DESPAR Italia, part of the SPAR retail network, expanded its store footprint across Italy in February and March 2026 with new openings and renovations spanning multiple regions, including Piedmont, Liguria, and Southern Italy. The move includes DESPAR Express formats and full supermarkets, aiming to strengthen local retail presence and modernise store offerings across the country.
The expansion reflects ongoing investment by DESPAR Italia and its regional partners, focusing on convenience-led formats, fresh food counters, and upgraded in-store experiences for both urban and regional communities.
What is DESPAR Italia?
DESPAR Italia is the Italian member of the SPAR international retail network, operating through a consortium of regional partners. It manages store development, brand standards, and own-brand product sourcing across Italy. The structure allows local partners to adapt store formats and assortments while maintaining a unified retail brand across the country.
At a glance
- DESPAR Italia expanded operations in February–March 2026
- Two new DESPAR Express stores opened in Druento and Vado Ligure
- Eight new DESPAR supermarkets launched across Italy
- Two additional supermarkets were fully renovated and reopened
- Expansion covers Northern and Southern Italy
- Focus includes fresh food counters and own-brand ranges
- Growth driven by regional consortium partners under SPAR Italy network
What stores did DESPAR Italia open in 2026?
DESPAR Italia opened two DESPAR Express stores and eight full DESPAR supermarkets across Italy, alongside two renovated supermarkets. The Express stores were launched in Druento (Piedmont) and Vado Ligure (Liguria), focusing on convenience-led shopping. The supermarkets were introduced across multiple Southern and Northern Italian locations.
Where are the new DESPAR stores located?
The new supermarkets are located in Ledro, Augusta, Camigliatello Silano–Spezzano Sila, Catanzaro, Eboli, Gela, Sant’Egidio del Monte Albino, and Taverna. Renovations were completed in Appiano and Asti. These locations reflect a mix of tourist regions, mountain areas, and urban communities across Italy.
Why is DESPAR Italia expanding its store network?
The expansion is driven by demand for localised retail formats and improved convenience shopping. DESPAR Italia is focusing on smaller Express stores and modernised supermarkets to match changing consumer behaviour. The strategy also supports stronger penetration in regional markets where proximity and fresh food offerings are increasingly important.
What does this mean for European grocery retail?
The move reflects a broader European grocery trend toward flexible store formats and regional adaptation. Retailers are increasingly investing in smaller stores, upgraded fresh counters, and local assortment strategies. Within the SPAR network, this approach highlights how consortium-based retail models can scale while staying locally relevant.
What happens next?
DESPAR Italia is expected to continue modernising its store base and expanding Express formats into more local markets. Future growth will likely focus on renovation-led expansion, particularly in regional and tourist-heavy areas. The performance of these new stores will shape the next phase of investment across the SPAR Italy network.
