Żabka is expanding its long-standing cooperation with Microsoft in the field of innovation, focusing on dynamic acceleration of growth based on artificial intelligence. The strategic partnership agreement aims to strengthen the development of the chain using AI in four key areas: store efficiency, international growth, internal transformation, and data analytics responding to customer needs. Żabka, which is a leader in technological transformation, will be the first retail organization in Central Eastern Europe to work together with Microsoft among others on the use of an intelligent assistant to support the work of as many as 2,500 employees.
“Digital transformation is one of the strategic pillars of the Żabka Group. The knowledge we derive, for example, from data analysis, allows us to expand our convenience ecosystem and increase its operational excellence. Thanks to the partnership with Microsoft, we are ahead of trends in the retail market also in terms of the use of AI. We see a very high potential for development in this area. Artificial intelligence is already helping us minimize customer service time, make it easier for our franchisees to run their businesses, allow us to better select the assortment for stores and personalize the offer for customers,” says Tomasz Suchański, CEO of Żabka Group.
The cooperation involves not only the implementation of new services and solutions, but also support for the transformation of the organizational culture towards AI. This means even greater openness to learning new competences and exchanging knowledge in the field of the latest technologies.
“Żabka is a pioneer in the retail industry. From the very beginning of our partnership, they’ve been at the forefront of retail innovation leveraging the power of AI to deliver new consumer experiences and strengthen their position as a leader in both Polish and European retail markets. In this new era of AI, strong partnerships are not only important to drive continued innovation but also do so in a way that’s responsible and fosters trust. I’m proud of our longstanding partnership with Żabka and look forward to our continued cooperation”- says Shelley Bransten, Corporate Vice President, Global Industry Solutions at Microsoft.
The long-term cooperation between Żabka and Microsoft has already resulted in many strategic solutions for the development of the industry based on the most innovative technologies – from the vision of the store of the future presented jointly six years ago to the presentation of the Żabka Nano concept in New York during the largest retail conference in the world – NRF 2023 Retail’s Big Show. Żabka was one of the few companies from Europe that received an invitation from Microsoft to participate in this prestigious event and present its innovations.
AI has revolutionized the shopping experience by making it as easy as opening a fridge. It has allowed the development of Żabka Nano autonomous stores where customers can simply take products from the shelves and leave, and payment is collected automatically. The first Żabka Nano store was established in June 2021 in Poznan. Currently, the Żabka Group manages the leading network of autonomous stores in Europe, with 50 outlets. Żabka has been a pioneer of innovation for years – the company was the first retailer in Europe to implement Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability, created the largest Azure Marketplace in Central Europe and has long invested in solutions based on artificial intelligence.
Retail of the future “here and now”
The strategic partnership between the two companies means intensive cooperation in the area of using artificial intelligence to automate processes, optimize logistics and assortment, and better understand and meet customer needs. The partners will also work together to develop innovative services and products for consumers, business partners and local communities, using AI-generated data and analytics. Żabka and Microsoft will also take care of improving the AI competences of Żabka employees through training, workshops and mutual knowledge sharing.
Żabka is an AI pioneer
As part of the partnership, Żabka Polska will be the first company in Poland to provide 2,500 of its employees with an intelligent assistant – Copilot for Microsoft 365. Copilot, embedded in tools such as Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Teams, will help them perform repetitive and often tedious activities faster and “free up their time” for more creative activities and the development of digital competences. The assistant, i.a., will summarize the meeting, help prepare the content of the email, design a presentation or support employees in effective planning of the week.
The partnership between Żabka and Microsoft is an expression of mutual trust and long joint experience in implementing the most innovative industry solutions. By joining forces of two leaders – technology and retail – customers, employees and the community will benefit from the increased quality of services, products and added value generated by artificial intelligence.
Already 9,000 franchisees run their local businesses under the Żabka banner. The 9,000th entrepreneur has just joined the chain and manages a store in Kosina (Podkarpackie voivodship), with a population of less than 4,000. Żabka successfully attracts motivated and committed people with its business model, offering them premises, extensive training, and logistical and marketing support. It is the diversity and uniqueness of the franchisees that are the strength of the chain. Thanks to them, Żabka’s offer is available in almost every corner of Poland, also in small towns.
– We are delighted to welcome our 9,000th franchisee. Entrepreneurs running their stores with the Żabka logo play a key role in our chain’s development. We are constantly enriching our offer by adapting it to the needs of customers also from small towns, who increasingly value time and convenience. At the same time, we are developing our business model with comprehensive training, modern store management tools and a benefits package. Franchising is the best school for entrepreneurship, and we aim to support franchisees in developing their businesses – says Adam Manikowski, EVP, Managing Director of Żabka Polska.
Jakub Uberman became the 9000th franchisee. Until now, he has supported his wife in running a beauty salon. Previously, he was also a sales manager and sales representative for an agricultural company.
– Joining Żabka was an obvious choice for me, primarily because of the comprehensive support the chain offers at every stage of running a store. The possibility of development and a proven business model were key in my decision. In addition, the recognition of the Żabka brand gives me confidence that I will attract a wide range of loyal customers from the very beginning –says Jakub Uberman, the 9,000th franchisee to run a Żabka store in Kosina.
The potential of small towns
Last year, Żabka chain opened over 1,000 new stores, including 130 in towns with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants. In the Podkarpackie voivodship alone, there are almost 280 stores, including 75 in Rzeszów, and the newly-opened store in Kosin is the first in this locality. Statistical data shows that ladies comprise a vast majority (75%) of those who decide to set up their own business and run their Żabka store in the said voivodship.
Entrepreneurs developing their business with Żabka in small towns and rural areas can count on additional support from the chain. One of the solutions offered is the ‘Vehicle for a Start’ programme, which provides a car to get to the outlet. This programme is aimed at entrepreneurs who run stores in towns with up to 30,000 people or live in other locations daily. An additional benefit is the relocation package, i.e. monthly financial support for franchisees who decide to move to open a store in a town with a population of up to 50,000.
Benefits of the Żabka franchise
Franchisees joining the chain receive fully equipped and furnished premises. From the beginning of the cooperation, entrepreneurs benefit from substantive, service and technological support. The chain provides innovative solutions such as the Optiplan programme and the Cyberstore application, which enables remote store management via smartphone, including ordering, generating reports and verifying delivery times. Franchisees also receive a comprehensive training package that prepares them to run the store and is tailored to individual needs. Importantly, the chain offers franchisees a unique collective insurance on the market, ‘Policy for Business’, which, under the terms and conditions agreed with the insurance company, protects them against possible financial failure and ensures economic stability in the event of termination of cooperation with the chain with a negative balance.
More information about franchising with Żabka can be found at: www.zabka.pl/franczyza
One of Europe’s biggest modern convenience brands is launching a new chain of stores in Romania. Over the past month, five stores have been set up in Bucharest under the Froo banner. This is a new brand within the ecosystem of the Żabka Group in the European market. The Group, which owns, among other things, a chain of over 10,000 Żabka stores in Poland and Maczfit, a leading diet catering company, joined forces with DRIM Daniel Distributie in February this year, taking a majority stake in a leading FMCG distribution company in Romania. Froo are modern convenience stores equivalent to the Żabka stores operating in Poland.
Żabka Group is a comprehensive convenience ecosystem originating in Poland with both physical and digital sales channels. Its products and services are used daily by more than 3 million people who value their time and the convenience of shopping.
The Żabka Group in Poland includes over 10,000 stores under the Żabka banner, Nano unmanned stores, q-commerce, e-commerce solutions and diet catering. Żabka has been building its leading position since 1998 when the first store was established in Poland. In entering the Romanian market, the Group is building on more than 25 years of experience gained in the Polish market, knowledge of consumer behaviour and the know-how of its Romanian partner DRIM Daniel Distributie – a leader in FMCG distribution in Romania.
– Romania is a significant market in Central and Eastern Europe, with a population of over 19 million inhabitants, making it the second-largest consumer market in the region. The similar consumer profile to Poland and the growth prospects for the Romanian market made this direction a natural step in the expansion of the Żabka Group. Romanian consumers appreciate small, nearby shops where they can make impulse purchases for immediate consumption – which is why Froo fits in well with their needs with its mission statement “Everything you need, you will find in Froo”. – says Anna Grabowska, CEO of Zabka International.
An analysis of the Romanian market and a survey of local consumers conducted by Kantar[1] shows that 47% of Romanian citizens surveyed prefer to shop spontaneously or on impulse when time allows. The same group indicated that they like to buy groceries in small stores close to where they are staying. Froo aims to respond to the needs of this group of people.
Development of local entrepreneurship
The name Froo refers to the DNA of the Polish brand from which it originated. Żabka’s characteristic smile has remained in the Froo logo, under the letters RO – on the one hand, this is a reference to Romania, on the other hand, the smile itself is an important symbol for the brand of openness and a positive approach to customers, and the name itself is short and easy to pronounce. Although the name of the chain is different in Poland and Romania, the branding and character of the brand have remained the same.
Froo Romania Retail S.R.L., a company belonging to the Żabka Group, is responsible for the development of the store chain in Romania. It aims to support local entrepreneurship, so the stores will operate under a business partnership model. Froo plans to open stores in major towns and cities across Romania, with outlets ranging from 50 to 70 sqm. Each location is analysed in terms of its attractiveness to customers, but also logistics and growth potential. There are currently five stores operating under the Froo banner in the country’s capital.
– In the first stage, we opened the stores in the friends&family formula, which allowed us to test the IT, assortment and logistics solutions introduced. We then opened test outlets for customers. We asked for their opinions and perceptions of our stores. We are committed to responding to our customers’ needs in the best possible way, which is why we are constantly improving our processes and enhancing our offer. We are aware that we still have a lot to learn, but thanks to the cooperation within the Group and the local market experience of DRIM Daniel Distributie, we can provide customers with a new shopping experience. – says Radu Trandafir, General Manager, Froo Romania Retail S.R.L.
Everything you need can be found at Froo
In the Froo chain’s stores, more than 80% of the assortment consists of well-known and well-liked Romanian brands and international brands from Romanian suppliers. Following the example of the Polish market, Froo also offers private label products – the range includes Tommy Bites sandwiches, Good Soul lunch products and Barefruit drinks. A wide range of hot snacks, such as a hot dog or fries, and coffees are also available at all stores, operating under the Froo Bistro banner. An offer prepared for customers who want to quickly satisfy their hunger and thirst on the go.
In all stores, customers can return product packaging covered by the deposit system – with a capacity of 0.1 to 3 litres. Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) are available at selected outlets for the collection of plastic, aluminium and glass packaging. Packaging can also be left at retailers. The deposit activities undertaken by Froo are a result of Żabka Group’s Responsibility Strategy, which includes activities promoting a closed-loop economy. It is also a fulfilment of the regulations in force in Romania.
[1] Source: Kantar CAWI survey, 2022.
Women in Poland are strengthening their professional positions and increasingly realising their leadership roles, and Polish businesses are doing more and more to equalise the situation of women and men. According to data from the CEIDG [the Central Register and Information on Economic Activity] at the beginning of 2023, there are 25 per cent of women on the boards of Polish companies[1]. At Żabka Group, they make up almost half of the Management Board, managing key business areas such as finance, HR or foreign expansion. Ladies also make up the majority – 65 per cent – among franchisees cooperating with Żabka, running stores all over Poland. For comparison, the percentage of women among all owners of sole proprietorships in Poland is around 34 per cent.[2]
Żabka Group is an organisation that, by developing a culture of equal opportunities, actively supports women. They can develop and successfully combine their professional and private lives – only in 2023, 273 female employees were promoted at Żabka. Currently, ladies account for 40.3 per cent of all employees at the company. They are in charge of such important areas as finance, legal department, logistics, human resources department, price analysis department, sales or adaptation. As of the beginning of 2024, 155 women are employed in managerial and executive positions – an increase of nearly 10 per cent compared to 2023. Żabka was one of the first organisations in the Polish market to achieve parity on the Management Board. Currently, due to changes in the Group’s management structure introduced as of February this year, three out of seven members of the Board are women (for comparison, in Q1 2023, on the boards of commercial companies in Poland, traditionally understood as companies, business women accounted for 25 per cent[3]).
– Gender balance in employment is very important to us. We have built an organisation that supports women and gives them the same opportunities for development and promotion as men, thanks to which they have a real impact on the shape of the business and social environment of our company. More and more women are using their competencies and potential to achieve responsible managerial and leadership positions within the Żabka Group – says Jolanta Bańczerowska, Member of the Management Board, Chief People Officer.
An important step in supporting women’s professional development was Żabka’s implementation of an equal pay policy, thus recognising that women and men must be treated and paid equally. Żabka is the first Polish company with EQUAL SALARY certification, indicating equal pay in the organisation regardless of gender. As part of its support for female employees, the company also runs a mentoring programme, ‘Super Babes from Żabka’, which aims to promote female energy in business and strengthen female leaders in the organisation.
The woman at the helm of Żabka International
It was Anna Grabowska, in the role of Executive Vice-President and Managing Director, who was entrusted with the extremely responsible task of managing a new organisational unit established at the beginning of February this year – Żabka International. It will provide operational support for the Group’s entities in foreign markets. Anna Grabowska has unique experience in retail management in areas such as consumer strategies, supplier relations, marketing communications and ESG, among others. Her knowledge of consumer needs and modern convenience helped build Żabka’s success in Poland. During her career path, she has also dealt with markets outside Poland, which is an asset in building new markets for the organisation.
Women develop their own business with Żabka
According to data from the CEIDG [the Central Register and Information on Economic Activity]in early 2023, approximately 1 million women are owners of actively operating sole proprietorships in Poland[4]. In total, women account for approx. 34% of all owners of sole proprietorships in Poland[5]. Among the franchisees cooperating with Żabka, the percentage of women is almost twice as high – ladies account for 65 per cent of the more than 8,800 entrepreneurs running stores under the chain’s banner.
– Women perform well as entrepreneurs because of their perseverance, creativity, but also their diligence. The report ‘Businesswoman of the Year: Polish Women and Entrepreneurship 2023’ shows that as many as 45 per cent of female respondents work more than 40 hours a week and 41 per cent devote more time to their professional duties than a year ago. Polish female entrepreneurs want to create inclusive teams: 75 per cent of respondents would hire a person over 50 and 58 per cent. – a person with a disability or neuroatypical condition. Women are constantly proving how ambitious and courageous they are – one in four respondents declares that they would like to develop their company internationally –says Olga Kozierowska, creator of Sukces Pisany Szminką and President of the WłączeniPlus Foundation.
Żabka’s 5700 female franchisees are successfully developing their businesses in both metropolitan areas and small towns across Poland. Almost half of them are women aged between 26 and 39. And nearly 40 per cent of the franchisees come from towns with a population of up to 50,000.
Żabka supports women in various ways to broaden their knowledge and acquire new competencies in the area of entrepreneurship. Regardless of their age, professional experience or background, it creates space for development and confidence building. It also helps them daily to run businesses under its banner.
[1] Women in Business in Poland 2023 – Data and Statistics | by Transparent Data | Blog Transparent Data | Medium
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid
Every year, the Polish economy is supported by more and more foreigners, who are often very good specialists and fill gaps in industries with personnel shortages. Many of them run their businesses, create jobs, pay taxes and are involved in the life of local communities thus contributing to the development of the Polish economy. An example of the entrepreneurs involved is the more than 300 franchisees of Żabka shops coming from outside our country. Thanks to the scale of the chain, this contribution to entrepreneurship is even greater!
According to the Central Statistical Office (CSO), Poland’s population was 37.6 million at the end of 2023, down from 2022. Further forecasts are not optimistic – by 2050, more than half of our country’s population may be over 50, which will translate into a greater demand for economically active people. Negative data on our country’s shrinking population and ageing population are already influencing public discussion about the future of the labour market. Already today, an increasing number of foreigners are contributing not only to the employee market. Those with ties to Poland, who have lived here for a long time or who want to stay in our country for the long term, are developing their businesses.
There are currently more than 8,600 entrepreneurs representing 8 nationalities in the chain. In total, more than 350 non-Polish nationals run their shops. The vast majority are from Ukraine and Belarus, but there are also entrepreneurs from Moldova, Romania and even Egypt.
Natalia Vaitovich, a Belarusian who has been running the facility in Warsaw since September 2022, emphasises: – I came to Poland to study in 2014. I worked for a few years, also in a managerial position in a clothing shop. During this time I met my now fiancé – we wanted to change something in our lives and start something of our own. One of the things that convinced us to join Żabka was the low investment, the extensive support offered by the chain from the very beginning, including an almost turnkey store, as well as the support from recruiters who helped me complete the documentation necessary to start the business. My fiancé is Polish and I plan to start a family here. Therefore, by running a store in the capital, I am contributing to the development of a place I want to be associated with permanently.
In turn, Olena Saroyan, a franchisee also from the capital, says: – I am glad that my parents connected with Poland – apart from being Armenian, I now also have Polish citizenship. One of my friends, who has been running a Żabka franchise store for 5 years, inspired me and recommended this business to me. In September 2022, I opened my outlet in Warsaw, while continuing my studies in management. This is my first professional job and thus my first business of my own. My family ran grocery shops in Ukraine, you could say we are a family with a tradition in trade. Those closest to me helped me to develop the shop, which was extremely valuable during the first months requiring the greatest effort. The smooth introduction to the role of a franchisee was also possible, thanks to a lot of support from the chain.
Benefits of being part of a franchise network
By opening a shop with Żabka, franchisees from outside Poland gain the same benefits as those with Polish citizenship. They receive an outlet from the chain ready to run, equipped with equipment, computer systems, furniture or goods. They are covered by the “Business Insurance Policy”, which, according to the terms and conditions agreed with the insurance company, protects them from various unforeseen situations that may arise during running their own business and ensures financial stability at the end of the cooperation. They can also count on access to the chain’s more than 25 years of experience, a package of free training, direct shop deliveries, IT, service and marketing support, as well as several modern tools (the Cyberstore application or the Optiplan package with Żabka Assistant) to make running their business easier. In 2023, more than 81% of franchisees achieved at least PLN 25,000 in revenue per month.
Franchising with Żabka – Requirements for non-Poland residents
People of non-Polish origin wishing to start a business with Żabka, like everyone else, must, among other things, undergo a recruitment and training process completed by an exam, register a sole proprietorship in Poland, and make their contribution of around PLN 5,000.
An additional requirement for candidates who do not have Polish citizenship and come from non-EU countries is the need to have legal residence, which entitles them to establish a sole proprietorship (JDG in Polish). On the other hand, based on the “special law” (Law of 12.03.2022 on assistance to citizens of Ukraine in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of that country), citizens of Ukraine may set up a JDG and carry out economic activity on the territory of the Republic of Poland on the same terms as Polish citizens. However, the requirement in this case is that the Ukrainian citizen obtains a PESEL number and submits an application for a residence permit to the competent Office of the Governor. There is also a requirement for language certification at the B2 level, which is organised by the Żabka chain. Persons who have been legally residing in Poland for 2 years can take advantage of the promotional conditions for securing business in the form of a promissory note with 1 guarantor or a promissory note with a deposit of PLN 20,000 without a guarantor. Otherwise, they should present two guarantors for the bill of exchange or a bill of exchange with one guarantor and a deposit of PLN 25,000.
– Żabka gives young people and those with non-Polish roots a chance to develop. I develop under the chain’s banner personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur, I also have a micro-contribution to the Polish economy. I recommend this business to ambitious and hard-working people, regardless of their backgrounds. –concludes Olena Saroyan.
Golden Heart No. 1 of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity is already at Żabka’s headquarters in Poznań. The handover ceremony took place on February 14, Valentine’s Day, at the Foundation’s headquarters. It was collected from the hands of Jurek Owsiak by Tomasz Suchański, President of the Management Board of Żabka Group. The Golden Heart No. 1 was auctioned by Żabka during the 32nd Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity for PLN 1,050,000.
During a meeting at the Foundation’s headquarters, Jerzy Owsiak summarised what equipment would be purchased with the amount that the Żabka Group donated during the heart auction. PLN 1 050 000. is the equivalent of 4.5 specialised ultrasound machines, almost 3 Digital PCR machines or 1 fluorescence microscope for FISH genetic tests.
The motto of the 32nd Finale was: ‘Lungs after the pandemic. We play for children and adults, and the goal was to support pulmonology wards and provide them with appropriate equipment to fight the effects of the pandemic. The topic is very close to our hearts, as from the very beginning of the outbreak of the pandemic, Żabka Group has been heavily involved in activities to increase the safety of its customers, franchisees and employees, as well as supporting Polish hospitals on a large scale in the fight against Covid-19. Participation in the auction of the Golden Heart No. 1 was therefore a continuation of the company’s efforts to improve the quality of healthcare, as well as the crowning achievement of its long-standing involvement in the activities of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity and highlighting Żabka’s 25th anniversary celebrated last year.
The company has been involved in the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (GOCC – WOŚP in Polish) activities for several decades, creating, together with its franchisees, the most numerous staff in Poland. This year, colourful WOŚP moneyboxes were displayed in more than 10,000 Żabka shops; moreover, users of the mobile application could donate Żapps to the Foundation, and Żabu, the virtual hero, wore a special volunteer T-shirt for the occasion. Thanks to the commitment of customers and franchisees, the company donated a total of more than PLN 1,450,000 as part of the 32nd GOCC Finale.
In the new year, Żabka launched the “Franchise Ambassador” project. Fifty franchisees have been appointed to this elite group in recognition of their commitment, professionalism and desire for continuous development. The entrepreneurs will participate, among others, in industry events, and some of them will become protagonists of a series of podcasts hosted by Jarosław Kuźniar, a well-known journalist and entrepreneur.
– The Ambassador programme we have set up is an inspiring way to engage our franchisees in wider activities and activity in local communities. The selected entrepreneurs identify with the values of our business model and want to co-create a credible image for the franchise. They have an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the cooperation and are aware of the support we offer and the difficulties that may arise in running a business under our banner. Honesty and truthfulness is their greatest advantage – says Przemysław Kijewski, Chief Operating Officer at Żabka Polska.
The project involves 50 franchisees of different ages, with different life and work experiences, coming from both big cities and small towns, including from abroad. The initiative aims to facilitate direct contact with the Ambassadors for people who are considering setting up their own business and want to hear the opinion of an entrepreneur who knows the business inside out. Franchisees will be available to meet at many local or industry events. Many of them plan to build their brand through social media channels.
Part of the initiative is a series of 25 interviews with franchisees, which are published every Wednesday starting from January 31, this year, among others on the YouTube channel Żabka Biznes, in podcast applications and on www.zabka.pl/podcasty. Each meeting is hosted by Jarosław Kuźniar. During the conversation, the well-known and respected journalist and entrepreneur often touches upon difficult issues related to running one’s own business, asks about breakthrough moments in professional life, and also finds out what their recipe for success is.
– The common denominator of all the talks is the drive of our franchisees to achieve the best possible results and the desire for continuous development. By listening to the conversation, the audience will be able to better understand the franchise model, get to know the people who decided to open their own business and the emotions accompanying them in their daily duties as a franchisee – adds Przemysław Kijewski.
Currently, more than 8,600 entrepreneurs who run their stores under the chain’s banner already benefit from Żabka’s more than 25 years of experience, its partnerships and extensive support in business development from the start.
Read more about Żabka franchise and the Ambassador Programme at: https://www.zabka.pl/franczyza
Hot snacks, available at Żabka as part of Żabka Café, are hugely popular with customers. It was another year under the sign of hot dogs, with more than 80 million sold in 2023, including more than 1 million in limited variants, i.e. colourful variants appearing for different occasions. The second place on the podium, with more than 14 million sold, was taken by panini, and the third place was taken by crispy snacks from the #PROSTOzPIECA offer, of which more than 6 million were bought. Among these, crunchboxes, or products in sets, were the most popular.
– The hot dog is certainly the favourite warm snack among Żabka customers, and we are the undisputed market leader in this category. We are also pleased to see growing customer interest in other products from our gradually expanding gastronomy offer under the #PROSTOzPIECA campaign. I am thinking here, among others, about casseroles, fries, churros or nuggets. By creating ‘value innovation’ in gastronomy, we serve meals of proven quality at an affordable price. Our mission is to democratise catering products, i.e. to make them accessible to literally everyone – says Jerzy Roguski, Chief Officer for Commercial Affairs and Trade Development at Żabka Polska.
Hot dog from Żabka best in “blind“ tests
During “blind” hot dog tests conducted in September 2023 as part of a survey of consumer preferences for these products, the hot dog from Żabka was rated best in terms of most attributes, including taste, smell and quality[1]. According to the respondents, its strengths are mainly: the crunchiness of the bun, the degree of seasoning of the sausage, its texture and meatiness. Żabka’s flagship hot snack also received the highest purchase intention index – as many as 92 per cent of those taking part in the tests expressed a desire to buy it.
The favourite snack in standard, coloured and XXL versions
Hot dogs can be bought in all stationary Żabka shops, they are also on offer in seasonal outlets and mobile Żabka stores – during concerts and cultural events. In two stores (in Warsaw and Poznań) this snack is also prepared by Robbie the robot. Żabka’s customers can try a dozen or so different flavour combinations of the hot dog, choosing the type of sausage and sauce they like and, if they are hungry, they can choose an XXL version of the hot dog. They can also choose unique, colourful hot dogs, which appear in the chain’s stores as part of temporary offers. These already include the Black Dog, a limited black version of this warm snack prepared for Black Friday, the pink Love Dog for St. Valentine’s Day, the Summer Dog – a “sunny” version for summer or the purple Prymus hot dog, offered in the first days of September.
Crispy panini full of toppings
Several variants of the delicious panini are available at Żabka Café, such as those with mushrooms, chicken, cheddar cheese or ham and jalapeño. The palates of fans of this crunchy snack have also been conquered by novelties in 2023: the panini Italiano, with sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and chicken with basil sauce, and the mushroom panini with aromatic mushroom sauce, cheddar cheese and roast bacon.
Żabka the leader of the gastronomy offer in Poland
Żabka is the largest chain of food outlets in Poland. Its offer includes not only hot dogs and paninis but also pizza wraps and many sweets – from croissants to yeast cakes, donuts and doughnuts. In more than 3,000 selected Żabka shops, crunchy snacks from the #PROSTOzPIECA offer are also available: casseroles, fries, churros, nuggets, chicken pops and chicken strips, as well as products in sets: crispbox nuggets with fries, crispbox chicken pops with fries and crispbox strips with fries. There is also no shortage of hot coffee and other hot drinks.
More information about the offer can be found at: https://www.zabka.pl/zabka-cafe
[1] Survey “Hot dog evaluation”, carried out on 25-30.09.2023 by J. S. Hamilton Poland on a total sample of 300 people – hot dog consumers.
Together with other retail leaders, Żabka Group is encouraging participation in the international Disrupt Retail programme. It is an opportunity for innovative companies to test solutions within companies that collectively operate around 22,000 stores and are used by millions of customers every day.
The companies participating in Disrupt Retail are leading retailers in their home markets. In addition to Żabka Group, these are EDEKA – the largest retailer in Germany with more than 11,000 stores, MC – the market leader in food retail in Portugal with more than 1,400 stores, and Shufersal – the dominant retailer in the Israeli market with a network of more than 400 stores. The foreign partners bring their unique experiences and perspectives to the programme, creating a dynamic environment for startups to grow.
– Participating in Disrupt Retail will not only allow us to reach an even wider audience of innovation creators but will also enable us to exchange experiences and knowledge with international retail leaders. Together, we can allow innovation creators to present their solutions to a wide range of consumers in the region, thereby taking retail to the next level – says Karol Gajewicz, Head of Venture Studio, Żabka Group.
A new dimension in retailing
Within Disrupt Retail, retailers are looking for solutions with a particular focus on 3 main areas: In-Store Operations (solutions that will streamline in-store processes, increase employee productivity and improve the customer’s shopping experience), Retail Media (breakthroughs in advertising technology, digital displays, augmented reality and any other media that push the boundaries and realise the full potential of retail media) and Data & Customer Insights (innovative platforms or tools that can harness, analyse and transform the vast pool of data into actionable strategies).
Opportunity to pilot in 4 international companies
Participation in the programme is a chance for startups to pilot with four different companies. Each retailer will have the chance to work individually with a selected startup, which opens up new perspectives for both the retail sector and innovative entrepreneurs.
Applications for Disrupt Retail are being accepted until February 4, this year, and the creators of projects that make it to the pilot stage will be informed of the opportunity to collaborate in March this year.
More information about the programme can be found at: https://disruptretail.tech.
Żabka continues to develop its loyalty programme. Spotify has joined the group of partners whose unique offers are available to Żappka app users in a special “All for żapps” section. From now on, customers of the chain can exchange the żapps or loyalty points, they collect in the app for a 3-month free Spotify Premium membership for new users. In this way, they can quickly and conveniently access the digital music and podcast platform and use it in the spirit of convenience.
To get a code for Spotify Premium, you need to create an account or log in Żappka app. Then exchange the żapps you have for a code from Spotify available in the “All for żapps” section. You can also get the free code in Żabu game, where it is available as one of the prizes.
The voucher earned must be activated by joining Spotify Premium on the website https://www.spotify.com/pl/ppt/zabka/. Then enter the code you received in Żappka app in the “Verify your code” field. From then on, you can now enjoy 3 months of Spotify Premium for free[1]!
The Spotify Premium with Żabka offer is valid until 22.12.2025 and applies only for new users of the Premium Individual plan. After the end of the trial period, the fee will be PLN 23.99/month. Cancellation of the service is possible at any time.
What else do Żabka and Spotify have in common?
Żabka chain, like Spotify, joined the Wrapped trend by providing users of Żappka app with a summary of their shopping year. They were able to find out from it which Żabka store they shopped at most often, how many times they visited the chain’s stores during the year and how many żapps they earned in 2023. The chain also reported in the summary that the most popular product picked up for żapps in the past year was the hot dog.
“All for żapps“ – how does it work?
“All for żapps” is a special section in the ever-expanding Żappka app, featuring unique offers from external partners. It was launched at the end of April 2023. The offers in “All for żapps” are presented in Żappka app in the same way as the existing coupons that allow you to exchange żapps for products from Żabka range. Benefits from partners will be displayed directly after clicking on the coupon. Once it has been activated, the app user will be shown the coupon with the reward, i.e. with a promotional code and information on how to collect the benefit from the partner.
Żappka and its “green currency”
Loyalty points, or so-called żapps, are awarded to customers for shopping in Żabka stores with the Żappka mobile application. To date, Żappka has already been downloaded by more than 13 million users and is actively used by more than 7 million people.
Information on how many żapps the customer currently has in his or her account and which products he or she can exchange them for is visible in the app in the “Coupons” section. Coupons can be activated when the number of collected żapps corresponds to their value. Products for żapps can also be collected in unmanned stores using special coupons designed for Żabka Nano (found in the “Nano” area of Żappka app). They are visible at the top of the app and marked with an ‘N’ next to the coupon.
To have a say in what else should be included in the “All for żapps”, visit Żabka Discord server and enter the #co-za-żapps channel. The chain’s server has more than 17,000 users and there are several activations available there, where you can earn extra żapps to use in the benefits section as well. More about the application: https://www.zabka.pl/aplikacja-zappka
[1] Premium Offer Terms – Spotify
Żabka is introducing further solutions that will allow it to be even closer to its customers. From now on, anyone who loves online competition can compete with players from all over the world in one of the most popular games – Fortnite. As part of the educational experience “Story Hunt: Poznań”, a virtual map of Poznań has been created, where players will get a chance to learn about fragments of the history of our country and the capital of the Greater Poland region itself through several challenges. Each player will be able to meet the character Żabu and start a race through the streets around Poznań’s Old Market Square. The player’s task is to collect the largest number of żapps located on the map in the shortest possible time.
– Given global trends and the growing importance of gaming as a channel to communicate with customers, Żabka’s presence in the Fortnite world is no coincidence. Today, the platform brings together almost 400 million gamers around the world, and many iconic brands target the young generation with their products. We could not miss it either –emphasises Sebastian Szaraniec, Marketing Communication & Innovation Director at Żabka Polska.
Compete and learn about the legends of Poznań
The way to face the tasks prepared by Żabka in the Fortnite world is extremely simple. All you have to do is take on the challenges prepared in the learning experience “Story Hunt: Poznan”. The player will have to help find one of the two goats after it gets lost in a crowd of tourists visiting the city. The animals are known from a local legend. The player will also encounter several other tasks in the game. One of them will be related to Żabka and will be handed over by Żabu, a virtual frog known from the game available on Żappka app. The challenge is based on an exciting race through the streets of virtual Poznań – the city where one of the largest convenience store chains was established over 25 years ago. While traversing the virtual streets of Poznań’s Old Town, the player will be faced with the task of winning as many virtual żapps as possible in the shortest possible time. On the route of the race, in addition to charming tenement houses and shops modelled on Żabka stores from the real world, the player will also meet people trying to thwart his or her plans to achieve the goal of the game. Other buildings, such as the company headquarters, will also appear on the map of the challenge.
In addition to the race, players from all over the world will be introduced to elements of the history of Poland and of Poznań itself. Those who take on the challenges of “Story Hunt: Poznan” will learn about the history of the first king of Poland, as well as the well-known regional delicacy, the St. Martin’s croissant (Rogal świętomarciński). They will also come face to face with the evil cook Bartholomew.
The realisation was prepared by Realtime Squad, a studio originating from the capital of Greater Poland and specialising in creating maps and challenges for Fortnite.
– When creating the virtual world of Poznań, we were guided by the vision of creating a place to reflect how we see and perceive the history and culture of this unique city. Our goal was to create an engaging, interactive story to entertain players while allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the history of Poznań. We welcome the opportunity to showcase the beauty of Poznań to a wider audience. We want the virtual replica of the city we are creating to be a place also for those who have contributed to its development. We think it is important to give recognition to companies that have developed in the local community and thus built it up. That is why we are very pleased to be working with Żabka, whose roots grow out of Poznań, and we are looking forward to presenting it on our virtual patch of land – Realtime Squad points out.
Communication in tandem with new technologies
The placement of Żabka in Fortnite is not the only example of the strong involvement of new technologies in the company’s communication activities. In the last few months alone, lovers of virtual games have been given the chance to compete in competitions that await them in Żabu game available in Żappka app, or the game with educational elements “Żabka Run: Porcja DobreGO!” prepared as part of the “Porcja DobreGO!” nutrition programme on the Roblox platform.
Żabka is supporting the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOŚP in Polish) for another year and is setting up the most numerous staff in Poland – on January 8 this year, the collection started in more than 10,000 stores of the chain. The chain’s customers can support the campaign both by throwing donations to the Foundation’s colourful cans located near checkouts and virtually, by donating loyalty points, i.e. żapps, collected in the Żappka mobile application. Users of the application will also be encouraged to support this year’s GOCC Finale by Żabu, wearing an Orchestra volunteer’s T-shirt.
– Together with Żabka franchisees and their employees, we are once again constituting the biggest staff of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity in Poland. We feel proud that our franchisees, customers and employees are so willing to get involved in helping those in need. We hope that thanks to this, we will once again donate a significant amount to the Foundation. In addition, our Żabu will also support us in the collection in the mobile app for the first time – says Adam Manikowski, Executive Vice President of the Management Board, Żabka Group, Managing Director of Żabka Polska.
The 32nd Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity can be supported traditionally by throwing donations to colourful cans available in over 10,000 Żabka stores across Poland, as well as in Żappka app, which is already used by over 7 million active users. The donation of loyalty points (żapps) collected therein to the GOCC will be encouraged by Żabu, the hero of the chain’s virtual game, who will wear a Foundation volunteer’s T-shirt, especially for the occasion between January 24-28.
Żabka has been supporting the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation for many years, taking an active part in the collections. Last year, thanks to the involvement of customers and franchisees, the company donated PLN 2 million to the 31st Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity.
This year’s GOCC Finale will take place on January 28 this year. Its goal is: “Lungs after the pandemic. We play for children and adults,” and the motto of the collection is ‘Everything is OK here!’. The funds raised will be used to purchase equipment for the diagnosis, monitoring and rehabilitation of lung diseases for patients in pulmonology wards for children and adults.