SPAR Hungary has invested over €14 million in modernising its stores nationwide, focusing on improving customer experience, expanding self-service options, and integrating sustainable technologies.
As part of the initiative, seven supermarkets across Hungary have been upgraded, including locations in Győr, Nyíregyháza, Mátészalka, Erdőkertes, Esztergom, Kőszeg and Törökszentmiklós. These extensive renovations required investments ranging from €1.21 million to over €3 million per store.
Key improvements across the stores include updated aesthetics and optimised layouts – often prioritising the fresh-produce and bakery sections – the introduction or expansion of self-service checkouts alongside traditional ones, and new SPAR to Go or self-service grill concepts for quick meals, the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting and CO₂ refrigeration systems, as well as expanded refrigeration, for a wider selection of fresh products and improved displays.
Ultra-Fresh Convenience Products
SPAR Hungary is also upgrading its convenience food delivery and offerings. The SPAR ENJOY plant in Üllő now utilises a dedicated fleet of refrigerated vans to deliver ultra-fresh, ‘gas-free’ convenience foods daily to SPAR and City SPAR stores. This ensures that items like freshly made salads, sandwiches, and fruit salads – produced overnight – are available on shelves by the next morning.
The ‘protective gas-free packaging’ method helps maintain the home-made quality of these products, which are currently available in almost 20 stores and planned for expansion to over 100 stores by late 2026. Seasonal fruit salads have also been introduced, in various portion sizes.
In addition, SPAR stores have revamped their cold kitchen counters. They now offer mayonnaise-based salads in pre-packed sizes (150, 200 and 300 grams) instead of frozen options. This not only streamlines operations and improves presentation, but also extends the shelf life from three days to 12-17, effectively reducing food waste. Popular items have seen significant sales growth, with seasonal favourites returning.