- The group's total revenue grew by 5.8 percent to 185.6 billion euros.
- The unique ecosystem creates 9,000 new jobs and offers 604,000 employees (previous year: 595,000) stability in challenging times.
- Strong retail core forms basis for further growth
- The companies of Schwarz Group invested around 9 billion euros in fiscal year 2025, 3.7 billion euros of which were invested in Germany as a business location.
- In the current fiscal year, investments of more than 10 billion euros are planned across all divisions.
The companies of Schwarz Group have closed the 2025 fiscal year with a significant increase in revenue and a further consolidation of their market position. In an environment beset by economic and geopolitical crises, the companies of Schwarz Group generated total revenue of 185.6 billion euros (previous year: 175.4 billion euros). That corresponds to growth of 5.8 percent. In the reporting period, the number of employees rose by 9,000 (+1.5 percent) from 595,000 to 604,000 – with 5,000 new jobs in Germany alone. That represents a 2.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. In addition, despite the persistently difficult economic situation, the companies of Schwarz Group continue to create new jobs not only within the group, but also indirectly at their partners and suppliers along the entire value chain.
Retail as a Growth Driver: Customer Proximity and a Stronger Market Position
The retail divisions are the very backbone of Schwarz Group. As reliable local suppliers, Lidl and Kaufland place great value on being close to their customers. That is why they expanded their network by adding 300 stores in fiscal year 2025, and now operate 14,500 stores (previous year: 14,200; +2.1 percent). Lidl increased its store revenue to 140.2 billion euros (previous year: 132.1 billion euros). This 6.1 percent increase was due in large part to the expansion of the store network and customer growth in Germany and Europe. To further secure its supply chains between Asia and Europe, Lidl is investing in the modernization of the Tailwind fleet and has commissioned the construction of five new ships for the shipping line. Kaufland generated store revenue of 36.7 billion euros, a 4.3 percent increase year on year (previous year: 35.2 billion euros). The division recorded growth in Germany and eastern European markets, thereby consolidating its market position. In addition, it also expanded into Italy and France with Kaufland Marketplace and now operates this online platform in seven European countries. As projected, online revenue at Lidl and Kaufland totaled 1.7 billion euros (previous year: 1.7 billion euros), remaining stable year on year, thus reflecting overall market trends.
Circular Economy: Securing Resources for Tomorrow
The circular economy division PreZero is expanding its business model: It is supplementing its comprehensive waste disposal and recycling expertise with a sharper focus on securing key raw materials and is thus also positioning itself as a strategic partner for resource sovereignty. With a recycling revenue of 4.1 billion euros (+5.1 percent; previous year: 3.9 billion euros), PreZero entered into battery recycling by acquiring RE.LION.BAT and – together with investments in energy recovery – is setting new standards for a self-sufficient circular economy. Strategic partnerships, such as the cooperation with the BMW Group for the recycling of end-of-life vehicles, are driving the development of industrial material cycles. The aim is to consistently convert recyclable materials into resources for the broad market and the entire Schwarz Group ecosystem. This is underscored by the group-wide "Road to Zero Waste" target of reusing, recycling, composting or fermenting around 95 percent of operational waste by 2030.
Production: Integration and Security of Supply
The production companies of Schwarz Group ensure the supply of essential foodstuffs and increased their revenue by 23.9 percent to 5.7 billion euros (previous year: 4.6 billion euros). In addition to ensuring the full operational capacity of its plant in Derby, England, Schwarz Produktion acquired jam and honey manufacturer Göbber to increase the independence of its supply chains. By investing more than 300 million euros to expand the Bonback industrial bakery in Halle (Saale), Germany, Schwarz Produktion will further increase supply security and create more than 400 new jobs.
Digitalization: Sovereign Infrastructure for Europe
Schwarz Digits is making an important contribution to the digital sovereignty of Germany and Europe by providing cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, communications and workplace solutions. The growing relevance of the topic is reflected in a significant increase in revenue of 15.8 percent to 2.2 billion euros in the IT and digital division of Schwarz Group (previous year: 1.9 billion euros). Rising demand from German and European companies for the sovereign cloud solution STACKIT has proven to be a key growth driver. Another key milestone was the groundbreaking ceremony for the 200-megawatt data center in Lübbenau, marking a significant investment in one of Europe's most cutting-edge data centers. To secure digital sovereignty, the division further expanded its technological partnerships, including in the areas of cybersecurity and data-driven defense capabilities. Schwarz Digits is also pushing ahead with the development of sovereign cloud solutions for public administration through its strategic cooperation with Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).
Acting Ahead Strategically: A Success Factor
"Despite economic and geopolitical crises, the companies of Schwarz Group once again recorded significant growth in fiscal year 2025. This strong performance is thanks to over 600,000 dedicated employees," stated Gerd Chrzanowski, General Partner of Schwarz Group. "We have worked hard to consolidate our position as number one in Europe and are continuing to drive forward our successful long-term ecosystem strategy."
Outlook: Investing in Sustainable Growth and Sovereignty
In fiscal year 2026, the companies of Schwarz Group will continue to pursue their expansion program with an increase of planned investments to more than 10 billion euros, of which around 5 billion euros will be allocated in Germany alone. "We are strengthening the future viability of our ecosystem through targeted investments and strategic partnerships. We take responsibility for Germany as a business location and are doing our part for a strong, sovereign Europe," said Gerd Chrzanowski. The investments will focus on strengthening the core business and expanding market share in brick-and-mortar retail and on securing long-term digital independence as well as resource and supply sovereignty.
The reporting date is February 28, 2026. The aggregate total revenue includes all revenue items under German commercial law.
