For the first time, food retail sales have exceeded the 200 billion euro mark per year. However, this is mainly due to increased prices.
The food retail sector in Germany achieved a sales record in 2023 and broke the 200 billion euro mark for the first time. The retailers were able to increase their revenues in nominal terms by almost five percent to 204.5 billion euros. In real terms, however, i.e. adjusted for price increases, they recorded a significant loss. This is evident from figures published by the EHI trade research institute. The increase in sales is therefore lower than the inflation rate. According to the Federal Statistical Office, food prices rose by more than 12 percent last year.
According to EHI, the largest nominal sales increases were achieved by food discounters such as Aldi and Lidl, with an increase of almost seven percent. “In the tense economic situation, Germans are clearly relying on the price promise of these retailers,” said EHI expert Marco Atzberger. The changing crises have had a significant impact on shopping behavior and the success of the individual types of business. Despite the increased prices, supermarkets only increased their nominal sales by just over 4 percent in 2023.
Discounters make up the largest share of food retail in Germany, at a good 46 percent, while supermarket chains such as Edeka and Rewe make up around 42 percent. The rest is made up of self-service department stores and small grocery stores. According to EHI, there were a good 36,858 grocery stores in Germany last year, five percent fewer than in 2013. The latest figures include around 16,000 discounters and more than 12,200 supermarkets.
Source: Stern
