Schwarz closed 2025 with record revenues and is preparing investments of over €10 billion for the new financial year. The German group, owner of the Lidl and Kaufland brands, closed the fiscal year ending February 28, 2026, with total revenue of €185,6 billion, up 5,8% from €175,4 billion the previous year.
Despite a context marked by economic and geopolitical tensions, the group further strengthened its position in the European market, also increasing employment. Employees rose from 595.000 to 604.000, with 9.000 new jobs created during the year, 5.000 of which were in Germany.
The growth driver remains the distribution business. Lidl saw its turnover increase by 6,1%, reaching €140,2 billion, thanks to the expansion of its retail network and increased customer base in European markets. To strengthen its supply chains between Asia and Europe, the brand is investing in the modernization of its Tailwind fleet and has commissioned the construction of five new ships.
Kaufland also posted a positive performance, with revenues up 4,3% to €36,7 billion. The brand consolidated its presence in Germany and Eastern European markets, while continuing to expand its online marketplace, now operating in seven European countries, including Italy and France.
During 2025, the group opened approximately 300 new stores, bringing its overall network to 14.500 stores worldwide. Online sales at Lidl and Kaufland remained stable at €1,7 billion, in line with the overall market trend.
Significant results were also achieved by the group's other businesses. PreZero, the circular economy division, achieved revenues of €4,1 billion (+5,1%), strengthening its battery recycling operations through the acquisition of RE.LION.BAT and developing new industrial partnerships, including one with the BMW Group for the recovery of end-of-life vehicles.
The manufacturing sector is also growing, recording a 23,9% increase to €5,7 billion. Strategic transactions include the acquisition of jam and honey producer Göbber and an investment of over €300 million to expand the Bonback industrial bakery in Halle, which is expected to create over 400 new jobs.
On the technology front, the Schwarz Digits division increased revenue by 15,8% to €2,2 billion, driven by growing demand for cloud and cybersecurity services. Among the most notable projects is the construction of a new 200-megawatt data center in Lübbenau, considered one of the most advanced in Europe.
Schwarz plans to further accelerate its development plan for 2026. After investing approximately €9 billion in the last fiscal year, including €3,7 billion in Germany, the group has announced investments of over €10 billion in the new fiscal year, aiming to strengthen its core distribution business, consolidate digital independence, and increase the security of supply chains and strategic resources.
