German supermarket Kaufland spruiks SA as ‘state of great opportunity’ as it embarks on Adelaide expansion

GERMAN supermarket giant Kaufland has broken its silence about its major expansion into Adelaide, describing SA as a “state of great opportunity” for its global chain.

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GERMAN supermarket giant Kaufland has described South Australia as a “state of great opportunity” as it embarks on an Adelaide-led expansion Down Under.

In its first public statement outlining its vision for a major push into the Adelaide market, the group said its large-scale stores would offer a new retail experience for local shoppers.

“We see South Australia as a state of great opportunity,” Kaufland Australia spokeswoman Didem Brennan told The Advertiser.

“Our investment is focused on bringing a new shopping experience for local communities centred around quality fresh food, as well as premium and budget brands, competitively priced.”

Artist’s impression of the Kaufland supermarket off Anzac Hwy, Forestville.

The German retailer has been tight-lipped about its expansion plans since it bought the former Le Cornu warehouse in Forestville last October, marking its arrival in SA.

The group has since lodged plans for a $34 million supermarket at the Anzac Highway site, which would be its first Australian store.

Kaufland this month applied to the State Commission Assessment Panel to build a $35 million store on Churchill Rd, Prospect, and is also eyeing sites in Wynn Vale and Munno Parra for potential stores.

Ms Brennan said the Prospect supermarket would employ about 100 people and create “significant indirect jobs for local producers, suppliers and contractors”.

She said the state’s Department for Trade, Tourism and Investment was assisting Kaufland as it launched its expansion Adelaide.

“We are grateful for their support as we enter the South Australian market,” she said.

Kaufland, which is part of the Schwarz Group, the world’s fourth largest retailer, has more than 1230 stores and 150,000 employees worldwide.

Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister David Ridgway has been contacted for comment.