European Supermarket Chains You Should Know
This list features major supermarket chains that operate in more than one European country. It covers what each brand is known for, where they are active, how many people they employ, and any recent controversies, including their response to the war in Ukraine. From discount giants like Lidl to organic specialists like Denn’s, these are the players shaping Europe’s food economy.
Carrefour
Known for: Hypermarkets and supermarkets under Carrefour, Carrefour Market, Carrefour Express
Employees: ~320,000
Available in: France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Romania, Belgium, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria
Controversies: Accused of sourcing products linked to forced labor
Tesco
Known for: Tesco, Tesco Express, Tesco Extra, F&F clothing
Employees: ~330,000
Available in: UK, Ireland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary
Controversies: Lawsuit over forced labor conditions in Thai supplier factories
Aldi
Known for: Discount stores under Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd; Hofer in Austria and Slovenia
Employees: ~274,000
Available in: Germany, UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, etc.
Controversies: Criticized for poor labor conditions on Spanish produce farms
Lidl
Known for: Discount stores with uniform Lidl branding
Employees: ~376,000
Available in: Almost all EU countries including Germany, France, UK, Spain, Italy, Sweden, etc.
Controversies: Allegations of supply chain labor abuses on banana plantations
Kaufland
Known for: Large-format hypermarkets, sister chain to Lidl
Employees: ~155,000
Available in: Germany, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Moldova
Controversies: 2025 exposé revealed poor hygiene standards in German stores
Auchan
Known for: Hypermarkets under Auchan; Alcampo in Spain
Employees: ~154,000
Available in: France, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Russia
Controversies: Continued operations in Russia; accused of supplying Russian army
Ahold Delhaize
Known for: Albert Heijn, Delhaize, Albert, Maxi, Mega Image, Alfa-Beta
Employees: ~414,000
Available in: Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Romania, Czech Republic, Serbia, Luxembourg
Controversies: Worker strikes in Belgium over store franchising
Spar
Known for: SPAR, Eurospar, Interspar — franchise model
Employees: ~300,000
Available in: Most EU countries including Austria, Italy (Despar), Norway, Poland
Controversies: Continued brand presence in Russia via independent licensee
REWE Group
Known for: REWE, Penny, Billa
Employees: ~390,000
Available in: Germany, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia
Controversies: Alleged labor abuses in banana supply chains (Oxfam complaint)
Metro
Known for: Wholesale cash-and-carry; Metro, Makro
Employees: ~95,000
Available in: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Ukraine, Russia
Controversies: Continued Russian operations led to blacklisting by Ukraine