Constantly high SPAR standards

Private label products in the premium category, many new stores and the quality Hungarian poultry trademark are all things acquired by SPAR in 2007. – The decrease in real incomes and the effects of austerity measures were noticeable in the FMCG sector, although the majority of consumers tried to maintain their level of consumption. We believe that there continues to be demand for the SPAR quality – said Zsuzsa Labe, from Spar Magyarország Kereskedelmi Kft. In November 2007, they opened their 200th store, making last year’s total of new stores three hyper markets and 14 supermarkets. 13 older stores were also completely modernised in 2007. SPAR will continue to expand in the future, including the opening of City SPAR convenience stores. The meat processing facility of SPAR opened in 2005 was also subject to reorganisation. Production capacity was expanded by 1,600 square meters last year. The quality focused business policy remained unchanged. The wide assortment, private label products, favourable prices and regular promotions will remain basic characteristics of SPAR. Healthy diet and bio-products are also a priority. SPAR has 300 bio-products at the moment, including those in their private label Natur-Pur product line. Exclusive, private label, non-food products played a special role in the SPAR assortment last year. Pascarel BASIC underwear and its premium category version Pascarel DE LUXE were both successful. Other exclusive, private label product lines in INTERSPAR hyper markets are RUBIN household textiles and Pretty Baby products. Hungarian suppliers account for 90 per cent of all SPAR suppliers. Fresh poultry products are purchased exclusively from suppliers authorised to use the “Hungarian poultry” trademark. Their new logistic centre is under construction in Üllő and expected to be completed in August 2008.