The post Employee recognition across SPAR on Supermarket Employee Day appeared first on SPAR International.
]]>The 13,996 SPAR stores worldwide that sell food and grocery items are the backbones of our communities. SPAR employees work daily to keep shelves stocked and to provide communities with essential services that help them thrive.
On Supermarket Employee Day, we celebrate SPAR employees across the network who continue to serve their local communities.
The remarkable work of SPAR employees does not go unnoticed. Throughout the network, retailers and their teams have been recognised through awards.
SPAR Australia awards SPAR stores for excellence across different categories, including fresh food, food-to-go, store formats and Community. SPAR Australia also has a ‘Little SPAR Award’ which recognises the contribution to SPAR and the independent industry by SPAR Independent Retailers. In 2023, the family run SPAR store in Malanda received the award recognising their vital role in the local community.
In Austria, approximately half of the 1,428 stores are run by independent retailers. With this in mind, SPAR Austria presents the “SPAR Golden Fir” awards to the top independent retailers in each of the six regions each year.
On European Retail Day in December 2023, SPAR Hungary highlighted the importance of the profession by recognising two SPAR colleagues. Magdolna Bíróné Kósa, deputy manager of the INTERSPAR Hypermarket in Székesfehérvár, and Sándor Polyák, a respected independent retailer, were both honoured for their contributions in the company’s store network.
Similarly, SPAR Sri Lanka brings all 670 team members together each year to celebrate success at an annual awards ceremony. Recent graduates as well as those reaching significant milestones at the company are highlighted, as well as award winners. In 2023, the coveted Star Performer of the Year award was won by Lakshitha Dissanayake. The ‘Think Retail’ award was given to Lakmali Igalahewa, and the ‘Think DC’ award was won by Dinusha Yatiwella.
Across SPAR, the retailers become integral parts of the local community. This is the case with Susan Hutchinson and her family, who run a SPAR store in Scotland. The Hutchinson family have owned and operated the store for over 65 years, and are staples in the community. Susan took over the store from her father, and runs it alongside her son Ryan.
Meanwhile, Xjengis Saliji opened his first SPAR store in his home town of Svendborg, Denmark at the age of 25. Xjengis has been involved in retail since the age of 15, and worked his way up the SPAR ladder and gaining experience before opening his own store. Now, Xjengis and his 17 team members operate the SPAR store in Christianvej, focusing on creating a friendly atmosphere and strong community bond, in addition to a diverse product range.
Sources: SPAR Austria, SPAR Australia, SPAR Hungary, SPAR Denmark, SPAR UK and SPAR Sri Lanka.
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]]>The post SPAR Netherlands named Top Employer for third consecutive year appeared first on SPAR International.
]]>The Top Employers Institute, known for its globally recognised programme, supports organisations in evaluating, comparing, and optimising their work environment, based on over 400 HR criteria. Only a select few companies that excel in all essential aspects during the rigorous audit receive the certification.
SPAR Netherlands was again awarded its Top Employer status for its outstanding performance in diverse areas. These include talent management, business strategy, work environment, and the promotion of diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.
Marie-José Rutten, Director of HR & Organisational Development at SPAR Netherlands said: “Despite these challenging times, we took another great step last year. For example, by investing in the areas of involvement, self-management of development and vitality”.
John van der Ent, CEO SPAR Netherlands, highlighted that everyone in the organisation shares the vision of the company as a good employer. “At SPAR, we believe fully in being a good employer. A lot of work and time is dedicated to ensuring this recognition is deserved and to its retention. The results of our efforts prove that being a good employer benefits everyone. Our culture and working atmosphere reflect what we stand for and how we all work together. The fact that we are performing better than the benchmark reflects this.”
In 2024, important themes are again on the agenda, continuing the momentum gained in the past few years. The company will continue to take steps in the areas that determine the happiness at work of employees, such as mental wellbeing and togetherness.
Source: SPAR Netherlands
Read more about SPAR Netherlands
The SPAR brand was founded in the Netherlands in 1932 by the Dutch wholesaler Adriaan van Well. It was established as a voluntary chain of grocers under the name DESPAR – an acronym of a slogan created by van Well to describe the organisation: Door Eendrachtig Samenwerken Profiteren Allen Regelmatig. SPAR Netherlands’ main distribution centre in Waalwijk supports licensed independent retailers operating throughout the country.
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]]>The post The importance of people in SPAR: Contact International appeared first on SPAR International.
]]>In this feature article in Contact International, we look at some of the great work undertaken by SPAR country organisations to develop and support colleagues, including training courses, leadership programmes, wellbeing courses and award recognition. To read this feature article, and more in Contact International, click here.
SPAR International’s Contact International magazine is available in five languages (English, German, Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese). The online quarterly publication covers a wide range of retail industry subjects, reflecting our diverse and global business.
If you would like to subscribe to the online version, please send us an email.
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]]>The post SPAR Italy regional partner Maiora certified as Top Employer appeared first on SPAR International.
]]>The Top Employers Institute issue the Top Employer Certification following in-depth analysis of the conditions of a company’s working standards. The research looks at different key areas, ranging from corporate governance, organisation and development, talent acquisition, engagement, and alignment with the company’s mission and values.
This prestigious certificate officially recognises Maiora’s commitment to international standards in vital HR areas and excellent HR policies. Additionally, Maiora became the first large-scale retail organisation to receive the Equal Salary certification, showcasing Maiora’s pioneering initiatives in ensuring equal pay and opportunities.
Pippo Cannillo, president and CEO of DESPAR Centro-Sud, said that the certification is a tangible demonstration of the company’s dedication to employees.
Source: DESPAR Italia
Read more news about SPAR Italy
SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, was first granted the SPAR Brand’s license in 1959. The first store opened in 1960. With it, SPAR became the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in the country. In addition, SPAR Italy licenses regional partners, all of whom work together to grow the brand across the country.
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]]>The post SPAR Austria surveys apprentices to support courses offered appeared first on SPAR International.
]]>Randomly selected SPAR apprentices from across Austria were surveyed on topics such as future prospects, SPAR as an employer, and the quality of training. The aim of the survey was to better understand the requirements of apprentices and to be able to offer tailor-made training courses in an even more targeted manner.
“SPAR Austria is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year – and people have been training in the company for just as long. Excellent teaching by the most experienced trainers has always been a major concern for SPAR Austria. However, due to demographic developments, there are fewer and fewer young people and it is difficult to fill all the existing apprenticeship positions. In order to attract the most motivated people, employers have to be creative. And what speaks in favour of SPAR Austria as an employer is, in addition to outstanding social benefits, the family working atmosphere and the many opportunities that open up in a trading group that is successful beyond Austria’s borders, says SPAR Austria CEO Hans K. Reisch.
The social benefits that all SPAR Austria employees have include: a loyalty bonus for employees, discounts on insurance, or immediate discounts at the sports apparel company. Apprentices can earn bonuses worth over 6,700 euros during their apprenticeship – these are some of the highest apprentice bonuses in the Austrian food retail sector. SPAR Austria pays above the statutory apprentice income and apprentices receive a guarantee of full-time employment including an increased starting salary after successfully completing their apprenticeship.
“I am grateful to be able to keep our family business on the road to success with the best employees. This makes it all the more special as an apprentice to get to know the company really well and to develop as an individual after the apprenticeship. There is plenty of professional and personal development potential at SPAR Austria, both at home and abroad. Numerous SPARians have held various positions within the group during their careers which is encouraged, ” says SPAR Austria CEO Hans K. Reisch.
There are a total of 24 different apprenticeships to choose from. Excellent training awaits the apprentices in the market, at seminars and in the SPAR Academy in Vienna or in the SPAR Academy classes in the federal states.
In addition to the apprenticeship and high school diploma, SPAR Austria offers the opportunity to start working in the food industry after graduation. Tomorrow’s managers will get to know the market from the ground up – just like all SPAR apprentices. Training places are limited and are initially offered exclusively in the federal states of Lower Austria and Vienna.
Source: SPAR Austria
Read more about SPAR Austria
The origins of SPAR in Austria date back to 1954, but 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. With licences granted by SPAR International, ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG) has developed the brand in Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, and Northern Italy.
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]]>The post SPAR Gran Canaria butchery school creates twelve new jobs appeared first on SPAR International.
]]>The local supermarket group has pioneered a training programme to establish a qualified and certified pool of butchery staff. This addresses the scarcity of this type of professional due to a lack of specialised training and trade knowledge.
Participants in the first two training series of the SPAR Gran Canaria Butchery School completed an 80-hour programme to quality. This consists of 30 hours of theoretical training both online and in-person at SPAR Gran Canaria headquarters, and 50 hours of practical training at the Gran Canaria Island Slaughterhouse and SPAR Supermarket butchery sections.
Developed in collaboration with Adecco, the school concluded two successful editions in 2023, with 13 participants earning diplomas. The programme exceeded expectations by generating 12 new jobs for graduates in SPAR Supermarkets’ butchery sections in Gran Canaria.
Naira Quintana, Human Resources Director of SPAR Gran Canaria, highlighted the Butchery School’s commitment to job creation. She expressed satisfaction with surpassing the goal by hiring 92% of the 13 participants from the 2023 editions for a minimum six-month period.
The SPAR Gran Canaria group is gearing up for 2024 trainings, focusing on quality and specialised training with a third edition planned for the first quarter. The upcoming programme aims to maintain small groups while accommodating a larger quota, covering topics such as meat differentiation, butcher section protocols, and customer service skills.
Source: SPAR Gran Canaria
Read more about SPAR Spain.
SPAR Spain was founded in 1959 when a group of wholesalers who wished to join an international organisation came together. As a result, the brand became the first voluntary trading chain to be established in Spain, having been granted a license by SPAR International. Together, 13 regional SPAR wholesalers actively continue the expansion of the brand across the country.
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]]>The post SPAR Austria promotes regionality and independent retailing appeared first on SPAR International.
]]>The recently renovated and extended EUROSPAR Supermarket Brixlegg boasts a 1,000m² sales area, creating an inviting shopping experience. The strategically located store places an emphasis on regional food and sustainability. There is a market-style fresh area plus a wide range of products available, including SPAR own brands. The friendly team of 40 members and three apprentices meet customers needs. Local treats enhance the shopping experience, comprising locally sourced specialties well known to customers. The EUROSPAR Supermarket in Brixlegg has contemporary architecture, integrated energy-efficient equipment, and ample parking facilities plus four e-charging stations for convenient and sustainable mobility in the Tyrolean lowlands.
Atdhetar Rama, 32, with 16 years of experience in the food retail sector, assumed management of the 500m² SPAR supermarket on Neutorstrasse in Salzburg-Riedenburg in December. Rama recently completed a multi-month trainee programme to become an independent SPAR entrepreneur. Starting as an apprentice at a SPAR store in Itzling, he progressed to store manager at a EUROSPAR Supermarket in Herrnau in 2015 before managing another large supermarket. Rama focuses on providing an extensive delicatessen and fresh meat department, along with a commitment to first-class customer service. This SPAR store meets the needs of Riedenburg residents, the old town, commuters, and students.
Patricia Sepetavc, Managing Director of SPAR Salzburg and Tyrol, was delighted with the opening of the modern and eco-friendly EUROSPAR Supermarket in Brixlegg. She welcomed Atdhetar Rama becoming an independent retailer, highlighting his leadership skills and positive approach with employees and customers.
Source: SPAR Austria
Read more about SPAR Austria
The origins of SPAR in Austria date back to 1954, but 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. With licences granted by SPAR International, ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG) has developed the brand in Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, and Northern Italy.
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]]>The post SPAR Gran Canaria customers donate 30+ tonnes to food bank appeared first on SPAR International.
]]>During the campaign, held from November 24 – 26, volunteers from the Food Bank were present in all 156 SPAR Gran Canaria stores, collecting shoppers’ donations. The contributions included essential grocery products which could be purchased instore and were highlighted by dedicated spaces in the stores. The volunteers can also inform shoppers about the food drive and the work of the food bank. This year, customers donated an amazing 30,552 kilograms of food products for the campaign.
SPAR Gran Canaria’s President Ángel Medina, Vice-President José López, and Managing Director Dunia Pérez, presented this significant donation to the President of the Las Palmas Food Bank, Pedro Llorca, at the SPAR logistics centre in El Goro, Telde.
Through this 25-year partnership, SPAR Gran Canaria has consistently supported the Las Palmas Food Bank. In 2023, SPAR delivered over 61,000 kilos of solidarity goods donated to support this cause. Each year, in June and December, a food collection campaign is run in all SPAR stores on the island.
Source: SPAR Gran Canaria.
Read more about SPAR Spain.
SPAR Spain was founded in 1959 when a group of wholesalers who wished to join an international organisation came together. As a result, the brand became the first voluntary trading chain to be established in Spain, having been granted a license by SPAR International. Together, 13 regional SPAR wholesalers actively continue the expansion of the brand across the country.
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]]>The post SPAR Hungary customers donate 200 tonnes of food appeared first on SPAR International.
]]>This December, SPAR Hungary partnered with the Hungarian Order of Malta to again run the ‘Joy to Give!’ (Adni Öröm!) Christmas campaign. During the campaign, volunteers were located at selected SPAR and INTERSPAR stores to accept food donations from customers. Shoppers could donate food items like sugar, pasta, canned goods, and sweets to support families in need this Christmas. Customers could also donate in other forms such as charity donation cards which were available both instore or online.
SPAR Hungary commissioned research which showed that 9 out of 10 people agree that donations, no matter what size, can be useful and beneficial for those in need. The campaign focus followed this message: that even the smallest of donations could make a difference this festive season. This was the inspiration for the campaign tagline: “Your donation is worth treasures”.
Nearly 200 tonnes of food was donated by SPAR customers supporting the campaign this Christmas. Additionally, more than 6.3 million Hungarian Forints (HUF) was donated through the donation cards purchased in the SPAR online shop and instore, with supporters donating another 5 million HUF Maltese Charity Service website. The donations will help 25,000 thousand families across the country who will receive food gift boxes before the holidays.
As a socially responsible organisation, SPAR Hungary actively participates in important causes, and supporting families and children in need is one of its key charitable goals. This is the 27th time that the Joy to Give! campaign has run in SPAR and INTERSPAR stores, reflecting the spirit of ‘better together’ which is inherent to the brand.
Source: SPAR Hungary
Read more about SPAR Hungary
The first SPAR Supermarket opened in Hungary in 1992, following the acquisition by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG) of a majority stake in General Kereskedelmi Rt. SPAR Hungary is one of the country’s largest employers, with a network of company-owned and independently run stores operating nationwide.
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]]>The post SPAR Georgia officially launches the SPAR Academy appeared first on SPAR International.
]]>SPAR Georgia pay close attention to the professional development and qualifications of its employees. An important element in providing this development is the SPAR Academy, which officially opened its doors in November. This project, first halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, became a priority for SPAR Georgia due to the company’s rapid growth.
The SPAR Academy will provide seminars, trainings, and master classes designed for both head office and store employees. Throughout the teaching and learning process, SPAR Georgia employs modern educational techniques and methods to ensure a dynamic learning experience. The academy is staffed by a dedicated team of trainers committed to enhancing both professional and personal skills among employees. Additionally, experienced professionals from various departments within the company actively participate in the training sessions and share their knowledge and expertise with others.
The SPAR Academy has contemporary standards and workspaces, including a store simulation room. There is also space for students to relax and study in the SPAR Academy.
The SPAR Academy will oversee the recruitment process for store employees in the future. New team members will undergo training in operational procedures, which will provide significant advantages to SPAR stores in Georgia. Furthermore, SPAR Georgia plans to extend the services of the SPAR Academy to its licensed retailers in future, maximising the value and use of the SPAR Academy.
Source: SPAR Georgia.
Read more news from SPAR Georgia.
Foodmart, an existing food retailer with a solid and successful business, was granted the licence to operate the SPAR brand in Georgia in early 2014. SPAR Georgia stores offer a good selection of fresh produce and traditional Georgian baked goods, complemented by a localised food-to-go proposal. Local producers and entrepreneurs are supported through a strong programme of engagement with start-ups and small-scale producers.
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