Consum shapes the strategic direction for Catalonia. The Valencian cooperative acquired a 200,000 square meter plot in Moncada i Reixach, near Barcelona, aiming to establish a logistics platform in the autonomous region and expand its supermarket network in the near term, with plans to add approximately ten stores annually in the future, including opportunities in Aragon. The cooperative reported 2021 sales of 3,378 million euros, a 1.6% increase from the preceding year. Its online sales rose to 61.4 million euros, up 40%, contributing to a net profit of 67.9 million euros, which marked a 3.6% rise. The investment in land and facilities for the new Catalonia warehouse exceeded 70 million euros, reflecting the scale of the expansion.
During the 2021 results presentation, Consum’s managing director, Juan Luis Durich, noted that the group experienced more moderate sales growth, even as enhanced management delivered stronger results. Investments climbed by 27.6% to 149.2 million euros in 2021. The company also highlighted growth across core regions—Catalonia, Aragon, the Community of Valencia, and Murcia—and indicated that land acquisition is anticipated in Andalusia as part of its strategic land bank for future development. Durich emphasized that Consum is actively pursuing opportunities to broaden its footprint in the distribution landscape while maintaining disciplined capital allocation.
Durich commented on the global stock situation, explaining that stores had been well stocked in response to recent supply challenges. He pointed out that sunflower oil remains a material concern due to its essential role in baked goods and pastries. The ongoing uncertainty tied to the Ukraine conflict, a key supplier region for certain inputs, underscores the need for resilient sourcing and contingency planning across the cooperative’s supply chain.
Looking ahead, Consum projected about 5% growth for 2022. The general manager stressed that while no strategic transactions were under active review at the moment, the door remains open to corporate actions if opportunities arise. The cooperative also reiterated support for consumer-friendly measures, including potential VAT reductions on food, a stance echoed by manufacturing associations seeking relief for households facing higher living costs.
hybrid stores
Consum’s online channel is described as neither profitless nor overly dominant; it has a measured impact on overall sales, with estimates suggesting online activity accounts for a modest share of total revenue. The objective remains to preserve the strong in-store service experience while gradually evaluating hybrid approaches. These include stores that integrate a specialized warehouse dedicated to online fulfillment, aiming to blend the benefits of physical retail with digital convenience.
The sun garden will open
Consum plans to inaugurate a solar garden initiative designed to supply a substantial portion of its energy needs. The project targets delivering up to 60% of the group’s electricity from solar power, a move intended to stabilize energy costs across the business. The agreement spans the next decade, underscoring the cooperative’s commitment to energy resilience and long-term cost management for its members and customers.