- Business
- Jerónimo Martins, SGPS, S.A. is a leading international food distribution and specialized retail group founded in 1792 and headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal. The company operates primarily in the food retail industry, with main business segments including food distribution, specialized retail, and agribusiness. Its core products and services encompass supermarket chains and cash-and-carry stores, notably Pingo Doce and Recheio in Portugal; the largest discount food retail chain Biedronka in Poland with expansion into Slovakia; and the Ara neighborhood stores in Colombia. In specialized retail, it operates the Hebe beauty and cosmetics chain in Poland, Jeronymo coffee shops, and Hussel chocolate and confectionery stores in Portugal. Additionally, Jerónimo Martins invests in primary production to ensure quality and sustainability in its supply chains.
In the past two years, Jerónimo Martins has undergone significant strategic expansions and operational developments. The group reported a 9.3% increase in sales in 2024 to €33.5 billion, driven mainly by strong performance in its Biedronka brand and the Ara supermarket network, which had a 17% sales increase in Colombia. In 2024, Jerónimo Martins opened 386 new stores and remodeled 366 existing locations across its markets. The company is actively integrating around 70 stores previously operated by Colsubsidio into its Ara chain as part of expansion efforts in Colombia. Strategically, Jerónimo Martins has announced an ambitious plan to reach €50 billion in annual sales by 2029 or 2030, marking a shift toward more aggressive mergers and acquisitions to complement its historically organic growth model. Planned investments include continuing store network expansions across Poland, Colombia, Slovakia, and Portugal, along with enhancements in logistics and supply chain capacities. Furthermore, Jerónimo Martins has recently agreed to acquire Luís Vicente Group, a Portuguese fruit and vegetable producer and distributor, strengthening its agribusiness footprint.
The company serves diverse markets including Portugal, Poland, Colombia, Slovakia, and broader international operations with an emphasis on quality food products at competitive prices aimed at everyday consumers. Jerónimo Martins is recognized for its integrated value proposition across food retail and specialized retail sectors, focusing on innovation and customer-centric approaches. Its extensive store network comprises over 6,000 outlets including 3,730 Biedronka stores, 489 Pingo Doce, 43 Recheio, and 1,438 Ara stores. The company maintains a strong capital expenditure program and continues to focus on profitability, market share gains, and operational agility to adapt to evolving market conditions.
Jerónimo Martins belongs to the food retailing and distribution industry and holds leadership positions in the markets it operates. It remains a key player in Europe's retail sector through its extensive store networks and diversified retail formats supported by ongoing strategic investments and partnerships.
This description reflects the latest publicly available information as of late 2025.