The figures are included in the annual financial report published by Schwarz Group, Lidl’s parent company, which identifies the discount chain as the group’s main growth driver. At the end of the fiscal year, Lidl operated a network of 12,900 stores, including 3,250 in Germany.
Schwarz Group grows by 5.8%
Schwarz Group as a whole generated total revenue of €185.6 billion in 2025, representing a 5.8% increase compared with the previous year.
In addition to Lidl, the German holding company owns the retail chain Kaufland, the circular economy division PreZero, the manufacturing group Schwarz Produktion and the technology business unit Schwarz Digits.
The group also expanded its workforce during the year, creating 9,000 new jobs. This brings the total number of employees across Schwarz Group companies to 604,000, up 1.5%, of whom 217,000 are based in Germany.
“Despite economic and geopolitical crises, Schwarz Group companies once again recorded significant growth in the 2025 fiscal year. This solid performance is due to the commitment of our more than 600,000 employees,” said Gerd Chrzanowski, general partner of the group.
He added that the company has worked hard to consolidate its position as a leader in Europe and continues to drive its successful long-term ecosystem strategy.
More than €10 billion in investments planned for 2026
In terms of investment, Schwarz Group allocated almost €9 billion during the 2025 fiscal year, including €3.7 billion in Germany.
For the current fiscal year, the group plans to invest more than €10 billion across all its divisions. This investment will focus on strengthening its core business, expanding market share in physical retail, and ensuring long-term digital independence as well as sovereignty in resources and supply.
“We are strengthening the future viability of our ecosystem through targeted investments and strategic partnerships. We are taking responsibility for Germany as a business location and contributing to a strong and sovereign Europe,” Chrzanowski said.
Kaufland reaches €36.7 billion
All of Schwarz Group’s business divisions posted year-on-year growth. Beyond Lidl, Kaufland generated sales revenue of €36.7 billion, up 4.3% on the previous year.
The supermarket chain recorded growth in Germany and Eastern European countries, consolidating its market position. Kaufland ended the year with 1,600 stores, including 790 in Germany.
The company has also continued to expand its digital operations through Kaufland Marketplace, which now operates in several European markets. Combined online revenue from Lidl and Kaufland stood at €1.7 billion, remaining stable compared with the previous year.
PreZero, own production and technology business
The circular economy division PreZero also continued to grow in 2025, with recycling revenue of €4.1 billion, up 5.1%. The company has expanded into battery recycling through the acquisition of Re.Lion.Bat and continues to invest in energy recovery.
Meanwhile, Schwarz Group’s manufacturing companies, grouped under Schwarz Produktion, increased their revenue by 23.9% to €5.7 billion. Following the acquisition of jam and honey producer Göbber, the group announced an investment of more than €300 million to expand the Bonback industrial bakery in Halle, Germany, with the planned creation of 400 new jobs.
Finally, Schwarz Digits, the group’s technology division, reached revenue of €2.2 billion, up 15.8%. This area brings together activities in cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, communications and digital workplaces, with the aim of strengthening the digital sovereignty of Germany and Europe.
With these results, Schwarz Group reinforces its weight in European retail and consolidates a diversified business model in which food retail, own production, the circular economy and technology are gaining strategic importance.
