Its 2015 revenue makes it the third largest company operating in Romania, ahead of Rompetrol and behind Automobile Dacia SA and OMV Petrom SA.
Kaufland had initially set this goal for 2018, but achieved it three years earlier, because of fast-paced expansion, low price policy and food VAT cut.
“We constantly focus on our main competencies, selling foods and everyday products,” said Marco Hößl, chief executive officer of Kaufland Romania.
The retailer therefore doubled its revenue in 2011-2015, thanks to a fast-paced expansion, adding more than EUR1 billion to it. The network only increased by 50% in size from 71 to 107 discount hypermarkets.
Kaufland achieved its 33% increase in sales last year despite the slower expansion pace, only five new stores. The consumer spending rebound and the VAT cut helped it cement is number one position in the local retail sector, ahead of Carrefour (EUR1.5 billion to EUR1.7 billion revenue, according to ZF estimates) and Auchan (EUR1 billion).
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)