Enilive and SPAR Austria expand DESPAR Express forecourt stores

The goal is to offer customers a wider selection and better shopping options, including outside of regular opening hours. The food and catering offerings include a particularly large number of original Italian products within the available supermarket range. All SPAR branded products, as well as bread, pastries, fruit, and vegetables, are priced the same as in the supermarket.

Successful partnership

Following a highly successful test phase and the launch of the first DESPAR Express forecourt stores in Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz, Enilive Austria and SPAR Austria decided to strategically expand their cooperation. This will create a dense network of modern forecourt stores reflecting an Italian lifestyle available throughout Austria. The next three locations are scheduled to open during June in Ybbs, Vienna, and Steyr.

“With Enilive Austria, we have found the perfect partner for our forecourt stores, one that focuses on service and excellence. With the significant expansion of DESPAR Express forecourt stores to over 70 locations by 2028, we are jointly enabling customers to enjoy an even better shopping experience, available around the clock. The shops offer a wide selection of fresh snacks and high quality groceries at supermarket prices, with a taste of Italian lifestyle for everyday life,” says SPAR Austria CEO Hans K. Reisch.

Enilive Austria operates the largest number of branded petrol stations in Austria and is represented in the domestic market with over 320 locations. HVOlution – a biofuel produced 100% from renewable raw materials such as waste and residues (in accordance with the Renewable Energy Directive) – is offered at 43 of these locations.

Marco Damonte, Managing Director of Enilive Austria, explains: “Enilive stations are developing into mobility hubs that can offer traditional and innovative energy sources, such as HVOlution, diesel fuel made from renewable raw materials, as well as additional services to all customers. SPAR Austria is a strong partner capable of meeting high standards not only in terms of product range but also in terms of design, conveying the Italian lifestyle.”

Bella Italia

DESPAR Express forecourt stores offer a grocery assortment of around 1,500 products in spaces of up to 80m², providing everything from snacks to fresh ingredients for a cooked meal. The assortment is optimised for the sales area and consists of international branded items and hundreds of SPAR and DESPAR Own Brand products with an Italian focus. The supermarket price guarantee applies to SPAR and DESPAR own brand products ensuring products are just as affordable as in a SPAR Supermarket.

In addition to the usual snacks and light meals, the popular holiday classics from the Enilive Café range are also offered in the food and beverage area. The successful Lavazza coffee concept will be retained at DESPAR Express locations, thus rounding off the Italian focus.

Bright design, pleasant atmosphere

The modern shop design is reminiscent of a small Italian supermarket. The new DESPAR Express forecourt stores impress with a modern, bright, and inviting design. Warm materials, such as wood and marble decor, an open-plan layout, and clean lines, create a pleasant shopping atmosphere – ideal for a quick shopping trip on the go or a short coffee break.

Source: SPAR Austria

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About SPAR Austria

The origins of the SPAR brand in Austria date back to 1954. The current SPAR AG was created in 1970 when the original founding families joined other regional wholesalers to form SPAR Austria AG – a 100% privately owned Austrian company. Company-owned stores operate throughout the country in the multi-format retail strategy developed since the 1960’s whilst independent retailers operate under sub-license from SPAR Austria and continue building the brand’s presence.