A new chapter in the premium food market: Chef Market acquires Culinaris wholesale and retail business units

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 05. 16. 11:42

A major transformation is taking place in Hungary’s premium food sector: Chef Market Zrt., a leading HoReCa wholesaler, has acquired the wholesale business of Culinaris Wholesale Kft. along with Culinaris’ three Budapest-based retail stores. With the transaction, both the wholesale and retail operations of Culinaris will come under the full ownership of Chef Market.

Strengthening market position, expanding portfolio

Chef Market Zrt. closed 2024 with a net revenue of nearly HUF 20 billion, and this acquisition further strengthens its position in the domestic premium food market. For 22 years, Culinaris has been a key player in the segment, offering gourmet products from six continents in its own stores and supplying high-end ingredients to numerous restaurants and hospitality businesses through its wholesale unit.

The three retail outlets included in the transaction are:

the Culinaris store on Balassi Bálint Street in Pest,
the store in the Hegyvidék Shopping Center in Buda,
and the location on Perc Street, also in Buda.

In 2024, Culinaris Wholesale Kft. generated HUF 2.6 billion in revenue, while the three retail stores achieved HUF 2.3 billion. Taking into account the HUF 1.2 billion in internal transfers between the two units, the consolidated revenue of Culinaris in 2024 totaled HUF 3.7 billion.

Chef Market builds on synergies

“This acquisition creates a synergy that combines the strengths of both companies and delivers new value for business partners and end customers alike,” emphasized Andrejszki Richárd, CEO of Chef Market. According to him, the transaction allows HoReCa sector players to access the premium products distributed by Culinaris, while Chef Market’s own products will now also be available to retail customers through the Culinaris store network.

Chef Market’s logistics system serves nearly 2,000 partners weekly, with a strong focus on maintaining personal business relationships. In the past weeks, the company’s staff have personally contacted all Culinaris suppliers and partners to ensure a smooth transition.

Continuity and new opportunities

Chef Market aims to preserve Culinaris’ existing supplier relationships and brand values, while at the same time opening up new opportunities for both partners and customers. Through the integration, customers can expect an expanded product range, stable background services, and high-level customer care—all with wholesale and retail operations now unified under one umbrella.

The acquisition not only marks a step toward market consolidation but also reflects a shared vision built on quality, accessibility, and strong partner engagement.