Supermarkets and hypermarkets in Italy - statistics & facts

The food retail landscape in Italy is undergoing a transformation as discount stores witness a surge in market share, challenging the traditional dominance of supermarkets and hypermarkets. In the face of inflation and financial constraints, customers are gravitating towards discounters to cut down on grocery expenses. However, supermarkets and hypermarkets continue to lead the country's food retail industry, showcasing growth, albeit at a slower pace compared to their more affordable format counterparts.

Market leaders

In 2022, supermarkets in Italy achieved sales totaling close to 56 billion euros, more than twice the sales of discount stores in the country. Their number also experienced a modest but steady growth in recent years, reaching nearly 11,000 in 2021. Among grocery retailers, the country's leadership position was held by Conad, acronym of Consorzio Nazionale Dettaglianti, a company formed by five cooperatives that collectively unite 2,348 retailers. Selex, another retailer operating through three banners active in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and cash and carry channels, followed closely. Its revenue in 2022 was comparable to that of Conad, and by 2023, it had reached 18.5 billion euros. Other significant players in the industry included Coop, another cooperative, Esselunga, a chain based in northern Italy, and Gruppo VéGé, a conglomerate that operates multiple banners instead of using its own brand name.

Consumer behavior

Food inflation has had a significant impact on consumer shopping behavior, leading some to explore alternative options such as discount stores. However, when it came to choosing their preferred grocer, Italian consumers prioritized convenience over affordability. As a result, supermarkets continue to be the top choice for Italians, with 81 percent selecting them as their primary grocery shopping destination. Hypermarkets came in as the second choice, favored by 47 percent of consumers. The preferences for store brands aligned closely with the market share of retailers. Notably, Conad emerged as the preferred choice for half of Italian consumers when it came to shopping for groceries. Spazio Conad, the hypermarket chain of the company, was also recognized as the most affordable store for own-brand products in 2023. On the other hand, when it comes to name-brand products, Esselunga’s and Famila’s hypermarket chains, were considered the most affordable options.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Feb 15, 2024

Key insights

Leading retailer in Italy by net sales per square meter
Esselunga
Number of hypermarkets in Italy
702
Leading region in Italy by number of supermarkets
Lombardy
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Leading supermarket chains in Italy in 2022, by market share

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Leading supermarket chains in Italy based on cumulative income from 2017 to 2021 (in million euros)

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Average retail space of the leading food retailers in Italy in 2022 (in squared meters)

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Overview

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Overview

Conad

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Conad

Selex

4

Selex

Coop Italia

4

Coop Italia

Esselunga

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Esselunga

Gruppo VéGé

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Price and expenditure

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Consumer behavior

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Consumer behavior

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