Winkels Group sales remain stable

The Winkels Group was able to slightly increase its consolidated sales (including affiliated companies): it closed the financial year with a slight increase compared to 2022, generating 523 million euros in 2023 (previous year: 520 million euros). The Winkels Group's total sales, including merchandise, fell by 9 per cent overall. This was due to the base effect of the closure or rededication of REAL stores and the discontinuation of the Coca Cola line at a retail centre. The own brands alone fared somewhat better, with a decline of 6 per cent, worse than the market as a whole. A decline of 4.5 per cent was recorded in Germany as a whole. This is due to the price increases, which the family-run company was able to implement across all brands and products in the south-west almost single-handedly. "Despite cost-cutting projects, we had to pass on some of the cost increases. Of course, this is reflected in consumer behaviour, especially when retailers then add their share. Nevertheless, we are convinced that this is the right way forward in the long term. ", says Denise Kaufmann, Managing Director at Winkels.

Investments in Griesbach and FONTANIS on the upswing
Sales of the high-end Griesbacher brand, which is only available in glass, will also decline slightly in 2023. However, Gerhard Kaufmann, Managing Partner of the Winkels Group, has now set the course for the future of the brand: "Griesbacher is one of the best mineral waters in Germany due to its exceptional mineralisation. By taking over the neighbouring property in Bad Peterstal-Griesbach, we have secured options for the future of the site." The company is also investing in a new bottle washer and technology for bottling in a modern container at the site. This will enable the Griesbacher brand to take off again in 2024.

There is positive news from FONTANIS: The mineral water brand, which was adapted in 2022 to reflect a modern understanding of health and well-being, continues to grow: in 2023, FONTANIS was able to increase sales in line with the market trend. Under the claim "Water in top form", FONTANIS is bottled in the modern 0.75-litre bottle from the Deutscher Brunnen cooperative, as well as in 1-litre returnable PET containers.

The popular mid-price brand Aqua Vitale lost sales for the first time in years, mainly due to capacity bottlenecks at the spring during the peak season. The brand is now being expanded to include a new product range in the soft drinks segment. Aqua Plus is primarily aimed at consumers who want a fruity refreshment without sugar and artificial sweeteners.

The social brand alwa also saw a decline in sales due to the price increases. However, the brand's mission was continued with great success in 2023: alwa promotes the passions and talents in the region with every bottle sold. The vision: to make south-west Germany the region of optimists and the happiest area in Germany. In 2023, over 17 million hours of happiness were generated through numerous projects in the areas of sport, art and culture.

The performance of the alwa live catering brand was also pleasing. There was already significant growth in the catering segment last year due to the resurgence of gastronomy. alwa live also achieved above-average growth in 2023. The newly launched apple spritzer for the catering trade also contributed to this.

In 2024, Winkels wants to build on past successes and return to its former sales strength. Gerhard Kaufmann is optimistic: "We have set the course in 2023 to master future challenges with confidence. We are well equipped and our declared goal is to lead Winkels into a successful future as a family business. " The consistent further development of our own brands and the top performance of Winkels logistics, especially during the peak season, will play a decisive role in this and will be further expanded through ambitious projects and investments in 2024.