The World SPAR Congress Held in Croatia for the First Time

SPAR Croatia hosted the 68th International SPAR Congress this week, one of the most significant events in the global retail sector, which took place from May 18 to 21, 2025, in Zagreb. This economic gathering brought together nearly 300 delegates from the top management and owners of SPAR organizations from almost 40 countries around the world, from China, through Saudi Arabia and South Africa to France, Spain, the Netherlands, as well as neighboring countries Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Slovenia.

– Inspired by the life and work of Nikola Tesla, one of the greatest inventors and visionaries in history and one of the most recognizable historical figures born in Croatia, SPAR Croatia pays special attention to innovations in the retail sector. For this reason, Nikola Tesla is part of the visual identity of this year’s 86th International SPAR Congress, which Croatia is hosting – said Helmut Fenzl, CEO of SPAR Croatia.

New Export Opportunities for Suppliers

Referring to Croatia’s successful journey in EU integrations, former President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, opened the Congress and impressed all participants with her remarkable speech.

Important Croatian suppliers also had their special opportunity to present themselves, their products, and services by participating in this Congress and through gaining new contacts, they created new export opportunities.

– We are extremely pleased to celebrate 20 years of SPAR’s growth in Croatia by bringing the International SPAR Congress for the first time to this beautiful country. Since its launch in 2005, SPAR Croatia has been continuously strengthening, supporting local communities, creating numerous jobs, and opening opportunities for Croatian producers, both in the domestic and international markets. On the occasion of the 68th International SPAR Congress, we came to Croatia to support SPAR’s achievements in Croatia and we look forward with optimism to a bright future of joint and stronger action – stated Tobias Wasmuht, CEO of SPAR International.

Donation to the ‘Goljak’ Special Hospital

Continuing the tradition of previous congresses, the Zagreb gathering focused on strengthening international cooperation and exchanging best practices among SPAR organizations worldwide. SPAR International, with over 13,800 stores in 48 countries and annual revenue exceeding 49 billion euros, is the largest chain by number of stores in the world.

As part of the 68th International SPAR Congress and in line with the commitment to leave a lasting contribution to the host country of the annual event, a donation of 50,000 euros was presented to the ‘Goljak’ Special Hospital by the SPAR International organization during the ceremonial congress dinner.