REWE Group is a Cologne-based retail and tourism cooperative founded in 1927 through the merger of 17 purchasing cooperatives. The company operates across 21 countries with approximately 384,000 employees and serves 12 million customers daily. Its cooperative structure, maintained since inception, reflects shared ownership and democratic governance principles that continue to shape its operations.
The group's retail operations span five main divisions. REWE operates general food retail and supermarkets, PENNY provides discount markets, toom offers home improvement and DIY products, BIPA specialises in personal care and beauty drugstores, and DERTOUR Group handles travel services and tourism. In Germany alone, the company maintains over 3,800 stores across these formats.
REWE Group emphasises regional sourcing and local supplier relationships. In Austria, for example, 100% of fresh meat is sourced from local suppliers. The company has committed to climate neutrality by 2040 and maintains initiatives around animal welfare and sustainable product offerings, reflecting its cooperative heritage and long-term operational philosophy.