Supermarket sales increased
By 15 to 25 percent last year

Sales remain below pre-crisis levels

A recent study by InfoPro, published in the just released issue of Lebanon Opportunities (Winter 2026), reveals that the supermarket sector is showing renewed growth, with sales rising, new branches opening, and foreign brands gradually returning to shelves. During the economic crisis that began in 2019, no major supermarket chain exited the market, allowing larger players to strengthen their position.

Supermarket sales increased between 15 percent and 30 percent in 2025 compared with 2024. Growth has been driven by higher disposable income, spending by tourists and expatriates. Nadim Aoun, Commercial Manager at Le Charcutier, said that larger customer baskets contributed to sales growth. Sales remain below pre-crisis levels, averaging 50 percent to 65 percent of their dollar value in 2019.

At Le Charcutier, one of the country’s largest local chains with 18 branches and more than 2,000 employees, both total sales and the average basket have recovered to about 90 percent of their pre-crisis levels in nominal dollar terms. The company plans to open three additional branches over the next three years, starting with a new outlet scheduled for late 2026. Other chains expanding include Tawfeer, Gray Mackenzie Retail Lebanon (operator of Spinneys, Happy, Grab’n Go, Monoprix, and NokNok). Chains with access to capital benefited from lower land prices and rental rates during the crisis.

The crisis accelerated the disappearance of small neighborhood stores. Thousands closed over the past four to five years, squeezed by the lira’s collapse, shrinking working capital, and falling purchasing power. Nabil Fahed, Chairman of the Syndicate of Supermarket Owners, said that chains with sufficient capital can reinvest in expansion, while small stores barely generate enough profit to cover basic household needs. Aoun said: “We used our own resources during the crisis to maintain market share and we are now resuming growth.

Local products have gained significant shelf space. Their share of grocery sales rose from about 25 percent before the crisis to around 50 percent today, although overall consumption declined. Some categories are now dominated by local producers. Household paper products and trash bags have captured around 90 percent of the market, up from 60-70 percent. Locally made detergents increased their share from 30 percent to 50 percent. Foreign products are returning to the market, but their market share has not yet reached pre-crisis levels. According to Fahed, the return of foreign brands was partly due to some companies lowering their prices. Aoun said, “It took foreign suppliers two to three years to understand the situation in Lebanon. In 2024, they reduced prices instead of investing heavily in advertising, branding, and other marketing efforts.”

Online grocery delivery is the fastest-growing segment but remains small. E-commerce accounts for about three percent of total retail sales, compared with less than ten percent in markets such as the UAE and the UK. Platforms including Toters, Noknok, and Gozilla dominate the sector, with Toters handling around 60 percent of online orders.