The German Retail Award, which has been presented annually by the Retail Germany Association (HDE) since 2002, is the most important award in the industry and recognises special entrepreneurial achievements in the retail sector. It is awarded in three categories: medium-sized companies, large companies and lifetime award.

In his introductory speech, guest speaker Robert Habeck, Minister of Economic Affairs, recognised the role of retail for society: "As different as your businesses may be, they are public spaces and therefore it would be wrong to see retail only as a business model. You bring commerce to the streets, and that is an added democratic value, because you bring people together. Remain a pillar of democracy."

Lionel Souque thanked the 384,000 employees of REWE Group: "This award belongs to you!" A consistent focus on customers, entrepreneurship, innovative strength and a pioneering role in digitalisation - these criteria contribute significantly to REWE Group's economic success. The jury at the Retail Congress in Berlin agreed and awarded our company the German Retail Award 2023 in the "Large Companies" category on Wednesday evening (15 November). The jury went on to say that REWE Group is a driving force for sustainable products in the food retail sector and is characterised by its focus on energy efficiency and resource conservation.

After a laudatory speech by Patrick Zahn, managing director of the clothing company KiK, HDE President Alexander von Preen presented the award to Lionel Souque in front of around 800 invited guests from the retail industry: "We have 384,000 highly committed employees who work for us every day - even on Saturdays and Sundays. This award belongs to you," said the REWE Group CEO on stage.

"REWE Group deserves this award twice over," added Patrick Zahn. "As an outstanding retail company and with Lionel Souque for an outstanding CEO: its strength is a question of values and will."