Assaí Atacadista is a Brazilian wholesale company that serves small and medium-sized merchants and consumers looking for savings, product variety, and good service. Founded in São Paulo (SP) 50 years ago, it currently has more than 280 stores distributed across the five regions of Brazil.
The chain sells both wholesale (selling in large volumes) and retail (individual items) – in both, customers save money, as Assaí is cheaper than traditional supermarket and hypermarket formats. The units have well-stocked inventories, payment facilities, and prioritize a great shopping experience. These advantages, combined with the strength of one of the country’s most valuable and admired brands, make Assaí the top choice and reference when it comes to low prices and variety in the wholesale sector.
With a diverse team, the company is known for its actions in ESG. It has the Assaí Institute, responsible for the company’s social investment, and whose Assaí Academy Award is a reference in the country for encouraging and recognizing micro and small entrepreneurs in the food industry. Additionally, it sponsors some of the country’s major football championships – showing that, like Brazil, Assaí also loves sports.
01 store
The first Assaí Atacadista store is launched in São Paulo with a focus on supplying the small processor (pastry shops). The name Assaí was created from the Japanese word ASAHI (pronunciation: “assaree”), meaning “rising sun”.
01 store
Assaí is recognized as the largest retailer of mozzarella cheese in the region and is a regional wholesale reference for retailers.
15 stores
GPA acquires 60% of the company, a milestone for its entry into the self-service wholesale segment, which was showing strong signs of growth in the country.
28 stores
Company expansion to the cities of Fortaleza/CE and Rio de Janeiro/RJ.
57 stores
Seeking to structure and optimize processes, Assaí opens its first Distribution Center, in Osasco (SP).
Assaí becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of GPA.
59 stores
Modernization of the stores, creating a new format characterized by more products and a better environment (which includes covered parking, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and natural lighting in the store).
Launch of the Passaí card.
126 stores
Assaí opens a record number of stores, with 20 openings, through an assertive program of conversions and organic openings, reaching a total of 126 units.
166 stores
Assaí reaches a mark of over R$30 billion in revenue. In the same year, the Company launches “Our Culture – This is Assaí”, with all the values and attitude that represent its organizational culture.
212 stores
The process of spin-off between Assaí and GPA is concluded. Each company starts to operate independently with direct reporting to the Casino Group.
Assaí begins trading its shares at B3 (São Paulo) under the ticker ASAI3; and at Nyse (New York) under the acronym ASAI.
2021: The purchase of Extra Hiper stores is announced, which will be converted into Assaí, through a transaction worth R$4.2 billion.
263 stores
Historical record of with 60 store onenings, totaling 263 units. Lauch of the Assaí Institute, which becomes the Company’s social arm. The Institution strengthens the commitment to the development of people and communities throughout Brazil.
288 stores
Assaí becomes a True Corporation i.e. a Company without a single controller. With 100% of shares freely traded on the market.
Data referring to 2Q23.
Launch of the Meu Assaí app, making it easier to find exclusive offers and promotions, as well as locating the store closest to you, all directly from your cell phone.
The Cash and Carry most recalled by São Paulo residents, for the 6th consecutive year
Award for the Wholesaler and
Supermarket category
We are one of the 15 most valuable brands in Brazil.
The 3rd brand that most grew in value and the 2nd brand that most strengthened.
The Cash and Carry most recalled by São Paulo residents, for the 6th consecutive year
• 1 in the Retail Efficiency Ranking
• 2 in the “Greatest Economic Impact” category
• 2 in the “Outstanding Company in the Southeast Region” category
• 1 in the Retail Efficiency Ranking
• 2 in the “Greatest Economic Impact” category
• 2 in the “Outstanding Company in the Southeast Region” category
Assaí acts as an advocate of diversity with actions and programs to support the valuing of Our People.
Encouraging food entrepreneurs through a portal comprising news, online courses and opportunities with major partners.
Assaí’s entire expansion process is led by an experienced team that is in charge of the company’s business and carefully analyzes the points for opening stores. The whole process is conducted in the most assertive way possible, resulting in successful openings. Thus, in the last five years, Assaí has been opening an average of 18 new stores a year.
Furthermore, with a national strategy, Assaí’s business model is also thought out regionally, from the product mix to the communication strategy. With this, the company follows with caution, looking at the local realities and specificities and what makes more sense in that region.
With a solid program in ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) initiatives, Assaí is a reference in the sector in different programs for the construction of a more responsible and inclusive society.
Currently, Assaí is one of the largest employers in the private segment in Brazil, with more than 60 thousand employees. Each time a new unit opens, about 500 new direct and indirect jobs are created. With organizational culture as one of the pillars of the company’s success, Assaí believes that the company’s growth must also mean the growth of its employees. For this reason, it has an important career program, favoring internal movements, providing opportunities for growth and encouraging a sense of belonging among employees.
Sport is part of the daily life of Brazilians, it is a national identity that brings us together, connects us and is directly linked to the values of Assaí Atacadista:
•Campeonato Brasileiro – Brasileirão Assaí;
•Copa do Nordeste 2022;
•Campeonato Paulista 2022;
•26ª Maratona Internacional de São Paulo;
•24ª Meia Maratona do Rio de Janeiro;
•Vôlei Futuro Araçatuba;
•Campeonato Paulista Feminino.
Assaí offers options for gift cards, cards for basic-needs grocery package and the Passaí Itaucard Card with advantages.
Our customers are small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, companies looking for long-lasting partnerships or end customers looking for variety and savings in their purchases by wholesaler or unit.
At Assaí Atacadista, customers find the best price to resell their products or to supply their homes.
Hot dog sellers, food service, snack bars, pastry shops, restaurants, candy shops, canteens, grocery stores, mini-markets and bakeries.
Consumers who seek savings in daily purchases in large volumes or at retail price.
Gyms, sports clubs, condominiums, schools, religious institutions, hotels, and micro-entrepreneurs.
