Retail group > Rewe Group
Rewe Group
The REWE Group is one of Europe's leading retail and tourism cooperatives, headquartered in Cologne, Germany. Founded in 1927 as the 'Revisionsverband der Westkaufgenossenschaften' (Western Buying Co-operatives Auditing Association), it began when 17 purchasing cooperatives united to collectively organize food procurement. Today, it has evolved into a major international player with a strong focus on food retail, operating under various brands across Germany and 20 other countries.
In its home market of Germany, the REWE Group is a dominant force in food retail, managing approximately 6,000 stores including REWE supermarkets, PENNY discounters, and nahkauf convenience stores. REWE, with over 3,800 stores, stands as one of Germany's top food retailers, operated either as subsidiaries or by independent retailers. These outlets cater to everyday grocery needs, offering a wide assortment of fresh produce, packaged foods, beverages, and beauty products. The group emphasizes quality, sustainability, and customer convenience, with online services like delivery and pickup available at rewe.de, positioning it as a leader in digital food retail.
Complementing its retail operations, the REWE Group maintains extensive logistics and production facilities, including the bakery Glocken Bäckerei and quality butcher Wilhelm Brandenburg. Its commitment to sustainability is notable: since 2008, all stores, travel agencies, and offices have run on 100% renewable electricity. The group employs around 380,000 people globally, with a significant portion in Germany supporting its vast network of stores, headquarters, and logistics.
- Key Retail Brands in Germany:
- REWE: Full-service supermarkets for comprehensive grocery shopping.
- PENNY: Discount stores focusing on value-for-money food and household essentials.
- nahkauf: Small-format convenience stores for quick purchases.
Financially robust, the REWE Group reported consolidated sales of €87.9 billion for the RZF Group in recent figures, reflecting steady growth. Internationally, it operates around 3,500 supermarkets and stores under brands like BILLA and BIPA drugstores, though Germany accounts for over 70% of total revenue. Beyond food retail, it includes DIY stores like toom Baumarkt and B1 Discount, but its core strength lies in groceries, drinks, and beauty categories.
As a cooperative, REWE Group prioritizes ecological and social responsibility, integrating sustainability into its mission since 2008. This appeals to suppliers seeking reliable partnerships with a network reaching millions of customers daily. Its public affairs team advocates for trade interests in Cologne, Berlin, and Brussels, ensuring a stable operating environment.
With around 16,000 stores and travel agencies group-wide, REWE Group's German operations provide prime opportunities for manufacturers in food, beverages, and beauty to connect with discerning consumers through diverse formats.
Headquarters
Cologne, Germany
Phone number
Facts and figures
5000 to 9999
Stores worldwide
Turnover
Global workforce
Rewe International Ag
Rewe Handels Czech Republic
Rewe Handels Hungary
Penny Romania
Penny Market Bulgaria
Penny Market Italy
Rewe Handels Thailand
Billa Slovakia
Billa Ukraine
Iki Lithuania