T. Ozbun
Research expert covering food retail and all food topics for Italy and Brazil
Supermarkets and hypermarkets in Italy - statistics & facts
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The food retail landscape in Italy is undergoing a transformation as discount stores witness a surge in market share, challenging the traditional dominance of supermarkets and hypermarkets. In the face of inflation and financial constraints, customers are gravitating towards discounters to cut down on grocery expenses. However, supermarkets and hypermarkets continue to lead the country's food retail industry, with a slight growth, albeit at a slower pace compared to their more affordable format counterparts.
The Italian supermarket scene is poised for continued growth, even as discount stores gain ground.
Market leaders
In 2023, supermarkets in Italy achieved sales totaling close to 58 billion euros, more than twice the sales of discount stores in the country. Their number had also experienced a modest but steady growth in recent years, which then sharply increased in 2022, reaching more than 17,000. Among grocery retailers, the country's leadership position was held by Selex, a company operating through three banners active in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and cash and carry channels. Conad, acronym of Consorzio Nazionale Dettaglianti, a company formed by five cooperatives that collectively unite thousands of retailers, followed closely. Selex’s revenue in 2022 was comparable to that of Conad, and by 2025, it had reached 22 billion euros. Other significant players in the industry included Coop, another cooperative, Gruppo VéGé, a conglomerate that operates multiple banners instead of using its own brand name, and Esselunga, a chain based in northern Italy.Consumer behavior
Food inflation has had a significant impact on consumer shopping behavior, leading some to explore alternative options such as discount stores. However, when it came to choosing their preferred grocer, Italian consumers prioritized convenience over affordability. As a result, supermarkets continue to be the top choice for Italians, with 78 percent selecting them as their primary grocery shopping destination. Hypermarkets came in as the second choice, favored by 40 percent of consumers. The preferences for store brands aligned closely with the market share of retailers. Notably, Conad emerged as the preferred choice for nearly half of Italian consumers when it came to shopping for groceries. Spazio Conad, the hypermarket chain of the company, was also recognized as one of the most affordable stores for own-brand products in 2024. On the other hand, when it comes to name-brand products, Esselunga’s and Famila’s hypermarket chains, were considered among the most affordable options.The Italian supermarket scene is poised for continued growth, even as discount stores gain ground.
T. Ozbun
,
Apr 4, 2025
T. Ozbun
Research expert covering food retail and all food topics for Italy and Brazil
