Sustainable growth demonstrated: Schwarz Group companies report positive financial progress in 2024, boosting investments further.
Schwarz Group Boasts Positive Developments and Increased Investments in 2024 Business Year
Neckarsulm, May 22, 2025 - Companies within the Schwarz Group have solidified their market position amidst global challenges, demonstrating growth across various sectors. The group’s total sales skyrocketed to €175.4 billion, marking a 4.9 percent increase compared to the previous year. Despite a turbulent global economic landscape, the group generated around 20,000 new jobs, with approximately 4,000 based in Germany. The Schwarz Group now employs around 595,000 people worldwide.
Sustainable Growth Through Diversity
Lidl and Kaufland, recognized as dependable local suppliers, have prioritized proximity to consumers. Expanding their store network by around 300 new outlets, they now comprise approximately 14,200 stores. Whilst overall online sales remained at the same level as the previous year at €1.7 billion, Lidl and Kaufland maintained their competitive edge in a dynamic market environment. Lidl's store sales increased by 5.3 percent to €132.1 billion, while Kaufland reported a 2.9 percent rise, reaching €35.2 billion.
PreZero, the group's environmental division, has delved deeper into its mission for a waste-free circular economy. The "Road to Zero Waste" initiative supports an increasing number of companies and sports clubs in transitioning towards a cleaner future. The division experienced a 5.4 percent sales increase, driving its profits to €3.9 billion through increased recycling volumes and extended market shares in Germany's dual system.
Production companies within the Schwarz Group maintained reliable product delivery in the face of global challenges, shipping goods valued at €4.6 billion to Lidl and Kaufland. Significant expansion of production capacities was achieved via the launch of the new nut roasting plant in Rheine and the beverage plant in Derby, UK - Schwarz Production's first international production site.
Schwarz Digits guarantees digital independence for a future-proof economy and society. Leveraging expertise in cloud, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, communication, and workplace technology, the group ensures digital sovereignty for its ecosystem. The division, founded recently, maintained its sales at €1.9 billion in the previous year, fueled by offerings such as STACKIT and XM Cyber.
Responsible Growth and Future Investments
Despite a volatile global economic situation, the Schwarz Group augmented its investments by 7.5 percent to €8.6 billion in its 2024 fiscal year. The majority of these investments, totaling €3.3 billion, were allocated to Germany. The focus of these investments was on store expansion, logistics site development, and European data center capacity enhancement.
Expanding its investments, the group is directed toward €9.6 billion in 2025, with €3.7 billion earmarked for Germany. Gerd Chrzanowski, Executive Director of the Complementary Schwarz Group, emphasized the crucial role of employees in driving the company's progress: "The success of the 2024 fiscal year for the Schwarz Group is testament to the commitment and dedication of our employees. Together, we are shaping the future for our company and developing innovative solutions for tomorrow's challenges."
Although the specific 2025 investments in digital sovereignty and Germany-focused economic projects are not entirely detailed in the available public documents, the Schwarz Group remains a significant player in the German retail sector with ongoing commitments to sustainability and responsibility.
- The Schwarz Group, a major player in the German retail sector, boosted its investments in the technology sector, specifically in digital sovereignty.
- The industry of data-and-cloud-computing witnessed significant investments by the Schwarz Group, as they aim to guarantee digital independence for a future-proof economy and society.
- In the realm of real-estate development, the Schwarz Group marked a 7.5 percent increase in investments in 2024, with a focus on store expansion and logistics site development.
- The Schwarz Group's investments cover various sectors, including finance, retail, and business, with a noticeable effort in enhancing its presence in the technology and real-estate industries.
