market, with a size of about €20 billion, emphasizes innovation and sustainability, led by major supermarkets like ICA and Coop.
11. Portugal: The grocery market in Portugal is highly competitive, with major retailers such as Pingo Doce and Continente benefiting from cautious consumer spending and focusing on value pricing.

Methodology for Calculating the Biggest Supermarkets in Europe

GourmetPro's network of food and beverage experts used a comprehensive approach to ensure a well-rounded and accurate representation of Europe’s leading supermarket chains. To compile this list of the 20 biggest supermarkets in Europe, they used a combination of publicly available data alongside their own expertise. The ranking considered key factors, including number of stores, annual revenue, geographical reach, as well as company ownership.

The 20 Biggest Supermarkets in Europe in 2024 According to Experts

20. Migros

• Annual Revenue (2023): €28.87 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 700
• Supermarket brands owned: Migros, Denner
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
• Number of countries present in: 2 (Switzerland, France)
• Website: migros.ch

Migros was founded in 1925 by Gottlieb Duttweiler. Known for its cooperative structure, Migros is owned by its customers, making it unique in the retail sector. Migros has been a pioneer in sustainability, emphasizing organic products, fair trade, and reducing its environmental footprint through various green initiatives.

19. Coop

• Annual Revenue: €28.35 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 800
• Supermarket brands owned: Coop, Coop City
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
• Number of countries present in: 2 (Switzerland, Italy)
• Website: coop.ch

Coop was established in 1890 as a consumer cooperative. It has a strong focus on sustainability, being a leader in offering organic and eco-friendly products. Coop's initiatives include reducing food waste and promoting fair trade. It also operates a popular loyalty program and emphasizes community engagement.

18. Jerónimo Martins

• Annual Revenue: €28.63 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 4,300
• Supermarket brands owned: Pingo Doce, Biedronka
• Country of origin: Portugal
• Headquarters: Lisbon, Portugal
• Number of countries present in: 3 (Portugal, Poland, Colombia)
• Website: jeronimomartins.com

Founded in 1792, Jerónimo Martins has a long history in the retail sector. It operates Pingo Doce in Portugal and Biedronka in Poland, focusing on affordability and quality. The company has been expanding its digital presence and investing in sustainable practices, such as reducing plastic usage and promoting local products.

17. Systeme U

• Annual Revenue: €29.26 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 1,600
• Supermarket brands owned: Hyper U, Super U, U Express
• Country of origin: France
• Headquarters: Rungis, France
• Number of countries present in: 2 (France, Belgium)
• Website: systeme-u.com

Systeme U was founded in 1894 and operates a cooperative model. Known for its commitment to local produce and sustainable development, Systeme U has been investing in renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint. This chain emphasizes community support and has a strong presence in rural and urban areas.

16. Asda

• Annual Revenue: €29.49 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 600
• Supermarket brands owned: Asda, George
• Country of origin: UK
• Headquarters: Leeds, UK
• Number of countries present in: 1 (UK)
• Website: asda.com

Asda was founded in 1949 and became part of Walmart in 1999. Known for its value-for-money approach, Asda has a significant online presence and offers a wide range of products from groceries to clothing. Asda focuses on sustainability, including reducing plastic waste and improving energy efficiency in stores.

15. Metro AG

• Annual Revenue: €34.31 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 760
• Supermarket brands owned: Metro, Makro
• Country of origin: Germany
• Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Germany
• Number of countries present in: 24 (across Europe and Asia)
• Website: metro.com

Metro AG, founded in 1964, is known for its cash-and-carry wholesale stores catering to businesses. Metro focuses on sustainability, with initiatives to reduce food waste and promote eco-friendly products. As a result, the company has been investing in digital solutions to streamline operations and improve customer experience.

14. Mercadona

• Annual Revenue: €34.41 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 1,700
• Supermarket brands owned: Mercadona
• Country of origin: Spain
• Headquarters: Valencia, Spain
• Number of countries present in: 2 (Spain, Portugal)
• Website: mercadona.es

Founded in 1977, Mercadona has become Spain's largest supermarket chain. Known for its innovative approach, Mercadona focuses on customer service and private label products. The company emphasizes sustainability, with efforts to reduce plastic use and improve supply chain efficiency.

13. Ahold Delhaize

• Annual Revenue: €37.99 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 7,000
• Supermarket brands owned: Albert Heijn, Delhaize, Food Lion
• Country of origin: Netherlands/Belgium
• Headquarters: Zaandam, Netherlands
• Number of countries present in: 10 across Europe and in the US
• Website: aholddelhaize.com

Ahold Delhaize, formed from the merger of Ahold and Delhaize in 2016, operates in both Europe and the US. The company focuses on digital transformation, sustainability, and health, with significant investments in online grocery shopping and eco-friendly practices.

12. J. Sainsbury

• Annual Revenue: €38.18 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 1,400
• Supermarket brands owned: Sainsbury's, Argos
• Country of origin: UK
• Headquarters: London, UK
• Number of countries present in: 1 (UK)
• Website: sainsburys.co.uk

Founded in 1869, Sainsbury's is one of the UK's leading supermarket chains. Known for its commitment to quality and customer service, Sainsbury's has been investing in digital infrastructure and sustainability, including reducing carbon emissions and promoting organic products.

11. Auchan

• Annual Revenue: €38.26 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 4,000
• Supermarket brands owned: Auchan, Simply Market
• Country of origin: France
• Headquarters: Croix, France
• Number of countries present in: 13 (across Europe and Asia)
• Website: auchan.fr

Auchan was founded in 1961 and has a strong presence in hypermarkets and supermarkets. The company focuses on innovation and customer experience, with initiatives in digital transformation and sustainability, including energy-efficient stores and reducing food waste.

10. Magnit

• Annual Revenue: €38.95 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 22,000
• Supermarket brands owned: Magnit, Magnit Cosmetic
• Country of origin: Russia
• Headquarters: Krasnodar, Russia
• Number of countries present in: 1 (Russia)
• Website: magnit.com

Magnit, founded in 1994, is one of Russia's largest retailers. Known for its extensive network of stores, Magnit focuses on affordability and convenience. The company has been investing in supply chain efficiencies and digital solutions to enhance customer experience.

9. Intermarché

• Annual Revenue: €39.11 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 2,650
• Supermarket brands owned: Intermarché, Netto
• Country of origin: France
• Headquarters: Bondoufle, France
• Number of countries present in: 3 (France, Belgium, Portugal)
• Website: intermarche.com

Intermarché, part of the Les Mousquetaires group, was founded in 1969. The company focuses on local produce and sustainability, with initiatives to reduce plastic use and support local farmers. Intermarché is known for its competitive pricing and strong regional presence.

8. X5 Retail Group

• Annual Revenue: €40.55 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 17,000
• Supermarket brands owned: Pyaterochka, Perekrestok, Karusel
• Country of origin: Russia
• Headquarters: Moscow, Russia
• Number of countries present in: 1 (Russia)
• Website: x5.ru

X5 Retail Group, founded in 2006, is a leading food retailer in Russia. The company operates several supermarket brands and focuses on innovation and efficiency. X5 has been investing in digital transformation and expanding its online grocery services to meet growing consumer demand.

7. E. Leclerc

• Annual Revenue: €51.59 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 700
• Supermarket brands owned: E. Leclerc
• Country of origin: France
• Headquarters: Ivry-sur-Seine, France
• Number of countries present in: 4 (France, Italy, Poland, Spain)
• Website: e.leclerc

E. Leclerc, founded in 1949, is known for its low prices and strong customer loyalty. The company focuses on sustainability, promoting local and organic products, and reducing its environmental impact through various green initiatives.

6. Edeka-Gruppe

• Annual Revenue: €75.40 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 3,600
• Supermarket brands owned: Edeka, Netto Marken-Discount
• Country of origin: Germany
• Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany
• Number of countries present in: 1 (Germany)
• Website: edeka.de

Edeka-Gruppe, founded in 1898, operates a network of independent supermarkets. The company focuses on local and fresh produce as well as on sustainability. It has been investing significantly in store renovations and digital transformation to enhance customer experience.

5. Carrefour

• Annual Revenue: €76.03 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 12,000
• Supermarket brands owned: Carrefour, Carrefour Market
• Country of origin: France
• Headquarters: Massy, France
• Number of countries present in: 9 (across Europe)
• Website: carrefour.com

Carrefour, founded in 1959, is a multinational retailer known for its large hypermarkets. The company emphasizes sustainability, with initiatives to reduce carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly products. Carrefour also invests heavily in digital infrastructure to improve online shopping experiences.

4. Tesco

• Annual Revenue: €77.31 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 6,800
• Supermarket brands owned: Tesco, Booker
• Country of origin: UK
• Headquarters: Welwyn Garden City, UK
• Number of countries present in: 5 (UK, Ireland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia)
• Website: tesco.com

Founded in 1919, Tesco is a leading supermarket chain in the UK. The company focuses on sustainability and customer service, with significant investments in digital infrastructure and home delivery services. Tesco is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting healthy eating.

3. Aldi

• Annual Revenue: €85.29 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 11,235
• Supermarket brands owned: Aldi Nord, Aldi Süd
• Country of origin: Germany
• Headquarters: Essen and Mülheim, Germany
• Number of countries present in: 20 (across Europe)
• Website: aldi.com

Aldi, founded in 1946, is a leading discount supermarket chain known for its no-frills, cost-effective approach. The company focuses on affordability and quality, with significant investments in sustainability and digital transformation to enhance customer experience.

2. Rewe Group

• Annual Revenue: €90.92 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 10,000
• Supermarket brands owned: Rewe, Penny
• Country of origin: Germany
• Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
• Number of countries present in: 11 (across Europe)
• Website: rewe-group.com

Rewe Group, founded in 1927, is a major player in the European supermarket sector. The company emphasizes sustainability and convenience, with significant investments in digital infrastructure and expanding its network of convenience stores.

1. Schwarz Group

• Annual Revenue: €172.24 billion
• Number of stores across Europe: 12,600
• Supermarket brands owned: Lidl, Kaufland
• Country of origin: Germany
• Headquarters: Neckarsulm, Germany
• Number of countries present in: 32 (across Europe)
• Website: schwarz-gruppe.com

The Schwarz Group, founded in 1930, is the biggest supermarket in Europe. Known for its discount brands Lidl and Kaufland, the company focuses on affordability and sustainability. Schwarz Group has been investing heavily in digital transformation and sustainability initiatives, including reducing food waste and promoting renewable energy.

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FAQs

1. What is the size of the supermarket sector in Europe?

The supermarket and hypermarket market in Europe was valued at US$3.26 trillion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$4.29 trillion by 2033. The market has shown resilience despite economic challenges such as inflation and supply chain disruptions. Looking forward, the market is expected to grow at a promising CAGR of over 6% from 2024 to 2031, driven by technological advancements, increasing consumer demand for convenience, and sustainability initiatives. Retailers are investing heavily in digital infrastructure and green practices, positioning the sector for robust growth in the coming years.

2. Which country has the largest grocery retail sector in Europe?

Germany has the largest grocery retail sector in Europe, with a market value exceeding €200 billion. The German grocery retail market is characterized by its strong discount retail sector, led by major players like Aldi and Lidl. These discount giants have revolutionized the grocery shopping experience with their no-frills, cost-effective approach. Germany's market size and the dominance of its discount retailers make it the largest grocery retail sector on the continent.

3. Which is the biggest supermarket in Europe?

The Schwarz Group is the biggest supermarket in Europe, with an annual revenue of €172.24 billion in 2023. Headquartered in Neckarsulm, Germany, the Schwarz Group operates two major supermarket brands: Lidl and Kaufland. With over 12,600 stores across 32 countries in Europe, the group has a significant market presence. Its focus on affordability, sustainability, and digital transformation has cemented its position as the largest supermarket chain in Europe.

4. Who are the big 6 supermarkets in Europe?

The big 6 supermarkets in Europe, based on their revenue, are:

1. Schwarz Group (Germany) - €172.24 billion
2. Rewe Group (Germany) - €EUR 90.92 billion
3. Aldi (Germany) - €EUR 85.29 billion
4. Tesco (UK) - €77.31 billion
5. Carrefour (France) - €76.03 billion
6. Edeka-Gruppe (Germany) - €75.40 billion

These supermarket chains dominate the European retail landscape, leveraging their extensive store networks, strong market presence, and focus on innovation to maintain their leading positions.

If you're looking to transform your route-to-market strategy in Europe and forge partnerships with retailers here, connect with GourmetPro. Our team of top-tier F&B independent experts can help you navigate the complex European market and drive your business growth. Contact us today!