What are the largest supermarket chains in Germany in 2026?
Edeka, REWE Group and Lidl are the largest supermarket chains in Germany in 2026 based on the number of locations. Edeka has the most number of locations with approximately 6,060–6,100 stores across all 16 federal states. REWE Group operates around 6,000 stores under REWE, PENNY, and nahkauf banners nationwide. Lidl follows with around 3,250–3,300 stores across Germany.
Together, these three retail giants account for the majority of supermarket locations in the country and dominate Germany’s highly competitive grocery market.
Edeka
≈ 6,060–6,100 LOCATIONS (January 15, 2026)
Bavaria holds the highest concentration of Edeka stores, anchoring its 6,100-location German network. Its dominance relies on a unique “independent cooperative” model and the “Wir ♥ Lebensmittel” quality focus, offering localized assortments and 7,000 discount-priced items that traditional corporate retailers cannot match.
REWE Group
≈ 6,000 LOCATIONS (January 15, 2026)
North Rhine-Westphalia holds the highest concentration of REWE stores, anchoring its 3,800-location German network. Its dominance relies on a pioneering omnichannel model, “REWE Regional” sourcing, and the PAYBACK ecosystem, offering convenience and freshness that traditional retailers cannot match.
Aldi (Nord + Süd)
≈ 4,200–4,400 LOCATIONS (January 15, 2026)
North Rhine-Westphalia holds the highest concentration of Aldi stores, anchoring its 4,200-location German network. Its dominance relies on a high-efficiency “pure discount” model and the “Aldi Eigenmarken” strategy, offering maximum quality at minimum prices traditional retailers cannot match.
Lidl
≈ 3,250–3,300 LOCATIONS (January 15, 2026)
North Rhine-Westphalia holds the highest concentration of Lidl stores, anchoring its 3,250-location German network. Its dominance relies on a “smart discounter” model, the Lidl Plus digital app, and high-frequency logistics, offering fresh produce and value that traditional retailers cannot match.
Kaufland
≈ 780–785 LOCATIONS (January 15, 2026)
North Rhine-Westphalia holds the highest concentration of Kaufland stores, anchoring its 780-location German network. Its dominance relies on a “one-stop-shop” hypermarket model and the “K-Classic” value brand, offering 30,000 products at prices that traditional regional retailers cannot match.
| Rank | Brand | Approx. Number of Stores | States Present In | Cities Present In |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Edeka | 6,060–6,100 | All 16 | 2,500+ cities and towns |
| #2 | REWE Group | ≈6,000 (REWE + PENNY + nahkauf) | All 16 | 2,000+ cities and towns |
| #3 | Aldi (Nord + Süd) | 4,200–4,400 combined | All 16 | 2,100+ cities and towns |
| #4 | Lidl | 3,250–3,300 | All 16 | 1,800+ cities and towns |
| #5 | Kaufland | 780–785 | All 16 | 650+ cities |
