The Carrefour Group: one of the world's leading retailersIn 50 years, the Carrefour Group has become a world leader in the retail sector. The second largest retailer in the world and the largest in Europe, the Group now features four major grocery retail formats: hypermarkets, supermarkets, cash & carry and convenience stores. The Carrefour Group currently has over 9 900 company-owned and franchise stores.An international retailerA pioneer in countries such as Brazil in 1975 and China in 1995, the Group now operates on three major markets: Europe, Latin America and Asia.With a presence in more than 30 countries, it generates more than 55% of its sales outside France.A force in local economic developmentEverywhere it operates, the Carrefour Group demonstrates its commitment to local economic growth. Because retail involves people, it always gives priority to recruiting people who live locally, and to training its managers and staff on site.Very often, the Carrefour Group is the premier private employer in the countries in which it operates. This is obviously the case in France – where the group was founded – but it also holds true in countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Italy. At the same time, the Group gives priority to local supply chains. So 75% of all its food products come from local suppliers in the countries in which it operates.