![AB Vassilopoulos Supermarket Vies for 2nd Place in Greek Market](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/vasilopoulos.jpg)
Greek supermarket chain AB Vassilopoulos (AB) and LIDL are both vying for second place in the Greek grocery retail market, and AB is hoping that its strategic growth plans will help it pull safely ahead.
First place is securely held by Greek supermarket chain Sklavenitis, which has more than double the turnover of AB, the latter of which seems to be “stuck” at 2 billion euros per year, according to OT.gr.
Brand manager of AB Nikos Lavidas told OT.gr that one of the company’s plans is to further develop its private label in its four countries of operation in central and southeast Europe, including: Czechoslovakia, Romania, Serbia, and Greece.
To this end, AB has already secured twenty partnership agreements with Greece-based producers to support their goal of exporting Greek fruits, vegetables, and packaged products.
Greek kiwis, cucumbers, peppers, strawberries, oranges, mushrooms, peaches, nectarines and watermelon are some of the key produce the company expects to export.
Meanwhile, AB hopes to open expand its footprint in Greece in 2024 through two to three new supermarkets and franchising agreements. Currently AB has 302 company supermarkets and 267 franchise agreements.
Primarily targeting small markets, AB notes that 12 markets have already changed their status to AB franchises and another 12 are in the pipeline for 2024, which will get AB halfway to its target of an additional 50 franchises.
Putting all of this into perspective and according to a 2023 KPMG report, Greece’s retail sector generated 54.15 billion in 2021 and is the second largest employer of all sectors.
It’s grocery retail sector brought in 13.1 billion euros in 2021 which was equal to 7.2% of Greek GDP in that year.
Source: tovima.com
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![ELSTAT: Building Permits Increased by 40.1% in Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/oikod1-600x380.png)
ELSTAT: Building Permits Increased by 40.1% in Greece
Focusing on Private Construction Activity during this period, there was a 41.8% increase in building permits nationwide, a 40.2% rise in the area, and a 26.8% expansion in volume
![Greek Economy: Bankers’ Insights on Investments and Reforms](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ot_bankers4-600x352.png)
Greek Economy: Bankers’ Insights on Investments and Reforms
He also noted that the Recovery and Resilience Fund has seen over 50% of its funds absorbed, with more than 20% having been directed into the real economy.
![Greece: Airbnb Occupancy Hits 40% in June](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/airbnb-1-600x400.jpg)
Greece: Airbnb Occupancy Hits 40% in June
This growth, averaging about 20,000 new units per month, pushed the total number of accommodations to 224,860 by June, up from 204,578 the previous year.
![Fraport: Greece’s Regional Airports See 5.9% June Surge](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_airport_affixeis-1-1-600x352.png)
Fraport: Greece’s Regional Airports See 5.9% June Surge
Overall, during the first half of 2024, Fraport Greece's airports achieved remarkable results, handling more than 12.7 million passengers, a 7.8% increase compared to 2023.
![SFEE: Just 1 in 5 New Pharmaceutical Drugs Reach Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ΦΑΡΜΑΚΑ-shutterstock_1467910202-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
SFEE: Just 1 in 5 New Pharmaceutical Drugs Reach Greece
Greece spends 70% less than the European average on pharmaceuticals, and Greek patients face significant challenges accessing pharmaceutical drugs and treatments that are available in the country
![Attica Bank: Merger Process With Pancreta Commences](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/attica-bank-2048x1288-1-600x377.jpg)
Attica Bank: Merger Process With Pancreta Commences
A relevant announcement said the merger with Pancreta is expected to be completed by mid September
![Crete’s Heraklion Port Concession Deal Approved](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/heraklion-port2-1-600x369.jpg)
Crete’s Heraklion Port Concession Deal Approved
Owner of Minoan Lines Grimaldi Group acquired a 67% share of the port for a total price of 80 million euros
![Santorini Warning of Cruise Passenger Influx Causes Uproar](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/santorini1-600x400.jpg)
Santorini Warning of Cruise Passenger Influx Causes Uproar
A Santorini councilman urged locals to stay put and limit their activities during the arrival of cruise ships due to overtourism
![European Commission Approves Fourth 2.3 Billion Loan Payment to Greece Under RRF](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/european_commission_hq-flags_web-3-600x375.jpg)
European Commission Approves Fourth 2.3 Billion Loan Payment to Greece Under RRF
The Commission's preliminary assessment of Greece's request, completed on June 14, 2024, was positive, reflecting Greece's successful implementation of its recovery and resilience plan
![Greek Tourism: Projects Shaping the Landscape](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mandarin-Oriental-Costa-Navarino-Ormos-Beach-Club-1024x767-1-600x449.jpg)
Greek Tourism: Projects Shaping the Landscape
In Vonitsa, Aetolia-Acarnania, the Varko Bay resort is emerging as the first ultra-luxury retreat by Banyan Tree in Europe