Auchan invests money into pre-prepared food options
In a significant move, retail giant Auchan has established its first food production unit in Portugal, located in Venda do Pinheiro. This marks the company's initial foray into food production on a global scale.
Auchan, with over 560 physical stores, 30 petrol stations, four warehouses, two online stores, and more than 11 thousand employees, has made this strategic investment. The factory, spanning 1,900 square metres, will employ 61 workers and supply all Auchan stores in Portugal, from North to South, both owned and franchised.
Meanwhile, the Jerónimo Martins chain does not have a food production unit in Venda do Pinheiro, unlike Auchan. However, the Jerónimo Martins group operates two central kitchens in Odivelas and Aveiro, serving the chain's ready-to-eat and takeaway sections.
It's worth noting that Sonae, the parent company of Continente, is a separate entity from Auchan. Continente, another major retail chain in Portugal, has been investing in the concept of central kitchens through the Cozinha Continente brand. As of the current date, there are eleven Cozinha Continente restaurant spaces. The first Cozinha Continente restaurant opened in 2022, at Continente in Viseu.
Auchan's new factory will produce a variety of items, including soups, ready-to-eat meals, salads, sandwiches, wraps, mini pizzas, and desserts. This move by Auchan strengthens its position in the Portuguese market, where chains like Pingo Doce and Continente have also invested heavily.
The retail landscape in Portugal continues to evolve, with these major players continually seeking ways to enhance their offerings and better serve their customers. For those interested in precise and up-to-date figures, direct contact with the companies or consultation of recent corporate reports or local business registries in Portugal is recommended.
Portugal is the location where retail giant Auchan has set up its first food production unit, marking the company's initial foray into food production on a global scale. This investment in a 1,900 square meter factory in Venda do Pinheiro will supply all Auchan stores in Portugal, from North to South, both owned and franchised. In addition to expanding its food production, Auchan has diversified its business to include investing in the concept of central kitchens, similar to what Sonae's Continente chain has been doing, as Continente has been investing in the Cozinha Continente brand. This move by Auchan not only strengthens its position in the Portuguese market but also sets a trend for other food and drink companies to consider investing in Portugal for their business.
