According to European Supermarket Magazine, retail sales in Romania started 2023 rather slowly, with a growth of 2.8% in February, according to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS). The overall sales figure was driven by a 7.4% increase in food sales for the month of March.

Like in other European markets, inflation has impacted Romanian households, with the annual inflation rate in March 2023 being 14.5% higher than the same month in the previous year. However, at the same time, recent wage increases have managed to somewhat offset this, indicating that Romania is better positioned than other markets in the ECE to cope with inflationary challenges.

Here is an overview of the top ten retail supermarket chains in Romania, based on the latest available full-year revenue figures. All data is provided by Retail-Index (www.retail-index.com).

1. Lidl & Kaufland

Turnover: EUR 5.35 billion (2020)

Retailers Kaufland and Lidl, owned by the Schwarz Group, occupy the first place in Romania, with Kaufland having around 15 stores and Lidl with 320 sales points as of last year. Lidl and Kaufland reported a combined turnover of €5.35 billion in 2020.

2. Carrefour

Turnover: EUR 1.91 billion (2021)

The French multinational retailer Carrefour operates several store formats in Romania, under the Carrefour Contact, Carrefour Express and Carrefour Market banners. Carrefour has a total of 343 sales points in the country and reported a turnover of 1.91 billion euros in 2021.

3. Profi

Turnover: EUR 1.89 billion (2020)

Profi is a Romanian retail chain that operates over 1,600 stores throughout the country. The group was taken over by MEP Retail Investments in 2017.

4. Mega Image

Turnover: EUR 1.52 billion (2021)

Part of the Ahold Delhaize network, Mega Image operates more than 900 stores across the country under the Mega Image (511 outlets as of last year) and Shop&Go (400 stores) banners. The company reported a turnover of 1.52 billion euros in 2021.

5. Auchan

Turnover: EUR 1.29 billion (2021)

Having a presence in Romania since 2005, Auchan operates both hypermarkets and supermarkets in the country. The French retailer has a total of 40 stores in Romania and reported a turnover of 1.29 billion euros in 2021.

6. Metro C&C

Turnover: EUR 1.2 billion (estimated, 2021)

The wholesale trade giant Metro Cash & Carry operates two banners in Romania: La Doi Pasi and Metro. The company has a total of 30 points of sale in the country and reported an estimated turnover of 1.2 billion euros in 2021.

7. REWE

Turnover: EUR 1.01 billion (2021)

The German retailer REWE operates several store formats in Romania, including Penny, Penny XXL and XXL Mega Discount. The company has a total of 311 stores in Romania and reported a turnover of 1.01 billion euros in 2021.

8. Selgros

Turnover: EUR 810 million (2021)

The cash-and-carry operator Selgros has 21 stores in Romania and reported a turnover of 810 million euros in 2021. It has been present in the country since 2001.

9. Cora

Turnover: EUR 315 million (2021)

Cora is a French retail company that operates 13 hypermarkets in Romania. The group, which has a presence in the country since 2007, reported a turnover of 315 million euros in 2021.

10. CBA

Turnover: N/A