Netto
Netto is a Danish discount supermarket brand operated by Salling Group in Denmark, Germany, and Poland.
Last updated October 30, 2026
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Overview
Netto is a Danish discount supermarket brand whose origins date to the opening of its first store in Copenhagen in 1981. It was established around a low-cost grocery model in which products were initially displayed in cartons and on pallets, allowing the retailer to minimize handling and store operating expenses. As the chain expanded, it increased the level of service and developed a broader supermarket proposition while retaining a value-oriented identity. The brand is part of Salling Group, the Danish retail group that also operates other food and department-store formats. Netto's principal current markets are Denmark, Germany, and Poland. Denmark remains the brand's home market and its largest visible operating base; the Danish network had approximately 540 stores in 2023, a figure that included stores obtained through the sale of Aldi's Danish operations to Netto. The chain's presence in Germany is concentrated mainly in northern and eastern federal states, while its Polish business has historically focused on western and northwestern parts of the country. Netto's proposition centers on everyday grocery shopping at discount prices. Typical merchandise includes packaged food, fresh food, chilled and frozen products, beverages, household supplies, and selected non-food items. The format generally emphasizes efficient store operations, a relatively compact assortment compared with full-service supermarkets, and promotional or seasonal merchandise. The brand has also used local market adaptations, including the former Døgn Netto convenience-oriented format in Denmark, which offered longer opening hours, a smaller range, and higher prices than standard Netto stores. Netto has expanded internationally in several stages. Germany became its second country in 1990, and the first Polish store opened in Szczecin in 1995. It entered Sweden in 2002 through a joint venture involving Dansk Supermarked and ICA, later building a substantial Swedish network before selling the business to Coop Sverige in 2019. Netto also operated in the United Kingdom from 1990; that business was sold to Asda in 2010 and subsequently returned briefly through a 50:50 venture with Sainsbury's in 2014. The UK venture was discontinued in 2016. The Polish operation underwent a major structural expansion in 2020 when Netto acquired Tesco's Polish subsidiary, including 301 supermarkets and two logistics centers. Many of the acquired locations were converted to the Netto banner, while others were closed. This transaction materially strengthened Netto's scale in Poland and represented one of the brand's most significant market-development decisions. Netto should not be confused with Netto Marken-Discount, the much larger German chain owned by EDEKA. Nor should the Danish brand be confused with independently operated businesses using the Netto name in countries such as France and Spain. The subject of this dossier is the Danish-origin brand described by the Wikipedia article "Netto (Denmark)."
History
Netto began in Copenhagen in 1981 as a discount grocery concept built around operational simplicity. Early stores placed merchandise in boxes and on pallets rather than presenting every product through conventional supermarket shelving. This helped lower labor and handling costs and supported the brand's initial value proposition. The format subsequently became more developed and service levels increased as the chain grew. The first international expansion occurred in 1990, when Netto entered Germany. Its German estate developed primarily in northern and eastern parts of the country, including Brandenburg, Berlin, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This business is separate from Netto Marken-Discount, the German chain owned by EDEKA that also commonly uses the name Netto. Netto entered Poland in 1995 with a first store in Szczecin. The Polish network initially concentrated on western and northwestern Poland, extending through areas around Szczecin, Gdańsk, Bydgoszcz, Poznań, and Zielona Góra. The business expanded significantly in 2020 through the purchase of Tesco's Polish subsidiary. The deal included 301 supermarkets and two logistics centers. Netto converted 243 of those stores to its own banner and closed the remaining 58, making the acquisition a major step in its Polish development. Sweden became another important international market. Netto Marknad AB was established in 2002 as a joint venture between Dansk Supermarked and ICA, following European Commission approval of the cooperation. The first Swedish stores opened in Trelleborg and Lund in May 2002. The operation was initially concentrated in Götaland, later reaching Stockholm and other areas. ICA reduced its interest in 2006 and ultimately exited the business. By 2019 the Swedish chain had 163 stores, which Salling Group agreed to sell to Coop Sverige. Netto also operated in the United Kingdom from 1990, opening its first store in Leeds. The UK business expanded mainly through central England and later into London. A planned South Wales investment was cancelled amid logistical difficulties. In 2010, Netto UK was sold to Asda, which converted most of the stores to its own brand; competition requirements led to the divestment of other locations. Netto returned to Britain in 2014 through a joint venture with Sainsbury's, but the partners ended the project and closed the stores in 2016. In Denmark, Netto also tested a smaller convenience format called Døgn Netto. These stores carried fewer products, operated for longer hours, and charged higher prices than standard Netto supermarkets. In 2016, the remaining Døgn Netto stores were converted either to ordinary Netto stores or to Føtex Food convenience locations. The Danish business continued to expand its scale, reaching approximately 540 stores in 2023 after Aldi sold its Danish stores to Netto. Netto is now a Salling Group brand with active operations in Denmark, Germany, and Poland. Its history combines a traditional discount-store model with international market entry, acquisitions, joint ventures, and selective withdrawals. The name is used independently by unrelated or separately owned retailers in some other countries, including France and Spain.
- 2023
Danish network reaches approximately 540 stores
[1]Following Aldi's sale of its Danish stores to Netto, the Danish network totals approximately 540 locations.
- 2020
Polish Tesco acquisition expands Netto
[1]Netto acquires Tesco's Polish subsidiary, including 301 stores and two logistics centers, and converts most of the acquired stores.
- 2019
Swedish stores are sold to Coop Sverige
[1]Salling Group agrees to sell the 163-store Swedish Netto operation to Coop Sverige.
- 2016
Døgn Netto format is discontinued
[1]Danish Døgn Netto stores are converted to standard Netto or Føtex Food formats.
- 2010
Netto UK is sold to Asda
[1]The UK business is sold to Asda, which subsequently rebrands most of the acquired stores.
- 2002
Swedish joint venture begins operations
[1]Netto Marknad AB launches its first Swedish stores in Trelleborg and Lund through a joint venture between Dansk Supermarked and ICA.
- 1995
First Polish store opens
[1]Netto opens its first Polish store in Szczecin and begins developing a network focused initially on western Poland.
- 1990
Netto enters Germany
[1]Germany becomes Netto's second national market, beginning the brand's international expansion.
- 1990
Netto launches in the United Kingdom
[1]The first UK Netto store opens in Leeds on 13 December.
- 1981
First Netto store opens in Copenhagen
[1]Netto opens its first discount supermarket in Copenhagen, Denmark, using a low-cost display model based partly on cartons and pallets.
Products and positioning
A Scandinavian-origin discount supermarket focused on convenient everyday grocery shopping, efficient store operations, and competitive prices.
Grocery retail format · 1981
Standard Netto discount supermarkets
Netto's principal format is a neighborhood discount supermarket designed for routine grocery shopping. Stores carry food and household essentials in a relatively focused assortment, with an emphasis on efficient operations, competitive pricing, and promotional merchandise. The format evolved from the chain's original pallet-and-carton presentation into a more conventional but still value-oriented supermarket environment.
Convenience grocery format
Døgn Netto
Døgn Netto was a smaller Danish convenience-oriented version of Netto. It offered fewer products than a normal store, longer opening hours, and higher prices in exchange for convenience. In 2016, the Døgn Netto locations were converted to standard Netto stores or Føtex Food convenience stores.
Food and household goods · 1981
Netto grocery assortment
The assortment covers everyday packaged groceries, fresh, chilled and frozen foods, beverages, household products, personal-care items, and selected seasonal non-food goods. The mix is designed to support frequent shopping trips while preserving the price and operational discipline associated with a discount supermarket.
Controversies
2026
Paris prosecutors and ANSSI investigate large-scale cyberattack on French food retailers
The Paris prosecutor's office opened an investigation into what it described as a 'large-scale' cyberattack affecting connected refrigerators at several major French food retailers, saying investigators would identify the victims and establish links between the attack and reported damage including food losses and fires. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu tasked the cybersecurity agency ANSSI with examining the incident and coordinating with European counterparts; Reuters reported ANSSI had identified a vulnerability in Danfoss software, though reporting does not establish whether the documented flaws were exploited.
Brand decisions
2020
Acquisition of Tesco's Polish subsidiaryM&ABackground
Netto sought to increase scale in Poland, where its store network had historically been concentrated in the western and northwestern regions.
Action taken
Netto acquired Tesco's Polish subsidiary, including 301 supermarkets and two logistics centers. It converted 243 locations to the Netto banner and closed 58.
Aftermath
The transaction substantially increased Netto's Polish footprint and logistics capacity.
Reported acquisition price. £181 million (2020)
2019
Exit from Sweden through sale to Coop SverigeM&ABackground
Netto's Swedish operation had grown to 163 stores but remained a separate international business within the group's portfolio.
Action taken
Salling Group agreed to sell the Swedish Netto supermarkets to Coop Sverige.
Aftermath
Netto withdrew from direct operation in Sweden, concentrating its active market presence on Denmark, Germany, and Poland.
2014
Return to the UK through Sainsbury's joint ventureStrategyBackground
After the 2010 sale of Netto UK, the brand sought to re-enter the British grocery market through a partnership.
Action taken
Dansk Supermarked and Sainsbury's established a 50:50 joint venture to operate new Netto stores, including a planned combined-format location.
Aftermath
The partners ended the venture in 2016 and closed the stores.
2010
Sale of Netto UK to AsdaM&ABackground
Netto had operated in the United Kingdom since 1990 but faced the need to reposition or exit the market.
Action taken
The UK business was sold to Asda. Most stores were later converted to Asda locations, while other stores were divested to satisfy competition requirements.
Aftermath
Netto ceased its original UK operation, although the brand later returned briefly through a separate joint venture with Sainsbury's.
Reported sale price. £778 million (2010)
Recent events
Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at French supermarket chains, forcing disposal of spoiled food[5]
Reported:
A cyberattack reported on Monday (2026-10-12), affecting Cooperative U's refrigeration systems since Sunday night, remotely triggered forced defrosting of refrigeration systems in hundreds of French stores, causing temperatures to rise and forcing retailers to discard spoiled fresh and frozen food; Paris prosecutors confirmed the attack and said fires had also been sparked. E. Leclerc, Intermarche, Netto and Cooperative U confirmed being targeted, with at least 300 Intermarche and Netto stores, more than 100 Cooperative U outlets and several E. Leclerc stores affected; an industry website reported Carrefour Market and Monoprix were also hit, which those chains had not confirmed. The targeted controls were Danfoss refrigeration regulators including the AK-SM800 and AK-SC355, most belonging to an older generation that no longer receives software or security updates, and France's cyber security agency identified a vulnerability in the Danish company's software and contacted the vendor.
Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.
- Unconfirmed
French PM orders ANSSI to investigate supermarket refrigeration cyberattack[3]
Reported:
The cyberattack on connected refrigerators at major French food retailers prompted Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to order France's National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) to investigate, according to a person in his office. France is coordinating with European counterparts because other countries could also be affected, and authorities are assessing whether other French companies are at risk.
Cyberattack overheats fridges at French supermarkets including Intermarché and Coopérative U, spoiling food[6]
Reported:
Hackers targeted hundreds of French supermarkets in a cyberattack that caused refrigerators and freezers to overheat to as much as 50 degrees Celsius overnight, spoiling food and producing smoke in some stores, though Les Mousquetaires said no fires had been reported. Chains affected included Carrefour, Monoprix, Les Mousquetaires-owned Intermarché and Coopérative U, and the attack reportedly affected several European countries including Spain, Portugal, Poland, Germany and Belgium. Les Mousquetaires said around 180 stores were affected and it expected losses of several million euros after the cyberattack hit a service provider responsible for managing refrigeration systems inside some stores; Intermarché and Netto removed and disposed of affected products to ensure consumer safety, and Coopérative U's CEO confirmed that cyberattacks had affected refrigeration facilities at several stores.
- Unconfirmed
French prosecutors open cyber-crime investigation into supermarket fridge hack[4]
Reported:
French prosecutors opened a specific cyber-crime investigation into the attack that disrupted supermarket refrigeration, with the Paris prosecutor's office calling it a large-scale cyber-attack affecting the refrigerators of several major food retail chains across France.
Cyber attack heats fridges at hundreds of French supermarkets, spoiling food[4]
Reported:
Overnight into 12 October 2026, hackers took control of refrigeration-management software provided by Danish engineering firm Danfoss, forcing fridges and freezers at hundreds of French supermarkets to heat up and spoiling fresh and frozen food estimated to be worth millions of euros. More than 100 Coopérative U supermarkets, 180 Intermarché and Netto stores, 80 Carrefour stores, about 5% of Monoprix stores and E.Leclerc shops were hit. Retailers discarded or removed affected food from sale and disconnected further stores from the internet; Danfoss said the affected cold units were older models whose security software could not be updated.
Cyberattack disrupts refrigeration at French supermarkets, causing food losses and fires[3]
Reported:
A large-scale cyberattack remotely triggered the forced defrosting of connected refrigeration systems at hundreds of supermarkets in France, disrupting refrigeration from Sunday night, raising fridge and freezer temperatures to as high as 50 degrees Celsius, destroying stocks of fresh and frozen products, and causing fires at several stores. At least 300 Intermarche or Netto shops, more than 100 Cooperative U outlets, 80 Carrefour supermarkets, about 5 percent of Monoprix's roughly 490 stores and several E Leclerc stores were affected; Intermarche CEO Thierry Cotillard estimated losses of tens of millions of euros nationwide in a single day. ANSSI identified a vulnerability in software supplied by Danish company Danfoss, which said the affected units were running outdated firmware, and an analyst said Spain, Portugal, Poland, Germany and Belgium were also affected.
Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.
Netto and Too Good To Go expand food-surplus partnership in Denmark[7]
Reported:
Netto partnered with Too Good To Go to offer bags of leftover products at 519 Netto branches for sale through the Too Good To Go app. The article says the expanded partnership followed a well-received trial at a Netto branch in Copenhagen.
Sources13 sources
- 1Netto (Denmark)en.wikipedia.org
- 2Paris prosecutors and ANSSI investigate large-scale cyberattack on French food retailersibtimes.co.uk
- 3Paris prosecutors and ANSSI investigate large-scale cyberattack on French food retailersgrenadachronicle.com
- 4Paris prosecutors and ANSSI investigate large-scale cyberattack on French food retailersbbc.co.uk
- 5网络攻击扰乱法国连锁超市制冷系统，门店被迫丢弃变质食品hindustantimes.com
- 6网络攻击致法国多家超市(含Intermarché与Coopérative U)冰箱过热、食品变质cnbc.com
- 7Netto与Too Good To Go扩大丹麦食品余量合作freshplaza.com
- 8‘Unprecedented’ cyberattack hits French supermarkets as hackers trigger fridge defrosting- Moneycontrol.commoneycontrol.com
- 9‘Unprecedented’ cyberattack hits French supermarkets, causing food losses - Dominican Republic Post – Caribbean News, Business, Travel & Culturedominicanrepublicpost.com
- 10France’s Supermarket Cyberattack Is A Warning For NATO’s Food Security - OpEd - Eurasia Revieweurasiareview.com
- 11French Supermarket Cyberattack Heats Fridges to 50°C, With Losses Up to €200,000 Per Store - InfotechLeadinfotechlead.com
- 12French Supermarket Cyberattack Sees Hackers Overheat Fridges and Destroy Food Stocksitechpost.com
- 13French Supermarkets Hit By Fires And Food Losses After Cyberattack | ESM Magazineesmmagazine.com
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