Lidl Italia’s €2.1 Billion Bet on Growth Pays Off: A Decade of Outperformance

Lidl Italia has invested over €2.1 billion in Italy over the past five years, primarily in new stores, logistics centres, and renovations, reflecting a 35.7% increase, compared to the previous five-year period.

This investment has fuelled the company’s growth, with an average of 1.9 new-store openings per month over the last ten years, contrasting with a general decline in the large-scale retail sector, which resulted in the closure of over 2,000 stores.

According to a socio-economic impact report by The European House – Ambrosetti (TEHA), presented by the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy, Lidl Italia contributed €7.6 billion to Italy’s GDP in 2023, representing 0.4% of the total and a 5% increase, compared to 2022.

The company also achieved revenue of €7.2 billion in 2023, boasting a compound annual growth rate of 8.7% over the past decade, significantly outperforming the sector average of 2.4%.

The supermarket chain supported nearly 100,000 jobs, with a multiplier effect of 4.8, meaning that every direct Lidl job created nearly four more indirectly.

Lidl purchased €6.6 billion worth of goods and services in Italy during 2023, primarily focusing on the agri-food sector.

The company’s purchasing power also boosted Italian exports, generating €2.5 billion, most notably in the food-and-beverage sector, where it accounted for 4.8% of total exports. Fruit and vegetable exports by Lidl accounted for 10.4% of the national total.

Lidl Italia president Massimiliano Silvestri attributed this success to long-term investments and teamwork.

He highlighted the company’s achievements in contributing to the national GDP, supporting almost 100,000 jobs, and leading the large-scale retail sector in Italian product exports.

Lidl operates approximately 780 stores across Italy and directly employs 23,000 people.