Kosovo’s Viva Fresh Store Acquires SPAR Albania

After securing exclusive franchise rights and product access for SPAR in Albania from the Dutch parent company in 2016, Balfin oversaw a decade of growth.

In 2023, SPAR Albania was the retail market leader in the country, with a turnover of ALL 10.7 billion (€111 million) – a 14% year-on-year increase – while the pre-tax profit amounted to ALL 406 million (€4.1 million), showing annual growth of 62%.

It also ranked second among franchise networks in Albania, behind Big Market.

Including its franchisees, SPAR Albania’s total revenue grew by 16%, to ALL 18.8 billion (€192 million), and its pre-tax profit increased by 37%, to ALL 890 million (€9 million). This boosted SPAR Albania’s overall profit margin to 4.7% – up from 4% in 2022.

SPAR Albania

As of the end of 2023, SPAR Albania’s network comprised 90 supermarkets and two hypermarkets, according to company data.

Besides SPAR Albania and Big Market, other key players in the Albanian retail market include Eco Market and Conad Albania.

According to a company press release, Viva Fresh aims to expand its presence in the Albanian market and boost the economy by creating new jobs, empowering local producers, and modernising the retail industry.

Owned by local businessman Xhevdet Rexhepi and operating under the brands Viva Fresh Store and Super Kit-Go, the company has stores in both Kosovo and North Macedonia.

A recent industry analysis by Data4X placed Viva Fresh Store as the fifth-largest retail group in the Western Balkans, with a turnover of €425 million, behind only Fortenova Group (€1.51 billion), Maxi (€1.32 billion), Bingo (€966 million) and Lidl (€797 million).

The company’s focus on local partnerships and sustainable practices has driven its success and strengthened the regional economy.