Lidl Spain has announced plans to invest around €230 million in its operations this year – adding 20 new stores, expanding its logistics network, and increasing the purchasing and export of Spanish products.
The retailer has commenced construction at its logistics platform in Martorell, Barcelona, which is set to be its largest logistics investment in Spain.
In 2022, Lidl Spain invested over €350 million in opening around 40 stores, boosting its position as the third-largest operator in the food distribution market in the country in terms of market share.
The company also continued to expand its logistics infrastructure, completing a new logistics platform in Escúzar, Granada, and acquiring two new plots: in Constantí, Tarragona, and Villadangos del Páramo, in León.
As a result of these investments, Lidl now operates more than 670 stores and 12 warehouses in Spain.
Net sales for the 2022 financial year reached €6.08 billion – up by 18% year on year.
In this period, the discounter purchased goods worth a record €6.7 billion – up by 17%, compared to 2021 – from Spanish suppliers, of which fruit and vegetables accounted for €2.7 billion (up by 9%).
Spanish Exports
Lidl Spain also set a new record for the export of Spanish products, which amounted to €3.5 billion and was shipped to around 30 countries.
The company created 1,000 new direct jobs, taking its workforce to 18,500 people, which is a 40% increase in just five years.
Notable initiatives aimed at boosting efficiency and sustainability include the roll-out of electronic price labels, for which €50 million was invested, and the launch of an 'anti-waste bag', consisting of fruit and vegetables that do not meet aesthetic standards, but are suitable for consumption, which retails for €3.
In view of high inflation and general cost increases, Lidl Spain has tried to limit price increases for consumers by launching additional offers and promotions and absorbing part of the energy and transport costs.
'Commitment To Spanish Customers'
“In a complex year marked by multiple challenges that impacted our operations, we have managed to maintain our sustainable growth path in Spain by remaining faithful to our commitment to Spanish customers,” said Lidl Spain’s corporate general manager, Ferran Figueras.
Claus Grande, general manager of Lidl Spain, added, “We have focused all our efforts on putting people first with actions that protect the purchasing power of our employees and contribute to further savings for our customers."
