In 2024, Zabka Group S.A. (“Zabka Group”) saw its preliminary consolidated Sales to End Customers rise by 20%, to PLN 27,281 m. The sales growth was achieved largely on the back of LFL growth (up by 8.3%) and store network expansion – in 2024 the Group opened 1,166 new stores.

In the fourth quarter of 2024 Zabka Group recorded sales to end customers of PLN 6,889 m (up by 18%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2023) and an acceleration in like-for-like (LFL) sales which increased by 1.1 pp. compared to the third quarter 2024, reaching 7.1%.

Over the year, Zabka Group’s network grew to 11,069 stores as at 31 December 2024, of which 60 were located in Romania.

Comment by Tomasz Suchański, CEO of Zabka Group:
Our preliminary sales results for 2024 confirm that we are successfully delivering on the commitments communicated to investors during our IPO process. We positively view both the current market environment and the purchasing power of customers in the convenience retail segment, allowing us to continue the execution of our strategy. As Zabka Group, we are capitalizing on favorable consumer megatrends, steadily scaling up our operations. By year-end, our network grew to over 11,000 stores, including more than 1,100 new openings in 2024, in line with plans we had announced. We can see significant growth potential ahead and look towards 2025 with a fair dose of optimism.

Strong Q4 and full year 2024

For the full year 2024, our Sales to End Customers increased by 20%. The 2024 full year LFL reached 8.3%, slightly above the mid-point of the targeted range (i.e. 7.5% - 9.0%) and was fueled by balanced volume and basket growth throughout the whole year.

In the fourth quarter of 2024 our sales to end customers growth reached 18% yoy on the back of a healthy mix of organic growth and store network expansion. The fourth quarter of 2024 marked another period of LFL growth in Żabka Polska stores, which reached 7.1% and was higher by 1.1 pp compared to the third quarter of 2024. This growth was supported, among others, by the rollout of Żabka Café 2.0 to 8,275 of our stores (6,918 as at September 2024) and our differentiated product offerings.

Further store openings

In 2024, Zabka Group opened 1,166 new stores, including 60 in Romania, thus expanding its network to 11,069 points of sale as of December 31, 2024. In the fourth quarter, the Group opened 169 new stores

Anticipated margin improvement

Zabka Group anticipates that the consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin for the fourth quarter of 2024 will be comparable to that of the fourth quarter of 2023. Consequently, the Group maintains its IPO guidance, aiming for margin improvements towards the upper end of the 12-13% target range in the medium term. As previously mentioned, the Group also expects an accelerated pace of consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin expansion in 2024, benefiting from the normalization of energy costs and increased efficiencies of scale.

Summary of Q4 and full year 2024 preliminary results

Żabka store chain has reached another milestone with the opening of its 11,000th outlet in Poland. The new store, located in Warsaw at 8 Moliera Street, near the Grand Theatre, fits into the fabric and character of the city. This is a significant moment in the history of the chain, which has been supporting the development of entrepreneurship for more than two decades, creating a stable foundation for the growth of thousands of local businesses. Żabka maintains the pace of expansion and, in line with earlier declarations, opens more than 1,000 stores yearly.

For 26 years, the chain has been successfully growing in the convenience sector in Poland, providing customers with convenient solutions at their fingertips. Interest in cooperating with the chain remains consistently high - currently more than 9,000 franchisees run their outlets under the green banner. This reflects not only a desire to develop entrepreneurship but also proves the attractiveness and effectiveness of Żabka's business model. Today, Żabka is a leader in the modern convenience segment and a brand recognised by millions of customers, which continuously adapts its operations to the changing needs of consumers and franchisees. The chain is growing dynamically, opening more than 1,000 stores a year. Such a scale allows it to consistently expand its offer, searching for new and innovative solutions, which translates into increased turnover in franchisees' stores.

– Żabka is more than a store. It is a chain that invests in people, and local communities and influences the development of the Polish economy. Thanks to cooperation with franchisees, Żabka Group has already created 63,000 jobs. Our 11,000 stores are not only a symbol of development, but also proof that we can combine business success with a positive environmental impact – says Adam Manikowski, EVP, Managing Director of Żabka Polska.

The store's unique location adjacent to the Grand Theatre in Warsaw made the opening day of the 11,000th outlet a real spectacle. At the entrance, customers were greeted by actors from the Lufcik na Korbę theatre from Gliwice, playing the roles of the greatest characters from the world of theatre, while opening a huge green curtain revealing the store's doors. Żabka is located in a building at 8 Moliera Street, which since the 1960s has been inhabited by employees of the opera house located next door. In turn, the street was named after an outstanding playwright and comedy writer.

The outlet is distinguished not only by its location but also by its modern approach to customer service - it has been equipped with a consumption area where guests can relax while enjoying aromatic coffee or hot meals and look out over the neighbouring National Theatre through tall display windows. Ergonomic technological solutions, including a kiosk for ordering products from Żabka Café offer, as well as the store's intuitive layout ensure fast and convenient shopping.

– The opening of this store is a special moment for me – says Jakub Kunecki, franchisee of the new outlet. – Żabka at 8 Moliera Street is not only a place for shopping, but also a space where customers can slow down for a while and feel comfortable. I am glad to be able to run a store in such a prestigious place, and at the same time, I am proud to be a part of a brand that supports entrepreneurs every step of the way. The dynamic growth of Żabka, which has been consistently developing its business and building local entrepreneurship since 1998, is the result of the support the chain offers its franchisees. Over 9,000 entrepreneurs, including nearly 900 in Warsaw, benefit from an innovative business model that combines a low barrier to entry with comprehensive operational and technological support. Żabka provides tools that help effectively manage outlets and improve their efficiency, not only in agglomerations such as Warsaw - the smallest town in which one of the chain's stores operates is Porażyn-Tartak, inhabited by 100 people.

Zabka Group SA has signed an annex to its consortium credit agreement with ING Bank N.V.
London Branch (as Agent) and other financing institutions, reducing the margin by 75 bps.
Including the reduction in the margin by 25 bps from 17 October 2024 in connection with the
company’s listing on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, this means a combined decrease in the credit
margin of 100 bps.

The annex also allows Zabka Group to issue unsecured bonds up to a total of PLN 1 billion (within
the existing debt limits), which increases the flexibility of the group’s financing sources.

The annex also adjusts the terms of the agreement to suit the company’s current situation and
needs, among other things by reducing the catalogue of security instruments and lifting the
restriction on transferring funds or selling assets between members of the company’s corporate
group.

Marta Wrochna-Łastowska, CFO of Zabka Group, commented: “In line with the guidance presented
during the IPO, we have reduced the interest rate on our financing under the credit agreement by a
combined 100 basis points. This was possible due, among other factors, to the results we have
achieved, the consistent reduction of our leverage ratio, and the commencement of trading on the
WSE, which has increased the transparency of our business for the financing institutions. The annex
we have signed also raises the flexibility of our financing sources, thanks to the possibility of issuing
unsecured bonds up to a total of PLN 1 billion, within the existing debt limits.”

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.

Żabka Group was ranked 2^nd in the Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces® 2024 list. The ranking was published by the US weekly magazine Newsweek and brings together the 100 most loved workplaces in the world. The ranking was prepared in collaboration with the Best Practice Institute (BPI), a leadership development and benchmarking research firm.

“I am proud that Żabka Group has been placed on the podium of the prestigious Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces 2024 ranking. Our organisation is made up of people who want to change the surrounding reality, and their commitment is reflected today by the high market position of Żabka Group. Together, every day, we build a working environment based on respect, cooperation and sharing experiences, and thanks to this we can create innovations on an international scale.  The award is the crowning achievement of our 6-year cooperation with the Gallup Institute, thanks to which our organisation has become one of the best places to work in the world," says Tomasz Suchański, CEO of Żabka Group.

The ranking is based on the results of satisfaction surveys of more than 2 million people from companies with between 30 and more than 10,000 employees. The list recognises companies that put respect, care and appreciation for their employees at the heart of their business model, and in doing so have earned the loyalty and respect of those who work for them.

“As workplaces continue to shift, it’s clearer than ever that fostering collaboration, embracing a positive outlook, and aligning values are essential. The companies celebrated on the 2024 Global Most Loved Workplaces® list truly embody these principles. They show us that by championing respect and team oriented outcomes, they’re not just building great workplaces, they’re shaping a brighter future for all.” – says Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief of Newsweek.

"I started Most Loved Workplaces out of inspiration from my community of people who consciously place love for their employees at the center of their business model," said Louis Carter, the founder, and CEO of BPI and a social/organizational psychologist, thought leader, entrepreneur, and author.

For the full Newsweek list of 2024’s Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces®, please visit: https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/global-most-loved-workplaces-2024 Żabka Group's Responsibility (ESG) Report is available at: https://zabkagroup.com/esg/

The activities of Żabka Group have a significant impact on the development of the Polish economy. The recently published Responsibility Report, "Conveniently and Responsibly", shows that the total amount of added value generated by the Group and its collaborating franchisees reached PLN 9.1 billion in 2023, 30% more than in 2022. The report is published for the sixth time and summarises the implementation of Żabka Group’s Responsibility Strategy (ESG) during 2023.

– Thanks to the dynamic growth and innovation of Żabka Group, we can have a positive impact on the Polish economy. This translates, among other things, into creating favourable conditions for the development of entrepreneurship, increasing the number of jobs we provide, which currently stand at more than 63,000, and making a difference in the shopping experience of the over 3 million customers who visit our more than 10,000 stores across Poland every day. The actions we took in 2023 have been recognised for the second consecutive year in the prestigious EcoVadis rating, and today we are ranked among the 1% of companies worldwide that best integrate ESG factors into their strategies and operations –says Tomasz Blicharski, EVP of the Management Board, Chief Strategy & Development Officer of Żabka Group.

The 2023 Responsibility Report

The "Conveniently and Responsibly" Report is the sixth Responsibility Report prepared by Żabka Group. The publication was prepared in line with the latest non-financial reporting standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI Standards) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

–In line with our strategic approach to social and environmental responsibility, we integrate ESG aspects into all relevant Group plans and activities. Achieving the objectives set in this area requires proper management, commitment, time and resources and, above all, teamwork –says Rafal Rudzki, ESG Director at Żabka Group.

The cover of the report features a poster designed by Katarzyna Panek. The Żabka Group recognised this as the most accurate visual interpretation of the guiding slogan of its Responsibility Strategy, “Conveniently and Responsibly”, in the the 24th edition of the AMS Poster Gallery’s annual competition. Żabka Group was the main partner of the competition in 2023.

Żabka Group's 2023 Responsibility Report is available electronically: https://zabkagroup.com/esg/#raport-ESG

For the second time in a row, Żabka Group has found itself among the exceptional workplaces in the world whose employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment. It won the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award 2024, thus becoming the first and only Polish company to receive this prestigious distinction. The award is gratifying, all the more so because it was Żabka's employees who appreciated its organisational culture based on jointly developed values, built on mutual respect, trust, equality and transparency at every level of the organisation.

– Żabka Group's strength lies in building and nurturing relationships between employees. We listen very carefully to the needs of every one of them so that each person employed by our company has a sense of meaning in the tasks they perform and opportunities for professional and personal development. This builds trust in the organisation and translates directly into a high level of involvement of our employees in the execution of daily activities, as evidenced by the second Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award 2024 – says Jolanta Bańczerowska, Member of the Management Board, Chief People Officer.

Employees have once again recognised Żabka. It is one of the best places to work in the world

Żabka Group has been measuring the level of engagement of its employees for 6 years now. Thanks to the feedback it receives regularly, the company has prepared changes whose consistent implementation has enabled Żabka's transformation as an organisation. For the second time in a row, the company, as the only Polish organisation, was ranked among the world's top 60 companies (out of 276 surveyed) in which more than 70% of employees were involved in the company's activities last year (the world average was only 23%).

– The Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award 2024 for Żabka Group clearly shows that employee engagement makes a huge difference to the company's growth. Their work to continuously increase the commitment of their teams deserves the highest recognition. We congratulate everyone at Żabka on this exceptional achievement – points out Jon Clifton, CEO of the Gallup Organization.

Conducted by the Gallup Organization - the world's oldest polling institute - the meta-analysis included data on more than 2 million employees working in 276 organisations worldwide, from 54 industries and 96 countries. This makes it the most comprehensive analysis worldwide. In anonymous questionnaires, employees indicate, among other things, whether they feel their manager/supervisor cares about them; whether they have been appreciated during the past week; whether they are encouraged to develop at work; and whether they feel the importance of their duties. In all these aspects, Żabka was rated highly, confirming its position among the world leaders in terms of an engaging organisational culture.

Equality and inclusiveness as a basis for building lasting relationships

A Gallup Organization study confirms that Żabka has been actively supporting its employees at every stage of their development within the organisation. To this end, in 2022 the company implemented an equal pay policy, recognising that women and men should be treated and paid the same. Confirmation of the fact that at Żabka it is not gender but experience and competencies that influence pay is the awarding of the EQUAL-SALARY certificate to Żabka as the first Polish organisation.

The organisation also realises that the springboard for building engagement and stabilising teams is inclusivity. Satisfied employees who derive satisfaction from their work are less likely to think about changing jobs. This, in turn, provides the opportunity to focus on challenging and long-term projects.

Effective internal communication between teams results in greater productivity in key areas. As a result, new ideas, concepts and ideas from employees at every level of the organisation can be implemented efficiently. Thus, Żabka Group employees have a sense of influence on the direction of the organisation and know that their ideas are appreciated.

Importantly, the values on which Żabka's organisational culture is built, i.e. ambition, responsibility, openness and reliability, have not been imposed from above but developed jointly. As a result, they are a compass in everyday work and people employed by the organisation easily identify with them.

Building a credible organisation based on strong and committed teams is part of Żabka Group's Responsibility Strategy (ESG), one of the four pillars of which is "Responsible Organisation".

Żabka Group has received approval from the Romanian Competition Authority to acquire a majority stake in FMCG distribution leader DRIM Daniel Distributie in Romania. As a result of this decision, on February 29th, this year, Żabka Group met all regulatory requirements and finalised the transaction.

– We welcomed the news that the formal process of merging DRIM Daniel Distributie with the Żabka Group has been completed. This is another step towards the development of the convenience ecosystem in the European market and our further expansion. We hope that the strategic cooperation with DRIM will influence the further dynamic development of this company –says Tomasz Suchanski, CEO of Żabka Group.

DRIM Daniel Distributie is one of the largest distribution networks for FMCG products on the Romanian market, currently employing more than 800 people. Throughout its 30 years of activity, the company has created an extensive logistical structure, allowing it to supply around 12,000 traditional trade stores today.  The formal acquisition of a majority stake in DRIM Daniel Distributie enables the further accelerated growth of the company announced by Żabka Group, taking advantage of DRIM's market position, local reputation, know-how in the convenience area and capital commitment.

At the beginning of February this year. Żabka Group is implementing changes related to the next stage of its development. Wojciech Krok joined the Management Board, taking over management of the Żabka Future area focusing on technology and innovation. The Executive Vice President of the Management Board Tomasz Blicharski, who hitherto managed this area, took over the area of strategy and development for the entire Group. The Executive Vice President of the Management Board, Anna Grabowska, became the head of a new business unit - Żabka International. 

Established in 2021, Żabka Group was created with multi-directional development in mind. In more than two years, the Group incorporated entities from the market into its structures and built new areas of operation from scratch. As a result, in addition to its existing sales in the convenience segment, it built a leading position in the q-commerce and diet catering sectors. At the end of 2023, the Group confirmed its ambitions to go beyond the Polish market by declaring its intention to acquire the Daniel DRIM Distributie FMCG distribution company in Romania. Due to the intensive growth, the Management Board with CEO Tomasz Suchanski decided to appoint another member to its board and to change the areas of responsibility.

In his role as Executive Vice President, Tomasz Blicharski will be responsible for the strategy and development of the entire Group. Tomasz brings to these areas many years of experience in managing different areas of the Group, from finance to innovation to the creation of new business areas.  He has previously become known as a leader in digital transformation and managing M&A processes. The value built through these activities is an important part of the Group's strategy.

A new organizational unit was also established within the Group - Żabka International, which will be headed by Anna Grabowska in the role of Executive Vice President and Managing Director. The unit will provide operational support to Group entities in foreign markets. Anna Grabowska has unique experience in managing multiple areas. Consumer strategies, supplier relations, marketing communications and ESG are just part of this experience. She has also dealt with markets outside Poland for many years, which is an asset in building new markets for Żabka Group. Her knowledge of consumer needs and the convenience area has contributed to building the Group's success in Poland.

Wojciech Krok, as a new member of the Management Board, brings experience backed by numerous achievements in the digital and technological areas, which are key to the Group's operations. He previously created and developed the Żabka Jush and delio services. Recently, he started the process of consolidating external digital solutions for franchisees and customers. He has extensive experience in leading large teams, which he has used successfully within the Żabka Group for several years.

The Żabka Group is an extension of the activities of the Żabka brand, formerly known as a convenience store chain. As part of the implementation of the multi-directional development strategy, the structure was based on specialised units, such as Żabka Polska or Żabka Future, supported by central and strategic functions. Such an organisation makes it possible to concentrate competencies and responsibilities in clearly defined and specialised teams. One dimension of multidirectional growth was the inclusion of new entities in the Group's physical channels and digital channels, i.e. Maczfit and Dietly. Thanks to the technological transformation, innovative concepts developed: q-commerce Żabka Jush and Żabka Nano, which is Europe's largest chain of autonomous shops.

The Group led by Tomasz Suchanski in the role of CEO invariably comprises Żabka Polska, for which the Executive Vice President, Managing Director Adam Manikowski, is responsible, as well as the areas operating from 2021: Human Resources Strategy, headed by Jolanta Bańczerowska in her role as Member of the Management Board, Chief People Officer, and Financial Strategy, headed by Marta Wrochna-Łastowska, Member of the Management Board, Chief Financial Officer.

The expanded organisational structure will help manage the expansion of Żabka Group even better in new areas, and the new functions have been entrusted to people whose many years of experience and broad competence have contributed to the development of the organisation and are a guarantee of further success.

Today, Żabka Group is a modern convenience ecosystem, and with more than 10,000 stores, digital solutions, and an extensive catering offer with door-to-door delivery and services used by more than 3 million customers every day, it is one of the most dynamically growing organisations in Europe. More information on https://zabkagroup.com/pl/#struktura-zarzadcza

Żabka Group received the Azymut PTG, an award given by the Polish Economic Society. The company was honoured in the "Social Engagement" category, for its systematic and effective work for the local community. The justification also noted that Żabka operates in a sustainable manner and with care for the environment.

- Żabka has not only achieved significant and visible business success but has also demonstrated an exceptional and sustained commitment to supporting the community and activities for the general good. The main aspect that deserves attention is the systematic and effective work of Żabka for the benefit of the local community (...) It is also worth emphasizing that Żabka operates sustainably and cares for the environment. The business practices it adopts are aimed at minimizing its negative impact on nature, which is an important contribution to the long-term development of the economy and society. In addition, Żabka actively engages its employees in social activities, which builds a strong sense of community within the company. Through volunteer programs, supporting employees to get involved in momentous projects, Żabka creates a work environment based on social values," the award's justification says.

The PTG Azimuths in seven categories were presented on February 3 this year in Warsaw, during the Entrepreneurs' Ball of the Polish Economic Society. The award was received on behalf of Żabka Group by Damian Rybak, Head of Franchisee Development & Support.

Żabka Group's Social Engagement Strategy

In recent years, Żabka Group has revised its approach to social engagement, defining areas of importance to local communities and emphasizing activities that contribute to real and long-term change. The adopted Social Engagement Strategy is based on three pillars and supports the implementation of the five UN Sustainable Development Goals, i.e.: Good Health and Well-being, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities.

Under the first pillar - "Well-being" - the company encourages employees to engage in physical activity, engages in the organization of sports initiatives and popularizes a healthy lifestyle. The second pillar - "Neighborhood" - includes activities aimed at supporting local communities. Each employee has the opportunity to dedicate eight hours of work per month to volunteer activities. The company not only provides employees with a variety of volunteer opportunities (including a forest planting campaign, cleaning up green squares, renovating the park at the Provincial Hospital in Poznań, or caring for animals in shelters), but also encourages them to find local initiatives they could support on their own. Żabka is also eager to get involved in various charitable and social actions. The third pillar is "Equal Opportunities", which includes the "Good Internship at Żabka" program.

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.