Rumors About Delicatessen Counters: This Is What Billa and Spar Say

This - colloquially often called Wurstbudl or in professional jargon fresh counter - is here to stay. Both Spar and Billa have denied contrary rumors to the APA. The sausage counters are considered one of the distinguishing features from discounters. Recently, however, it has been noticed that more and more prepared snack items are available. A "gastronomization" of the offerings is taking place, especially in markets in the big city, it is said.

Supermarket without delicatessen counter hardly imaginable

Whether a sausage roll exactly to one's taste with little pickles and lots of cheese, cold cuts, salads, or warm snacks, a supermarket without a delicatessen counter is hardly imaginable in Austria. For people who come from here but work in Germany or Switzerland, this Austro-unique feature in the German-speaking area is often missed. The fresh counter also stands for advice and fulfilling individual wishes, the quality of the products should be the focus, says a Billa spokesperson.

"This personal service is a very essential part of our markets for us and it will remain so," said a Spar spokesperson about the fresh counters. "Recently, many convenience products have been added." Thus, her company is expanding the "hot to go" line - that is, warm food to take away. The same applies, of course, to the competition and primarily where the frequency is high to very high.

"Billa to go" in the 2nd district with convenience selection

Because times are changing - and for those who know 7-Eleven markets in distant countries, it is not unfamiliar that it is common there to heat prepared and packaged meals yourself and consume them directly at a counter or take them away. "Depending on the location and market, we use individual concepts and test various gastro-modules, such as in our new 'Billa to go' on Taborstraße in Vienna-Leopoldstadt," said the Billa spokesperson. There, not only classic Leberkäse or schnitzel rolls are available, but a convenience selection with around 100 different options - sandwiches, smoothies, mueslis, confectionery pastries, and salads.

Additionally, Billa is testing delicatessen products like the popular Leberkäse or schnitzel roll in self-service in a few urban markets with very high customer frequency. These products are kept warm in a special device and packaging. A fresh counter is thus replaced, employees only prepare in the background. However, this will not be implemented on a large scale, emphasized the company spokesperson.

Time plays a role

The "gastronomization" results from the use of more gastro-modules like warming containers or meals for direct heating. The main factor for the development is attributed to the zeitgeist of limited time - that is, haste - say the supermarket representatives. It should be quick and yet not a quick snack. This will not endanger the delicatessen counter, also known as Wurstbudl, in any way. "This applies to branches of all sizes," promises the Spar spokesperson.

(APA/Red)

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