Żabka Group continues to combine above-market sales growth with network expansion, while the solid performance of new stores once again confirms the effectiveness and scalability of its expansion model. Over the last 12 months, the Group has opened more than 1,400 stores, reaching further network milestones: more than 13,000 stores in Poland and more than 300 in Romania.
Like-for-like (LfL) sales growth remained broadly in line with recently reported levels, confirming the resilience of the Group’s business model even in a subdued market environment, and the appeal of its customer proposition. LfL sales rose 3.5% year on year in the third quarter and 3.6% in the first nine months of 2026.
The Group continued to gain market share steadily, supported by rapid network expansion and its sustained edge in strategic product categories. Sales to End Customers (StEC) reached PLN 26,180 million in the first nine months, up 12.5% year on year, driven by both LfL growth, high new-store productivity and the performance of the New Growth Engines segment (NGE).
Adjusted EBITDA reached PLN 3,392 million in the first nine months, up 15.7% year on year. The Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 13.0%, while in the third quarter it reached 15.6%, compared with 15.0% a year earlier. The performance reflects continued operational improvements and disciplined cost management.
Tomasz Suchański, CEO of Żabka Group and Chair of the Board of Directors, commented: “In the first nine months of 2026, Żabka Group maintained its consistent growth trajectory, outpacing the FMCG market and strengthening its leadership in modern convenience. LfL sales increased by 3.5% year on year in the third quarter, maintaining steady momentum. At the same time, we continued to expand our network, opening more than 1,400 stores over the last 12 months. We reached further important milestones, surpassing 13,000 stores in Poland and 300 in Romania, where our network has more than doubled in size. The proposed transaction with Couche-Tard, announced in July, opens a new chapter in Żabka Group’s history. Partnering with a global leader in modern convenience creates the potential to further strengthen our market position, develop our organisational capabilities and deliver greater value for customers, franchisees, employees and local communities.”
Tomasz Blicharski, Chief Strategy & Development Officer and Chief Executive Officer designate of Żabka Group, commented: “Our model has demonstrated resilience across market conditions, including the subdued environment of the previous quarter. Innovation remains an important source of Żabka Group’s competitive advantage, as demonstrated by the recently implemented initiatives. Our strategic categories, particularly QMS and beverages, continue to perform well and make an increasing contribution to sales growth. We continue to develop our on-demand street food, introducing new products and flavours that respond to evolving consumer preferences. We are also exploring new ways to combine product development with engaging customer communication, leveraging partnerships with influencers and industry experts. In parallel, we are rolling out tools that help us even better understand customer needs and tailor our offering more precisely. In addition, we are expanding into new retail formats: one year after launch, our vending format already comprises 275 machines, which have handled nearly 1 million transactions, a testament to growing customer interest.”
Marta Wrochna-Łastowska, CFO of Żabka Group, commented: “Żabka Group’s solid financial performance in the first nine months of 2026 reflects the effectiveness of our operational initiatives and our disciplined approach to cost management. With Sales to End Customers (StEC) up 12.5% year on year, profitability improved, driven by economies of scale and further operational efficiencies. Adjusted EBITDA reached PLN 3,392 million in 9M 2026, up 15.7% year on year, with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.0%. Strong cash flows underline our solid fundamentals and enable us to fund further growth. Strong cash generation also reduced net debt to Adjusted EBITDA (post-rent, excluding lease liabilities) to 0.7x, down from 0.4x year on year. At the same time, net financial debt (excluding lease liabilities) decreased by PLN 682 million, or 23% year on year, to PLN 2,260 million at the end of the third quarter of 2026. This improvement is particularly noteworthy given that, earlier this year, we paid our first-ever dividend of PLN 530.75 million.”
