The E.ON Hungária Group has established a fully automated, remotely operated transformer station in Veszprémvarsány. The new 132/22 kV facility replaces the former 35/22 kV substation, thus significantly increasing the region’s network capacity, and the reliability and flexibility of the network. This advancement improves the power supply for approximately 16,000 residential customers and also enables the connection of 1,000 solar panel households to the grid. The new substation connects to the 64-kilometre transmission line section between Kisbér, Veszprémvarsány, Zirc, and Litér.

The new substation incorporates a modern, automated control system that ensures rapid fault detection, which not only provides customers with a more stable and predictable energy supply, but also reduces the risk of network disruptions and service outages. The new infrastructure will also facilitate the connection of additional industrial- and high-energy consumers to the grid in future.

The HUF 2.2 billion investment is part of the Danube InGrid project, a series of cross-border initiatives supported by E.ON and the European Union, which aims to strengthen the regional network and support the integration of renewable energy sources.

In recent months, SPAR Hungary has garnered professional acclaim not only for its innovations in sustainability and retail, but also for outstanding achievements in communications. The company received a total of six prestigious industry awards, alongside two of its senior managers being ranked among the top professionals in their fields—further positive reinforcement of SPAR’s ongoing efforts.

“For us, industry awards are confirmation that we’re on the right track – that what we do matters to consumers as well. Whether it’s about the standards of our stores, our sustainability campaigns or technological innovations, we always aim to make shopping easier, more conscious and more sustainable. These awards are particularly valuable because they show that the industry views our consumer-focused efforts as exemplary,” said Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.

Retailer of the Year – Three prestigious awards

At the 2025 Retailer of the Year awards organised by Trade Magazine, SPAR received three key recognitions.  The INTERSPAR store in Székesfehérvár was named Hypermarket of the Year, praised for its outstanding customer experience and extensive product range. The INTERSPAR chain also earned the title of Hypermarket Chain of the Year, recognising its consistent high-quality service. In addition, SPAR supermarkets were awarded Supermarket Chain of the Year, a testament to their reliable, consumer-centric performance in everyday shopping.

Green Pledge – award for eco-conscious consumer education

SPAR’s Plastic-Free July campaign, run under the Green Pledge programme, showcased how sustainability and consumer education can go hand in hand. The multi-channel initiative encouraged shoppers to opt for reusable fruit and vegetable bags, bakery sacks, and water bottles, while prize draws and inspiring social media content raised awareness about conscious consumption.

Symbol of Sustainability – technological innovation to reduce plastic use

SPAR was also honoured with the 2025 Symbol of Sustainability award in the Technological Solution & Process category. The judging panel recognised innovations that support a circular economy and demonstrably reduce plastic use. SPAR’s new packaging solutions and responsible waste management practices not only offer eco-friendly alternatives but also bring tangible changes to customers’ everyday lives.

Food Industry Innovation Award – recognition for sustainable packaging

During the 82nd National Agriculture and Food Exhibition and Fair (OMÉK), SPAR Hungary received second prize in the Food Industry Innovation Awards, jointly presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agrármarketing Centrum Nonprofit Ltd. The award recognised the introduction of flow-pack packaging technology at the Regnum Meat Processing Plant in Bicske.  This new solution, used for S-BUDGET 500g minced pork, uses 70% less plastic than traditional plastic tray packaging, while maintaining freshness and quality. In 2024 alone, this innovation enabled SPAR to save nearly 20 tonnes of plastic—an exemplary case of combining sustainability, technological advancement, and high-quality service for customers.

Communications and marketing – SPAR leaders among the best

In the 10th anniversary edition of Marketing&Média magazine’s Top 50 Marketing Leaders ranking, Károly Németh, SPAR Hungary’s Head of Marketing, was placed 22nd. In the magazine’s Top 50 PR Leaders list – compiled for the third time – Márk Maczelka, Head of Communications, achieved 12th place. These rankings demonstrate that SPAR’s marketing and communications efforts are not only delivering value to consumers and business partners but are also recognised as outstanding achievements within the professional community.

Premium Infrastructure and Energy for Sustainable Business Transportation

Mercedes-Benz Vans and E.ON Hungária Group have launched a strategic partnership that gives customers purchasing light commercial vehicles access to discounted, customized electric charging- and integrated energy solutions. Their joint initiative aims to facilitate business customers’ transition to electromobility and contribute to the decarbonisation of the corporate sector in Central and Eastern Europe.

In 2024, the MNB published the recommendation No 9/2024 (IX.24.) on the use of a minimum set of questions to assess environmental, social and governance (ESG) information in the underwriting, measurement, management and control of credit risk. Based on recommendation 7/2025. (VI.23.), which was published on 26 June 2025, the MNB expects to apply the minimum set of questions only for those loan-applying companies that are required by law to report on sustainability and to prepare ESG reports, and beyond that reach a certain transaction limit. The amended recommendation is in line with certain provisions of the ESG risk management guidelines of the European Banking Authority on the collection of ESG information necessary for the identification, measurement, management and monitoring of ESG risks.

In order to reduce the administrative burden on companies, the MNB further approximated the set of questions set out in the amended recommendation to the requirements of the ESG report ruled by the Act CVIII of 2023 laying down the rules of corporate social responsibility taking into account environmental, societal and social considerations to promote sustainable finance and unified corporate responsibility, and amending certain related Acts.

The ESG recommandation can be found here.

For Grant Thornton, sustainability represents a shared opportunity for strategic value creation together with our Partners and Clients. Strengthening this commitment, our firm has joined the IFRS Sustainability Alliance — a global professional community shaping the future of ESG reporting and sustainability standards.

Established by the IFRS Foundation, the Alliance works to harmonize sustainability reporting and promote the widespread adoption of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS SDS). Its members include leading global corporations, regulators, investors, and advisors who are collectively seeking answers to the business challenges of sustainability.

Through Grant Thornton’s active participation, the firm will:

• gain direct access to the latest international developments and guidelines,

• represent the interests of its clients in global sustainability discussions, and

• develop practical solutions for mid-market and large enterprises to meet both regulatory and market expectations.

“For our clients, it is essential not only to comply with ESG regulations, but to create real value through them.
By joining the IFRS Sustainability Alliance, we have gained another channel through which we can actively help shape the professional environment in which sustainability can become a genuine competitive advantage.”

This membership marks another milestone for Grant Thornton Hungary, reinforcing our ability to combine the global knowledge of our international network with local expertise — supporting clients throughout their sustainability transition in the service of business growth and long-term value creation.