Hawesko Reports 2.5% Drop in Annual Revenue as German Wine Market Contracts

Hawesko, the leading premium wine retailer in Germany, reported a 2.5% decline in group revenue for 2025, according to preliminary figures released by the company’s holding in Hamburg. Total sales reached €622 million, down from the previous year. The company’s operating profit before interest and taxes (EBIT) stood at €26 million, about 20% lower than in 2024. The EBIT margin was 4.1%, nearly matching last year’s level.

Despite the drop in revenue, Hawesko performed better than the overall German wine trade sector, which saw a 6% decrease in sales during the same period. The company attributed its relative resilience to ongoing efforts to adapt to changing market conditions.

In the business-to-business (B2B) segment, Hawesko achieved growth of about 2%, with revenue rising to €203 million. However, brick-and-mortar retail sales fell by 3% to €226 million, while e-commerce revenue dropped by 7% to €193 million.

Thorsten Hermelink, CEO of Hawesko Holding, highlighted the impact of a growth and cost-reduction program introduced last year. He stated that this initiative is already showing results and is expected to have a positive effect on earnings from 2026 onward. The program includes new business models, the introduction of additional product categories, expansion of the delicatessen segment, and the use of AI-driven personalized advertising.

Hawesko employs around 1,300 people across its retail (Jacques’ and Wein & Co.), B2B (Wein Wolf, Abayan, Grand Cru Select), and e-commerce (Hawesko, Vinos, WirWinzer) divisions. The company continues to focus on innovation and efficiency as it navigates a challenging market environment marked by declining wine consumption in Germany.