Spar International

SPAR operates 2 retail formats in Slovenia; 70 SPAR neighbourhood supermarkets and 12 INTERSPAR Hypermarkets. The INTERSPAR stores account for close to 50% of total turnover. All of the stores are company owned.

SPAR Slovenia, a subsidiary of Aspiag, was founded in 1991. SPAR Slovenia opened the first SPAR store in the capital city, Ljubljana, in 1991.

SPAR is the number 2 food retailer in the market, with a market share of more than 20%. Slovenia is a highly consolidated market with three retailers accounting for almost 80% market share.

A major focus was placed on the development of the SPAR private label range in 2010. A new range was launched called 'SPAR Free From', a gluten-free range aimed at customers with special dietary requirements. Sales of the existing SPAR Natur*pur and SPAR Vital, were accelerated throughout the  year as a focus was placed on healthy living and wellbeing.

The SPAR Premium brand was also introduced in 2010, to great success. This is a new high quality artisan range, which includes products produced by renowned Slovene manufacturers.

The trademark S-Budget range, now accounting for 5% of food and non-food sales, was upgraded due to increasing consumer demands and is expected to continue to experience growth into 2011.

The SPAR Savings Scheme was introduced in 2010 in response to increasing price sensitivity. The scheme offered consumers a special discount at the beginning and end of each week, with an emphasis on fresh produce.

SPAR Slovenia is one of the 10 largest companies in Slovenia with 4,224 employees nationwide. A number of independent studies have confirmed SPAR Slovenia as one of the most popular and trustworthy companies in the country. SPAR Slovenia are ranked first in terms of price, freshness, quality, rangeof products and trust in 2010 according to the 'Shopper trends 2010' survey, compiled by AC Nielson.