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‍Independent stores survived 2020 with relatively low losses. Moreover, as many as 70% of them managed to grow their business and implement new business ideas, according to the first impact report¹ Eurocash Groups.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, most, 72% of small and medium-sized businesses, experienced either a decrease in revenue at higher or unchanged costs or unchanged revenues at higher costs². Against this background, the owners of independent stores fare relatively well. The latest Eurocash Group report shows that the decline in revenues in 2020 affected about half of entrepreneurs in this sector, with those associated in franchises much less affected (41% compared to 51% of non-affiliates).

With the help of future innovations

Despite the challenges, as many as 3/4 of the entrepreneurs who took part in the Eurocash survey managed to modernize their store or implement new business ideas in it during the epidemic. As many as 65% of respondents decided to launch new forms of delivery — purchases with in-store pickup, door-to-door delivery or goods brought in on demand. Other changes concerned new product categories in the range (as many as 50% of entrepreneurs introduced them), communication with the customer (35%), advertising activities (33%) and space arrangement (32%). Almost every fifth store has also introduced new forms of payment. There was also no shortage of “life” decisions — as many as 19% of entrepreneurs opened a new premises during this period, established cooperation with a franchise network or made a significant investment in order to increase competitiveness.

It's easier to grow with a partner

Interestingly, the Eurocash report shows that franchise store owners were twice as likely to show courage in 2020 — they were more willing to turn to innovations and make bold business decisions.

— The percentage share of the Eurocash Group in the impact on the business development of its customers is as much as 41%. The greatest impact, as much as 66%, is on the innovation of the entrepreneurs with whom we cooperate. Contributing to this is primarily the educational offer that we implement through the Eurocash Skills Academy, as well as marketing support and inspiration in the field of new technologies that we give to our customers on a daily basis. A project that really encourages entrepreneurs to implement innovative solutions and which we have been implementing regularly for several years is also the Heroes of Polish Entrepreneurship competition. As part of it, we reward those who do the most for their businesses and local communities — says Pedro Martinho, Member of the Management Board of the Eurocash Group.

Eurocash Group with first impact report

The report on the impact of the Eurocash Group on the business development of its Clients for 2020 is the first publication of its kind on the Polish market. It was prepared on the basis of a survey of entrepreneurs cooperating with the Group in 2020. The majority of respondents (89%) run 1 store, most often in central and south-western Poland, in rural or urban areas up to 20,000 inhabitants. They are associated with Eurocash most often from 5 to 10 years.

¹ Source: Report on the impact of the Eurocash Group on the entrepreneurial development of its Clients for 2020. Edition I, https://grupaeurocash.pl/assets/media/grupaeurocash-raport-wplywu-2020.pdf Accessed: 14.09.2021 Unless otherwise indicated, the data cited in the text come from the aforementioned publication.

² Source: 2nd edition of the “COVID-19 Business Pulse Survey — Poland”, jointly conducted by the World Bank and the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, https://firma.rp.pl/biznes/art17060331-spadek-sprzedazy-wciaz-duza-bolaczka-w-sektorze-msp, accessed: 27.09.2021 r.

Eurocash Group is the largest Polish company engaged in wholesale distribution of food and other fast-food products (FMCG). The company cooperates with more than 90 thousand customers, of which 70 thousand are entrepreneurs running local retail stores throughout Poland, whom Eurocash supports in the areas of distribution, marketing, new technologies and education. The Group's mission - for 26 years of its existence on the market - is to strengthen and promote Polish entrepreneurship and independent trade.

The group is also the organizer of well-known franchise, agency and partner networks such as: ABC, Groszek, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Gama, Big Ben. The company, based on franchised and own facilities, develops Delikatesy Centrum — the largest supermarket chain in Poland.

‍The campaign “We respect, we do not waste!” continues , which is designed to help retail store owners reduce food waste. This is an initiative of particular importance in the industry — it is mainly aimed at entrepreneurs running grocery stores. The campaign involved all the networks associated with the Eurocash Group: ABC, Groszek, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Gama and Delicatesy Centrum. It is also supported by the abc concept on wheels and the Frisco supermarket chain, and the social partner is Caritas Polska.

— As the largest Polish company dealing with wholesale food distribution and one of the largest organizers of franchise systems on the market, which bring together independent retail stores, we have a significant influence on the issue of non-food consumption in Poland. By engaging the entire supply chain — from production to distribution to sales — we can support smart and responsible food management. And that's what we do! We run our own non-food programs, we also work with food banks and outreach institutions. Since the beginning of 2021 alone, we have already donated more than 200 tons of products to 60 different NGOs. But we know that we can do more — because behind the great scale of action comes great responsibility. We also know that building ecological awareness is extremely important for long-term change. That's why we focus on education and direct it to the stores that cooperate with us, all over the country — says Pedro Martinho, Member of the Management Board of the Eurocash Group.

Food non-consumption is one of the most important areas covered by the Eurocash Group in its Sustainable Development Strategy 2020+. It was within this framework that the campaign was created.”We respect, we do not waste!” , aimed directly at entrepreneurs running retail stores. The Eurocash Group, actively supporting its customers, provides them with a variety of tools for business development — in this case, it is the knowledge of how to reduce food waste.

Eurocash says' no 'to food waste in stores

At the beginning of October, entrepreneurs participating in the campaign “We respect, we do not waste!” , received specially prepared materials: posters with the slogan of the campaign, serving to educate consumers in stores, and an e-book “I respect, I do not waste!” — a manual for the responsible entrepreneur and employee. There is also a series of articles on Eurocash Group Blog, which will address topics related to the current legal regulations on non-consumption of food.

In addition, on World Food Day, October 16 this year, a conference was held “We respect, we do not waste! — responsible entrepreneur, responsible shop”. Access to it was given to all interested store owners who cooperate with the Eurocash Group. Entrepreneurs will also be able to participate in a series of expert webinars on the Eurocash Skills Academy platform, dedicated to the topic of non-food consumption and legal advice in this regard.

“We respect, we do not waste!” is a unique and very substantive example of an educational campaign. It shows the social, legal and practical dimension of non-food consumption, teaches how to run your business in accordance with the principles of social responsibility, sensitizes and forms pro-ecological attitudes. At the same time, he suggests how to wisely help those in need. It is worth remembering that with a little commitment, you can really help others — share a meal, donate part of the food to those in need, skillfully use what each of us has in our fridge. In 2020, as part of the entire Caritas Pantry program, more than 60 thousand people in Poland received food support. More than 500 parish teams and more than 1600 volunteers were involved in the implementation of the program. This is thanks to our Partners, including, among others, the Eurocash Group, with whom we have been cooperating continuously since 2019 — completes Magdalena Masiak from Caritas Poland. During the entire period of cooperation, the Eurocash Group has already donated about 130 tons of food to Caritas.

Entrepreneurs increasingly committed to non-food consumption

Nearly 5 million tons of food are wasted every year in Poland^1. Products that are not used in homes and destroyed in the production, storage and trade process end up in the garbage, in which nearly 7% of food is wasted.

That is why activities aimed at different groups — including entrepreneurs running stores — are so important. Especially since they bring tangible results. First published this year.”Report on the impact of the Eurocash Group on the entrepreneurial development of its Clients for 2020“showed that 53% of the company's customers are already taking steps towards more responsible food management — reducing orders, overpricing and promoting goods with a short expiration date, and keeping an eye on the shelf life of products.

More about the campaign “We respect, we do not waste!” can be read on the site https://grupaeurocash.pl/raport-csr/szanujemy-nie-marnujemy

The full range of Eurocash Group's sustainable development activities can be found at: https://grupaeurocash.pl/o-eurocash/odpowiedzialny-biznes.

¹ Source: analysis of food losses in Poland, prepared by the Institute of Environmental Protection — National Research Institute (IOŚ-PIB) and the Warsaw School of Rural Economics (SGGW), https://ios.edu.pl/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Ograniczenie-strat-i-marnotrawstwa-zywnosci-wyzwaniem-najblizszych-lat-Konferencja-streszczenia-prelekcji.pdf

Eurocash Group is the largest Polish company engaged in wholesale distribution of food and other fast-food products (FMCG). The company cooperates with more than 90 thousand customers, of which 70 thousand are independent entrepreneurs running local retail stores throughout Poland, whom Eurocash supports in the areas of distribution, marketing, new technologies and education. The Group's mission - for 26 years of its existence on the market - is to strengthen and promote Polish entrepreneurship and independent trade.

The group is also the organizer of well-known franchise, agency and partner networks such as: ABC, Groszek, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Gama, Big Ben. The company, based on franchised and own facilities, develops Delikatesy Centrum — the largest supermarket chain in Poland.

‍The final of the second edition of the Heroes at the Start contest organized by the Eurocash Group is behind us. The jury not only awarded the 10 originally foreseen prizes to projects with a wide thematic range, but additionally decided to award three additional distinctions! We also know who received the special prize of the President of the Group in the amount of PLN 20,000. This project captured the hearts of all members of the Jury!

The Eurocash Group has been supporting the development of entrepreneurship in Poland for over 26 years. That is why she has once again organized a competition that helps young people take their first steps in business. Heroes at the Start is a program designed for people from 16 to 26 years old who want to develop their own business ideas and gain resources for their development.

During the course of the program, the qualified participants had the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial qualities, which are also competition categories, i.e.: business courage, motivation for development, innovation, perseverance in action and responsibility for others. The categories were in line with the “adult” version of the competition — Heroes of Polish Entrepreneurship (i.e. an annual, nationwide competition addressed to the owners of local retail stores cooperating with the Eurocash Group), and within each of them the teams were supervised by experienced mentors — owners of stores cooperating with the Eurocash Group.

During the final Demo Day, the participants competed for prizes worth a total of PLN 75,000, including 10 main prizes, an audience award and a special prize, awarded by the President of the Eurocash Group — Luis Amaral.

Surprise during the award ceremony

The results of the competition were announced during the V Congress of Entrepreneurs of Polish Trade, which took place on September 29, 2021 in online format. There was no small surprise for the participants. The jury not only honored 10 teams with prizes of 5 thousand PLN each, but also awarded 3 additional distinctions worth 3 thousand PLN each!

Among the winning projects were:

• in the younger group: the design of an application for the education of bee mothers; a company offering a wide range of drone filming services; an application supporting learning, a program for presenting products online; as well as a networking platform for young;
• In the older group: investor support platform design, animal services marketplace; staff management support app; functional chewing gums; as well as audio game.
• Three projects were also distinguished, which also attracted the attention of the Jury: smart, apiary project; YouTube channel supporting entrepreneurship of young people; marketplace platform for dancers.

The audience decided

As part of Heroes at the Start, the participants also had the opportunity to compete for the audience prize worth PLN 5,000, awarded based on the number of reactions in the contest post, posted on the Facebook fanpage of Heroes of Polish Entrepreneurship. She went to Błażej Mielnik, the originator of a channel about entrepreneurship for young people.

Special prize — this idea delighted the jury!

The President of the Eurocash Group, Luis Amaral, also chose the winner of a special prize of as much as PLN 20,000. She went to project OddySee, by Krystian Piecychna. The winning project involves the creation of an audio game, based mainly on the auditory sensations and imagination of the player. The author of the concept also develops it with the blind in mind. In total, the originator of OddySee won as much as PLN 25,000 in the competition — as part of its competition category and the President's award.

Young, capable, enterprising

Before the participants presented their ideas in front of the Jury, they took part in workshops and a mentoring program. There they could gain practical knowledge in the field of running their own business and presenting their business plan. They worked under the guidance of experienced trainers from the Startup Academy, as well as mentors — entrepreneurs cooperating with the Eurocash Group.

— Programs like Heroes at the Start remind us how great potential and strength lies in young people. After all, they are the future of business! In addition, during the competition, novice entrepreneurs had the opportunity to talk with “senior colleagues” - entrepreneurs cooperating with the Eurocash Group, draw on their knowledge and experience. Such intergenerational cooperation and exchange of experience is of great value to everyone — older and younger alike. As it happens, the Congress, during which the results of the competition were announced, was held under the slogan “Generation P - We are united by the strength of generations!”. It's hard to get a better summary of the program. — says Pedro Martinho, Member of the Management Board of the Eurocash Group.

Eurocash Group is the largest Polish company engaged in wholesale distribution of food and other fast-food products (FMCG). The company cooperates with more than 90 thousand customers, of which 70 thousand are independent entrepreneurs running local retail stores throughout Poland, whom Eurocash supports in the areas of distribution, marketing, new technologies and education. The Group's mission - for 26 years of its existence on the market - is to strengthen and promote Polish entrepreneurship and independent trade.

The group is also the organizer of well-known franchise, agency and partner networks such as: ABC, Groszek, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Gama, Big Ben. The company, based on franchised and own facilities, develops Delikatesy Centrum — the largest supermarket chain in Poland.

‍We are behind us the 5th Congress of Polish Trade Entrepreneurs organized by the Eurocash Academy of Skills — the first held entirely online. On September 29, almost 4.3 thousand. Participants (entrepreneurs and employees) listened to a dozen lectures given by, among others, Otylia Jędrzejczak, Adam Sztaba, Rafał Brzoska, Wojciech Eichelberger, Rafał Ohme, Małgorzata and Zbigniew Grycan. Attendees also learned about the results of two flagship competitions of the group: Heroes of Polish Entrepreneurship and Heroes at the Start. In total, during the Congress prizes worth nearly PLN 800,000 were distributed.

The event under the slogan “Generation P — We are united by the power of generations!” led the father-son duo of Zbigniew and Filip Chajzer. Many well-known and respected speakers also appeared on the stage: Stefan Batory, Rafał Brzoska, Ewa Błaszczyk, Piotr and Ewa Voelkel, Kuba Antoszewski, Sebastian Starzyński, Michał Rusinek, Paulina Mazur, Otylia Jędrzejczak, Olga Kalicka, Prof. Rafał Ohme, Wojciech Eichelberger, Adam Sztaba, and Małgorje Zbigniew Grycan and Zbigniew. Their presentations, grouped into three blocks, contributed to practical knowledge on the whole spectrum of topics relevant to independent entrepreneurs. How has consumer behavior changed under the influence of the epidemic? What technological innovations will determine the future of trade? And finally, how to harness the potential of intergenerational collaboration in business? Among other things, these questions were answered by entrepreneurs during the last Congress.

— Eurocash Skills Academy was created to educate and support shop owners and their employees. The Congress of Entrepreneurs of Polish Trade, which is the most important event of its kind on the independent trade market, is for us not only a time to meet and celebrate achievements, but above all another opportunity to realize our mission. That is why we have focused on recognized, experienced speakers - experts in their fields, who not only have great knowledge, but also know how to inspire. The information we received from participants after the Congress shows that it was a hit — says Agata Dzierba, Manager of the Academy of Skills and organizer of the Congress.

Four Generations — Shopping and Business

The theme of the lectures focused on the differences between generations. The speakers, who represented all four generations active today in the labor market, talked about, among other things, how people of different ages work and how they work together.

— Baby boomers are highly committed to work and analytically approach their tasks. Generation X, on the other hand, is very loyal to the employer — they are trustworthy and results-oriented people. Igreków is particularly distinguished by his flexibility and ability to manage multiple projects at the same time. Generation Z is entering the labor market, which communicates very intensively and lives simultaneously in two worlds - real and virtual. All these generations of Poles have something in common: the entrepreneurial gene. We have 4 million entrepreneurs in Poland! In the last 10 years alone, 800,000 new companies have been created here. We wholeheartedly support them and today we want to show entrepreneurs how they can make the most of the potential of intergenerational cooperation in their family businesses — said Luis Amaral, President of the Management Board of the Eurocash Group.

The differences between generations are also evident on the consumer side. Kuba Antoszewski from the research company Kantar spoke about the purchasing preferences of representatives of different generations.

— What unites all generations is, contrary to appearances, online shopping. We all do them! Half of baby boomers shop online, a quarter pay with BLiK, as many as 87% have a smartphone. In younger groups, of course, this percentage is even higher. What differentiates us, however, are needs. For example, both Zetki and Igreki are looking for offers and promotions, but for completely different reasons. In the former, the spirit of the hunter awakens — they hunt for opportunities for pleasure. Older consumers, on the other hand, do this because they have a specific budget to manage. It is characteristic of the Iks that they shop less often but buy more, while baby boomers look for empathic brands that pursue important social goals. The polish of the product also matters to them — explained Cuba Antoszewski.

Heroes rewarded once again

After the speeches of the speakers, inspired by the TEDx format, the gala part began with the solemn announcement of the results of the two flagship initiatives of the Eurocash Group: Heroes of Polish Entrepreneurship and Heroes at the Start. The competitions support the Eurocash Group's mission to develop entrepreneurship and celebrate the qualities that are important to every entrepreneur: business courage, motivation to develop, innovation, perseverance in action and responsibility for others. It was in these five categories that the participants of both competitions competed. In total, during the Congress they were awarded prizes worth a total of PLN 784 thousand!

5 years of Congress, 11 Eurocash Skills Academy

The Eurocash Academy of Skills organized the Congress of Polish Trade Entrepreneurs for the 5th time, but it has been operating since 2010 — first for Delikatesów Centrum, and since 2016 for all networks organized by the Eurocash Group. Through workshops, e-learning courses and conferences, AUE supports store owners and their employees in developing knowledge in the field of management, work standards and customer service, among others. In 2020, the Academy trained a total of almost 25 thousand people.

Eurocash Group is the largest Polish company engaged in wholesale distribution of food and other fast-food products (FMCG). The company cooperates with more than 90 thousand customers, of which 70 thousand are independent entrepreneurs running local retail stores throughout Poland, whom Eurocash supports in the areas of distribution, marketing, new technologies and education. The Group's mission - for 26 years of its existence on the market - is to strengthen and promote Polish entrepreneurship and independent trade.

The group is also the organizer of well-known franchise, agency and partner networks such as: ABC, Groszek, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Gama, Big Ben. The company, based on franchised and own facilities, develops Delikatesy Centrum — the largest supermarket chain in Poland.

If you are looking for a business for years, you should focus on independent trade — according to the first report on the impact of the Eurocash Group. 43% of entrepreneurs associated with the Group have been operating their store for more than 20 years. By the way, it develops qualities useful to entrepreneurs — including innovation and business courage.

Our country owes a lot to independent retailers. Developing entrepreneurship, they give jobs to thousands of people and make a significant contribution to the budget (half of GDP is generated by small and medium-sized companies). Interestingly, trade is a direction chosen most often by young people, popular especially in small towns and in the countryside. It provides a source of income for years, because as the latest impact report of the Eurocash Group shows, almost half of the entrepreneurs cooperating with the leading wholesale FMCG distributor in Poland have been operating their store for more than 20 years. Only 12% have had a business for less than 5 years. As many as 41% of entrepreneurs have been cooperating with Eurocash for 5-10 years, and 15% — for more than 20 years.

According to most Poles, having your own business is the best way to live, but only one in 10 actually has it^[1]. Probably more people would decide on their activity if they knew that the tricks of business can be learned — as evidenced by the Eurocash Group report. A franchise, which is a ready-made business model made available by a large partner, is helpful in this regard. Security, start-up support, knowledge, low entry costs and access to technology make it a good alternative for newcomers in business. Experienced traders also decide to franchise - precisely because it develops entrepreneurship.

Franchising develops entrepreneurship

The support offered by the franchise networks of the Eurocash Group allows customers not only to earn money, but also to develop the qualities necessary for running a business: courage, motivation to act, perseverance, responsibility and innovation. The percentage share of the Eurocash Group in the impact on the business development of its clients is as much as 41.2%. This means that in more than 40% of the owners of stores cooperating with the Eurocash Group develop their entrepreneurship precisely thanks to its support. This is good news for people who are afraid to start an adventure with their own business.

— Most retailers running stores under brands cooperating with the Eurocash Group, i.e. Delikatesy Centrum, ABC, Gama, Groszek, Euro Sklep or Lewiatan, open them in villages or cities up to 20,000 inhabitants — tells Pedro Martinho, Member of the Management Board of the Eurocash Group. “For them, a large partner means greater opportunities and competitive advantage, built thanks to our purchasing scale, diverse retail models, diversified distribution channels and access to education. Especially the latter factor, as we noted, helps our clients build entrepreneurial attitudes and develop their business towards innovation — adds.

Visible effects in business

Eurocash Group's research shows that it has the greatest impact, at 66%, on its entrepreneurs in terms of innovation. Eurocash franchisees are more likely to introduce new forms of delivery or innovations in their stores in terms of product categories, customer communication, advertising activities, payments, etc. For example, in 2020, as many as 38% of the Group's franchisees and 18% of entrepreneurs who cooperate with Eurocash outside the franchise changed its design.

In second place was building responsibility for others (impact: 44%), understood as inspiring action for the environment and the local community. By running a business in the Eurocash network, you can also develop motivation for growth (40%), business courage, e.g. towards investment (30%) and perseverance (26%). Each of these characteristics translates into a measurable result — for example, innovative solutions allowed Eurocash Group customers to survive the difficult year 2020 unscathed. 70% of them introduced new product categories to the offer and 45% — new management methods. Moreover, entrepreneurs cooperating with Eurocash were less affected by the decrease in revenue at that time than those who run stores outside the chains.

Survey of entrepreneurs carried out for the needs Report on the impact of the Eurocash Group on the business development of its Clients for 2020 presents an innovative approach to the topic of entrepreneurship in Poland, and the report itself is the first publication of this type on our market.

[1] Source: Report on the impact of the Eurocash Group on the entrepreneurial development of its Clients for 2020. Edition I, Accessed: 14.09.2021. Unless otherwise indicated, the data cited in the text come from the aforementioned publication.

Eurocash Group is the largest Polish company engaged in wholesale distribution of food and other fast-food products (FMCG). The company cooperates with more than 90 thousand customers, of which 70 thousand are independent entrepreneurs running local retail stores throughout Poland, whom Eurocash supports in the areas of distribution, marketing, new technologies and education. The Group's mission - for 26 years of its existence on the market - is to strengthen and promote Polish entrepreneurship and independent trade.

The group is also the organizer of well-known franchise, agency and partner networks such as: ABC, Groszek, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Gama, Big Ben. The company, based on franchised and own facilities, develops Delikatesy Centrum — the largest supermarket chain in Poland.

‍Eurocash Group announced the winners of this year's edition of the “Heroes of Polish Entrepreneurship” competition. Out of more than 1,000 entries, a total of 100 cash prizes were awarded, 75 of which were decided by the jury and 25 by consumers. Funds from the winning trader can allocate for any purpose.

Who is “Heros”?

Eurocash calls its customers — independent grocery store owners — “Heroes” because it recognizes and promotes their above-average commitment to the development of their businesses, local economies and communities. Running a store requires effort—sometimes heroic—but it allows millions of consumers to shop close to home, conveniently and safely.

“The roots of entrepreneurship grow from the optimism of local store owners. Their joy of life, calmness, pride in their own work, sense of humor, weather, hope, love for family, for people, interest in customer satisfaction are visible. Positive emotions definitely outweigh negative ones. And such a proportion characterizes people of action, entrepreneurs. It is a guarantee of development, continuation in the future — told Prof. Henryk Mruk, professor emeritus of the Poznań University of Economics, member of the jury of the “Heroes of Polish Entrepreneurship” competition.

“What surprised me was the courage and determination of many entrepreneurs whose business stories we had the opportunity to learn. When problems arose, they did not give up, did not give up, did not break their hands, but looked for solutions and pushed forward with even greater commitment. And they succeeded — told Marek Zuber, economist and analyst of financial markets, member of the jury of the Eurocash competition.

In 2021, among the “Heroes” awarded in the Eurocash contest, 64% were men and 36% were women. The largest number of winners, as many as 19 of them, live and operate their shop in the Silesian Voivodeship, 13 in Małopolska and 11 in Podkarpackie. They do their business primarily in smaller towns and villages. Most of them, as many as 39 “Heroes”, have a shop in a village with less than 5,000 inhabitants.

31 award-winning entrepreneurs run their stores under the ABC chain, 17 Delikatesów Centrum and 12 Lewiatana. Also distinguished were 2 collaborators of the network “abc on wheels” and 1 owner of the drugstore Koliber. The prizes will also go to 30 entrepreneurs running stores under the Groszek, Euro Shop, Gama brands and those not affiliated with any franchise network.

In this year's edition of the Eurocash Group competition, entrepreneurs were evaluated in 5 categories: business courage, responsibility for others, innovation, perseverance in action and motivation for development. One in four “Heros” is a person with an above-average sense of responsibility for others. When running their stores, they take actions aimed at non-business purposes. They regularly support social initiatives, actively participate in the life of the community (not only through financial support), take into account the well-being of the environment and support those most in need.

Appreciated by consumers and jury

This year, 75 prizes worth PLN 7,500 each, were decided by a jury composed of: Otylia Jędrzejczak, Rafał Brzoska, Krzysztof Pawiński, Jacek Szwajcowski, Magdalena Kurda, Grzegorz Czapski, Marta Ziółkowska, Emilia Tarczyn, Izabela Makosz, Natalia Perska, Maciej Ptaszyński, Paweł Pawel Łowski, Jan Kolański, Lidia Kulczycka-Perske, Zuzanna Lipińska, representatives of the Institute of Innovation and Responsible Development of Innovation and Employers of the Republic of Poland, as well as Prof. Henryk Mruk and Marek Zuber.

The next 25 prizes of PLN 5,000 each were decided in the form of an online vote by consumers — customers of the awarded Heroes, who in their comments emphasized their strong attachment to their nearby store and good relations with their owners and service:

In times when discounts are growing on every corner, I choose stores where customers are looked at more friendly, where you are not just a shopping cart, but a person. It's a nice feeling when the seller remembers what cheesecake you always buy. I appreciate that.

Mrs. Grażyna does not treat the store as a place of work, but more like her home. He puts all his heart into it and makes sure that every customer is satisfied.

I have been going to this store for as long as I can remember and have never had a situation where I was unhappy with the store's service or supply. While still in tow, I ran between the shelves and talked to the ladies from the service or just with Mrs. Danusia. It is a really nice feeling when, despite the passing of the years, the staff remains the same and always as smiling as in those childhood years [...].

Shopping in this store is pure pleasure. The owner is very involved in the problems of the community of the estate.

As I am far from home and have to shop, I miss my neighborhood store!

Super owner, very empathetic! The prize will be given to sick children! He often supports those in need and this time he will help too!

Eurocash Group is the largest Polish company engaged in wholesale distribution of food and other fast-food products (FMCG). The company cooperates with more than 90 thousand customers, of which 70 thousand are independent entrepreneurs running local retail stores throughout Poland, whom Eurocash supports in the areas of distribution, marketing, new technologies and education. The Group's mission - for 26 years of its existence on the market - is to strengthen and promote Polish entrepreneurship and independent trade.

The group is also the organizer of well-known franchise, agency and partner networks such as: ABC, Groszek, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Gama, Big Ben. The company, based on franchised and own facilities, develops Delikatesy Centrum — the largest supermarket chain in Poland.

‍Ambra, a leading distributor of household chemicals and cosmetics, which has more than 15,000 products in its range, cooperates with around 140 manufacturers and serves 3,500 entrepreneurs running local stores, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Currently, in addition to expanding the Koliber network, Ambra is focusing on the development of its flagship Shelf Program project, within which it installs and manages a comprehensive chemical and cosmetic shelf in grocery stores. The data shows that Amber's solution supports the competitiveness of independent retail customers, which translates into higher sales, saving money and time. Immediately after the implementation of the Shelf Program, establishments even recorded double-digit increases in sales from the shelf from Amber.

AMBRA's goal for the coming years remains to strengthen its position in the industry and further strengthen the position of independent market entrepreneurs in the chemical-hygiene-cosmetics category. We achieve this goal, among others, through the constant development of the Koliber drugstore format and the Shelf Program project. It consists of comprehensive support for entrepreneurs in the management of these categories — from shelf design, through individual selection of assortment, pricing policy, display of goods in the store, as well as analyzing sales data or organizing promotions and consumer actions — tells Klaudia Rudewicz, General Director of Ambry.

Entrepreneurs joining the Shelf Program receive a ready-made concept — an individual planogram, the design of the shelf together with the goods and an indication of how to display it so that it rotates well. Customers can also count on the ongoing support of Ambra's customer advisors and analysts. Thanks to this, store owners do not have to “freeze capital” and store chemical and cosmetic products in their establishments. Amber's data shows that the Shelf Program reduces customer inventory by an average of 25%.

The shelf from Amber is also a saving of working time. Employees of the store do not have to place products on the shelves or take care of their proper display of goods - this is what Ambra ensures. Their only task is only to constantly replenish the shelf with products according to the recommendation of Amber and place price tags in the right places.

By August 2021, more than 200 shelves with the Ambry range were launched in the Shelf Program. The effects in the form of higher turnover can be seen immediately after implementation — stores even recorded a double-digit increase in off-the-shelf sales. On the other hand, the sales dynamics of stores covered by the Shelf Program is on average 8 pp. higher than the market dynamics[1].

The largest number of chemical and cosmetic shelves from Ambra are located in the Lewiatan, PSD and Euro Sklep networks.

Currently, in connection with its 30th anniversary, Ambra also runs the “Jubilee Games of Amber” campaign, which is a loyalty competition with prizes for customers. More details on the website https://ambra.expert/.

[1] Groceries Comparable Channel — YTD Reference June 2021/2020

Eurocash Group is the largest Polish company engaged in wholesale distribution of food and other fast-food products (FMCG). The company cooperates with more than 90 thousand customers, of which 70 thousand are independent entrepreneurs running local retail stores throughout Poland, whom Eurocash supports in the areas of distribution, marketing, new technologies and education. The Group's mission - for 26 years of its existence on the market - is to strengthen and promote Polish entrepreneurship and independent trade.

The group is also the organizer of well-known franchise, agency and partner networks such as: ABC, Groszek, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Gama, Big Ben. The company, based on franchised and own facilities, develops Delikatesy Centrum — the largest supermarket chain in Poland.

‍Almost two-thirds of the largest FMCG producers and suppliers in Poland derive part of their income from products manufactured exclusively for discount stores or supermarkets — according to the “Equal in Business” ranking for the second quarter of 2021. And this is not about own-brand products, only branded items, but in variants that are not available in all stores.

A separate variant, not available to the entire market, can be, for example, a different packaging capacity, a different taste or an unusual promotional set. Unique versions of branded products are designed to increase their attractiveness in the eyes of customers and encourage purchases. Exclusivity means that not in all stores a given manufacturer supports the sales of its brands in the same way and does not have the same offer everywhere.

— This should be seen as a manifestation of discrimination against local customers, independent shops and the clear support by the largest producers for the expansion of centrally managed chains, says Dominik Kasperek, Director of the Central Purchasing Department of the Eurocash Group, the largest Polish company dealing with the wholesale distribution of food and other fast-moving products (FMCG).

Both parties and customers of “distinguished” stores can enjoy the cooperation of large chains with large manufacturers, which is unattainable for the rest of the market participants. However, in practice, this means favoring selected manufacturers at the expense of others and depriving customers of the freedom to choose where to buy.

According to the analysis carried out as part of the “Equal in Business” ranking, products exclusive to discount stores and supermarkets account for as much as 43.8% of the sales of the pasta manufacturer Barilla. Such products also account for 43.3% of the sales value of USP Zdrowie teas, 38.7% of Lumar biscuits and 32.7% of Unilever laundry detergents. In total, 50 out of 160 leading FMCG producers analyzed in Poland, exclusive products generate from 5% to more than 40% of their sales. For the rest, they account for less than 5% of sales. Only 61 manufacturers (about 38%) had no income at all from products dedicated to discounters or supermarkets and offered the same products to all stores.

Local stores defend themselves against discrimination not only with the “Equal in Business” rating, but also try to encourage suppliers to treat independent trading on an equal footing with discounts through distributors such as Eurocash Group. The latest results of the ranking show that more than a third of them already seem to be convinced of this. In the period from July 2020 to June 2021, 17 manufacturers (10.6% of respondents) from 11 product categories had lower retail prices in independent stores than in discount stores and supermarkets. In addition, the prices of 39 other manufacturers were the same as in discount stores and supermarkets, or the difference did not exceed 5 percent.

The market effectiveness of independent stores can be confirmed by the good sales results achieved in them by many suppliers, sometimes also by those who favor discounts and centrally managed supermarket chains. From July 2020 to June 2021, local stores significantly increased sales of OSM Piątnica homogenized cheeses, Frosch dishwashing liquids from Werner & Mertz and Roleski ketchups. Sales growth in independent stores was recorded by almost a third of the largest suppliers representing 31 of the 35 product categories analyzed.

Most consumers in Poland use different sales channels, and they usually have the closest to local stores. You must not discourage them from buying through inflated prices or an unattractive assortment offer, as this will hit the interests of all market participants. Local, independent stores are for more than a dozen million consumers the only place where they shop in 5 minutes and find a product offer much wider than at a discount — adds Dominik Kasperek.

The “Equal in Business” ranking has been developed since 2017. Its aim is to level the playing field of independent stores in competition with centrally managed chains.

Eurocash Group is the largest Polish company engaged in wholesale distribution of food and other fast-food products (FMCG). The company cooperates with more than 90 thousand customers, of which 70 thousand are independent entrepreneurs running local retail stores throughout Poland, whom Eurocash supports in the areas of distribution, marketing, new technologies and education. The Group's mission - for 26 years of its existence on the market - is to strengthen and promote Polish entrepreneurship and independent trade.

The group is also the organizer of well-known franchise, agency and partner networks such as: ABC, Groszek, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Gama, Big Ben. The company, based on franchised and own facilities, develops Delikatesy Centrum — the largest supermarket chain in Poland.

‍The Eurocash Group cooperates with more than 70,000 independent store owners in Poland. For more than 26 years, it has been providing them with new technologies, conducting educational projects and promoting independent trade. Now the Group has decided to check how its activities translate in practice into the businesses of its customers, as well as their entrepreneurship. The first “Report on the impact of the Eurocash Group on the business development of its Clients” for 2020 presents an original impact model, which has no prototype in Poland. It determines the percentage share of the Eurocash Group in the impact on the entrepreneurial development of its customers. The impact was 41.2%. The remaining 58.8% are other influencing factors such as the business environment, legal and tax regulations and the attitude of entrepreneurs.

The Eurocash Group supports the businesses of its customers - independent entrepreneurs running retail stores throughout Poland - in four areas of activity. These are: 1. purchase scale, which allows you to negotiate attractive price terms with suppliers, 2. variety of distribution formats, i.e. providing different models of distribution and ordering of goods, 3. wide choice retail concepts and 4. development and education, that is the offer of professional training and courses, among others, within the framework of the Eurocash Academy of Skills.

- As part of the recently published “Impact Report”, we decided to check how our activities within the four areas of support for independent entrepreneurs, which we have designated for ourselves, affect their entrepreneurship. This publication and the research results contained in it prove how the goal of entrepreneurship development set by us in the Sustainable Development Strategy 2020+ is being realized in practice, thus contributing to increasing the competitiveness of independent stores throughout Poland — says Pedro Martinho, Member of the Management Board of the Eurocash Group.

According to calculations, the average impact of the Group on the business development of its clients is 41.2%. The Eurocash Group particularly strengthens innovation in entrepreneurs — its impact in this area reached as much as 66%. The company inspires and influences entrepreneurs in terms of advertising and communication with the customer (72%), as well as the implementation of new technological solutions (64%), including applications or new forms of payment (61%). The Group's influence on Responsibility for others (44%). It is least linked to the core business activities of entrepreneurs, so all the more indicative of their sensitivity to social problems and a strong connection with the local community. The Group's impact on Motivation for growth (40%) — This is reflected, among other things, in the willingness to participate in Eurocash Skills Academy trainings, and this decision is influenced by 46% of the Group. The Group has a relatively small impact on Business Courage (30%) Entrepreneurs and their perseverance in action (26%). According to the report, the Group inspires its customers to invest in the development of their company (37%) and the expansion of their own chain of stores (30%). Persistence in action is understood by the Group's clients primarily as caring for employees and relationships in the team. The Group has a clear influence (28%) on their decisions on salary increases, the introduction of flexible working hours (27%) or the increase in employment (26%).

- Having worked with entrepreneurs for 26 years, we are also aware that their activities and business success, apart from us, are also influenced by a number of other, independent factors and barriers. These include high labour costs, including social security contributions, high taxes, excess bureaucratic responsibilities and frequently changing regulations. These factors are due to the current law, they do not depend on the entrepreneurs or the business environment in which they operate. Entrepreneurs cannot change them themselves. Therefore, we believe that in the further development of entrepreneurship and the Polish economy, the responsible and partnership attitude of other private enterprises is important. Especially those large, wealthy and influential, which can work to empower entrepreneurs and provide them with better conditions for development. And we're trying to accomplish this mission — adds Martinho.

“Report on the impact of the Eurocash Group on the entrepreneurial development of its Clients” for 2020 is available on the company's website.

How the Eurocash Group Impact Model was created

The impact model has its origins in the Eurocash Group's 2020 entrepreneurship survey. The study identified five characteristics that, according to Poles, testify to the fact that someone is entrepreneurial. These were: business courage, innovation, motivation for development, responsibility for others and perseverance in action. Subsequently, we examined the impact on these characteristics of the Group's activities, carried out within the four pillars of its activity, i.e. purchasing scale, distribution formats, retail concepts and development and education.

The impact model was developed in cooperation with the consulting company SAPERE and based on data obtained by the research agency Kantar.

When constructing the impact model, it was assumed that the individual characteristics of entrepreneurship mentioned above (i.e. business courage, innovation, motivation to develop, responsibility for others and perseverance in action) are equivalent and each represents 20% of the overall indicator, therefore, after recalculation, the individual categories represent the presented percentage of this indicator.

The Eurocash Group's impact model on the business development of its Clients was developed on a sample of 671 clients of the Group.

Eurocash Group is the largest Polish company engaged in wholesale distribution of food and other fast-food products (FMCG). The company cooperates with more than 90 thousand customers, of which 70 thousand are independent entrepreneurs running local retail stores throughout Poland, whom Eurocash supports in the areas of distribution, marketing, new technologies and education. The Group's mission - for 26 years of its existence on the market - is to strengthen and promote Polish entrepreneurship and independent trade.

The group is also the organizer of well-known franchise, agency and partner networks such as: ABC, Groszek, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Gama, Big Ben. The company, based on franchised and own facilities, develops Delikatesy Centrum — the largest supermarket chain in Poland.

• Consolidated sales of the Eurocash Group in the first half of 2021 reached PLN 12.36 billion and were 2% higher than in the same period of 2020. In the second quarter of this year alone, consolidated sales amounted to PLN 6.55 billion, which means an increase of 5.7% y/y. The positive impact on the Group's sales growth was the Eurocash Serwis format and the reflection in Eurocash Distribution and Gastronomy formats, as well as Projects segment, thanks to the full consolidation and expansion of Frisco.
• Consolidated EBITDA (operating profit plus depreciation) in the first half of 2021 amounted to PLN 202.6 million compared to PLN 336.6 million a year ago. A significant impact on the reported results was the worse results achieved by Delikatesy Centrum's own stores and a write-off in the amount of PLN 80 million made in the second quarter of this year related to the planned closure of 59 own outlets.

Wholesale: strong sales of Eurocash format Serwis, rebound in Gastronomy

In the wholesale segment, the Eurocash Group recorded in the first half of this year an increase in EBITDA by 5.1% y/y to PLN 288.2 million with an increase in sales by 0.3% y/y to PLN 9.04 billion.

Food sales in small and medium-sized stores, to which research agencies include independent retailers, which constitute the main customer group of the Eurocash Group, decreased by 1.2% in the first half of this year compared to the first half of last year. We felt the biggest drop in sales in Cash & Carry wholesalers, mainly due to the much lower year-on-year demand for alcohol. On the other hand, we recorded good sales results in the Eurocash Distribution format, and in the second quarter we also observed a clear rebound in the Eurocash Gastronomy format, due to the opening of catering establishments, closed a year ago due to the pandemic. Strong sales growth was also continued by the Eurocash Serwis format, responsible for the distribution of tobacco products and impulse products — indicated Jacek Owczarek, Member of the Management Board and Chief Financial Officer of the Eurocash Group.

The increase in profitability in the wholesale segment is, among others, the effect of progressive digitalization, including increasing sales through the eurocash.pl platform.

At the end of the first half of 2021, the ABC network organized by Eurocash had 9,234 stores, 270 more than a year ago. The number of partner and franchise stores associated in the Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Groszek and Gama (PSD) chains amounted to a total of 5,449 stores, which means an increase of 282 stores y/y.

Detail: repair program in own stores Delicatessen Centrum, Inmedio recovers sales

External sales realized by the Eurocash Group in the retail segment in the first half of 2021 slightly exceeded PLN 3.0 billion, which means an increase of 1.5% y/y. The EBITDA result of this segment was PLN -5.4 million compared to +PLN 81.7 million a year earlier.

According to previous announcements, the results of the second quarter and the entire half of this year were charged with a write-off in the amount of PLN 80 million, which we decided to create in connection with the planned closure of 59 own stores operated in the Delikatesy Centrum chain. These are the institutions that performed the least on the market and where the corrective measures taken did not predict a lasting improvement in results. Our goal is to build the largest chain of small supermarkets in Poland based on profitable and prosperous retail outlets. In terms of efficiency, the other own stores are also inferior to establishments run by franchisees. So we will strive for them to equalize upwards, which should translate into an improvement profitability of the retail segment, starting next year — announced Jacek Ovczarek.

The network of small supermarkets developed by the Eurocash Group at the end of June 2021 numbered 1584 stores (including 1545 operating under the Delikatesy Centrum brand) — 966 of them are franchise stores, and 618 are own stores or operated as part of a joint venture.

The Eurocash Group's retail segment also includes 428 Inmedio newsrooms. Their sales in the first half of 2021 amounted to PLN 225.8 million and were 23.3% higher than the year before.

Projects: Frisco already in three cities, Big Ben with 158 stores

Sales of the Projects segment in the first half of 2021 reached PLN 247 million and were almost three times higher than in the same period of 2020, mainly due to the full consolidation of Frisco. After Eurocash became the owner of 100% of the shares of this e-supermarket — the leader of the Warsaw e-grocery market in mid-2020, Frisco successfully debuted in Wrocław (in December last year) and in Poznań (in May this year). In the first half of this year, Frisco's sales reached PLN 137.6 million, of which PLN 10.9 million were sales outside Warsaw. The share of new cities in total sales is expected to increase in future periods, as Frisco intends to expand its operations to other large Polish cities.

The increase in sales recorded by the Eurocash Group in the Projects segment is also the result of the further expansion of the Duży Ben liquor store chain. At the end of the first half of the year, it already had 158 stores compared to 129 at the end of 2020.

Eurocash Group is the largest Polish company engaged in wholesale distribution of food and other fast-food products (FMCG). It cooperates with more than 90 thousand customers, of which 70 thousand are independent entrepreneurs running local retail stores throughout Poland, whom Eurocash supports in the areas of distribution, marketing, new technologies and education.

Eurocash Group is also the organizer of well-known franchise, agency and partner networks such as: ABC, Groszek, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Gama, Duży Ben. The company, based on franchised and own facilities, develops Delikatesy Centrum — the largest supermarket chain in Poland.

Only until August 14, voting in the contest “Heroes of Polish Entrepreneurship” organized by the Eurocash Group continues. Applicants for the title of “Hero” — the owners of retail stores are fighting for financial prizes with a total value of about PLN 700,000. The award will be decided by the voting consumers and the jury, which includes Rafał Brzoska, CEO of InPost, Krzysztof Pawiński, CEO of Maspex, or Otylia Jędrzejczak, Olympic champion.

“Heroes of Polish Entrepreneurship — We Appreciate Local Shop Owners” is this year's edition of the national competition, organized every year by the Eurocash Group, aimed at local grocery store owners. More than 1,000 entrepreneurs qualified for the second stage, which is currently underway — customer voting and jury deliberations. Most applications were received from Mazovia (115), Silesia (105), Podkarpackie (92), Lublin (91) and Wielkopolska (90) voivodships. Among the submitted entries, as many as 100 winners will be selected by Internet voters and an independent jury, which includes, among others, Olympic champion Otylia Jędrzejczak, Rafał Brzoska — president of InPost, Krzysztof Pawiński — president of Maspex and a group of experts. The winners will receive prizes worth almost 700 thousand PLN. The jury will award 75 prizes of PLN 7,500 and consumers 25 prizes of PLN 5,000 each. The rules of the competition provide for the possibility of receiving a prize in both votes — in total you can win up to PLN 12,500.

I am an entrepreneur with many years of experience. The path I took — starting with assembling computers and distributing leaflets — was not always easy. The company I manage has gone through a lot to get to the top. I understand both the bitterness of failure and the taste of success. Today, in retrospect, I know that being an entrepreneur is not a job for a few hours a day. You are an entrepreneur around the clock — on the one hand you have to run and develop a business, on the other hand, take care of your team, customers, control formal and financial issues and orient yourself in a whole range of many different areas. With this knowledge, today I try to promote and support entrepreneurship. Therefore, I am very happy to be involved in the Eurocash project — tells Rafał Brzoska, President of InPost.

Independent retailers from all over Poland take part in the competition. The largest number of applications were submitted by entrepreneurs running stores under the brand name ABC (471), Groszek (201) and Lewiatan (117).

“Independent stores are a very important distribution channel for us and a significant business partner. This is where consumers can find the brands they like in a full range and at competitive prices. Therefore, the strength of this segment and its development are very important for the Maspex Group. For me personally, it is also very satisfying to know that I am involved in promoting entrepreneurship and inspiring attitudes. There are many things that unite us and we can learn from each other, such as building relationships with our customers or social engagement — tells Krzysztof Pawiński, President of Maspex.

How can customers of participating stores vote?

To cast your vote, simply log in to the competition website and find your favorite store in the search engine, where we shop every day. We can vote for the entrepreneur running the store in which we shop in five categories:

• Business Courage: People in this category make bold moves in the business they run and ignore adversity.
• Motivation to develop: it is a category for people who show determination in their actions.
• Innovation: implies that entrepreneurs implement their own ideas, initiate practical solutions that contribute significantly to the improvement and/or modernization of their store.
• Persistence in action: In this category, we reward entrepreneurs who (often despite many adversities) have been operating in the retail market for many years.
• Responsibility for others: we distinguish those who regularly support social initiatives, actively participate in the life of the community (not only through financial support), take into account the well-being of the environment, act during epidemics through, for example, collections for doctors or introducing their own additional security in the store.

The list of stores and entrepreneurs entered in the competition can be found HERE.

Prizes are also waiting for the voters in the competition - 25 Tchibo Cafissimo Easy brand espresso machines with a supply of capsules for three months are up for grabs.

The list of awarded entrepreneurs will be published after September 6.

More information about the competition on the website www.herosiprzedsiebiorci.pl

Eurocash Group is the largest Polish company engaged in wholesale distribution of food and other fast-food products (FMCG). The company cooperates with more than 90 thousand customers, of which 70 thousand are independent entrepreneurs running local retail stores throughout Poland, whom Eurocash supports in the areas of distribution, marketing, new technologies and education. The group is also the organizer of well-known franchise, agency and partner networks such as: ABC, Groszek, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Gama, Big Ben. The company, based on franchised and own facilities, develops Delikatesy Centrum — the largest supermarket chain in Poland.

‍The Eurocash Group has decided to close 59 out of 414 of its own stores operated as part of the Delikatesy Centrum chain. These are facilities that were loss-making and the recovery programme implemented at the beginning of the year did not bring sufficient improvement. The closure of unprofitable stores will mean the need to write off an estimated PLN 80 million, which will affect the financial results of the Eurocash Group for 2021. In the long term, this decision will translate into an improvement in the profitability of the retail segment, which should be visible from next year, allowing the further effective development of the Delicatesy Centrum chain.

“According to the announcements, in recent months we have implemented a repair program in selected establishments of the Delikatesy Centrum chain, for which we selected a total of 180 own stores, which performed the worst on the market and clearly differed in efficiency from the Delicatesys Centrum run by our franchisees. For 59 of these stores, the measures taken did not bring sufficient improvement, so it was decided to close them by the end of this year. It will mean the need to make a write-off in the amount of approximately PLN 80 million, which will affect our financial results this year. We agreed with the Supervisory Board that such a move is necessary to sustainably improve the efficiency of the retail segment. We want to build the largest network of small supermarkets in Poland based on profitable and prosperous retail outlets — explains Jacek Owczarek, Member of the Management Board of the Eurocash Group.

As explained by the Eurocash Group, the final amount of the write-off related to the closure of part of its own stores will be known after the auditor's review of the semi-annual financial statements. The write-off will be made in the results report for the second quarter of this year.

At the same time, Eurocash made estimates of the dynamics of changes in the value of EBITDA (after taking into account the impact of IFRS 16) in the retail segment. Without taking into account this depreciation, this momentum in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2020 should remain at the same level as it was in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020.

The network of small supermarkets developed by the Eurocash Group at the end of the first quarter of 2021 numbered 1586 stores, including 1547 outlets operating under the Delikatesy Centrum brand — 976 of them are franchise stores, 157 partner stores (joint ventures), and 414 are own stores. In addition, the Group's retail segment includes 433 Inmedio newsrooms.

Eurocash Group is the largest Polish company engaged in wholesale distribution of food products and marketing support for independent Polish entrepreneurs conducting retail activities. Franchise and partner networks supported by Eurocash bring together about 16 thousand independent stores operating under brands such as abc, Groszek, Delikatesy Centrum, Lewiatan, Euro Sklep, Gama, Duży Ben and Kontigo. In order to achieve a scale appropriate to ensure the competitiveness of its customers, the Eurocash Group is also developing a network of its own retail stores.