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Son of Farmers and Ex-Loader, Pedro Lourenço Built One of the Largest Supermarket Chains in the Country, Transforming a Neighborhood Grocery Store into a Group with Billion-Dollar Revenue and Presence in Hundreds of Brazilian Cities.
The businessman from Minas Gerais Pedro Lourenço de Oliveira transformed the first grocery store opened in 1996, in the outskirts of Santa Luzia, in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, into a group that closed 2024 with revenue of R$ 21.278 billion.
The chain Supermercados BH reached 4th place in the ABRAS Ranking 2025, surpassing GPA, according to a survey by the Brazilian Supermarket Association (Abras).
The journey, which began as a loader at a supermarket, today translates into leadership in the sector in Minas Gerais and a presence among the largest in the country.
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From Neighborhood Grocery to Regional Leadership
The first store, opened in May 1996, in the São Benedito neighborhood, marked the beginning of the chain’s expansion.
The businessman previously worked in operational roles, such as unloaders and stock clerks, which gave him practical knowledge of how the food retail sector operates.
According to industry information, this experience was one of the factors that contributed to the operational model later adopted by the company.
With a focus on competitive prices and service aimed at popular consumption, the chain gradually expanded.
In 2024, Supermercados BH ended the year with 338 stores and presence in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, according to data released by the company itself.
Expansion and Consolidation in the National Market
The ABRAS Ranking 2025, prepared by the Brazilian Supermarket Association in partnership with NielsenIQ, indicated that Supermercados BH registered R$ 21.278 billion in revenue over the last year.
The result positioned the company as the fourth largest network in Brazil, behind only Carrefour, Assaí, and Grupo Mateus. The survey also indicated a 10% growth in revenue compared to 2023.
According to Abras, the number of employees reached 39,217 employees at the end of 2024 and performance, according to retail analysts, reflects an expansion strategy based on scale and acquisitions.
Strategy and Focus on the Popular Market
According to industry experts, Supermercados BH consolidated its position by maintaining a focus on the traditional model of physical stores, with assortment of popular products and affordable prices.
While some competitors prioritized digital investments, the chain stuck to the physical format, seeking to strengthen its presence in medium and small-sized cities.
The company also carried out 22 openings in 2024, adding new units and wholesale points.
According to analysts, organic growth and strategic acquisitions are factors that enhance the company’s competitiveness in both regional and national markets.
Acquisition of Bretas Expands Presence in Minas Gerais
In February 2025, Supermercados BH announced the purchase of the Bretas operations in Minas Gerais, then controlled by the Chilean company Cencosud.
The agreement, valued at R$ 716 million, includes 54 stores, eight gas stations, and one distribution center.
The transaction was submitted for analysis by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade).
In July 2025, Cade authorized the transfer of part of the units, allowing the start of the conversion of stores in different cities in Minas Gerais.
The approval was granted in phases, according to the competition conditions of each local market.
Regulatory experts state that operations of this type are often evaluated gradually, considering the maintenance of regional competitiveness.
According to industry sources, the acquisition should expand the chain’s presence in areas where its operation was still limited and strengthen the logistical structure, consolidating the group’s position in Minas Gerais.
Business Model and Consumer Profile
The chain focuses on the traditional supermarket model, aimed at middle and low-income consumers.
According to food retail experts, this format continues to be relevant in regions with a strong presence of street stores and high volume of in-person purchases.
Although Supermercados BH also operates wholesale formats in some locations, the main sales channel remains physical retail.
The model is supported by high sales volume and adjusted operational costs, which, according to analysts, helps maintain margins in a scenario of constrained household income.
The company periodically invests in promotional campaigns and commemorative dates, such as the anniversary of the chain, with the goal of increasing customer flow and reinforcing brand presence in the communities where it operates.
Personal Journey and Corporate Culture
Born in Paineiras, in the interior of Minas Gerais, Pedro Lourenço de Oliveira is the son of farmers and moved to Belo Horizonte at a young age.
He worked in local supermarkets before opening his own grocery store in 1996.
His direct experience in store operations influenced the company’s culture, which is characterized, according to employees and analysts, by attention to retail routines and a constant search for efficiency.
The entrepreneur’s story is often cited in studies about the sector as an example of professional advancement in Brazilian retail.
According to experts, the case highlights the importance of business models that combine practical knowledge and gradual expansion.
Challenges and Perspectives of the Supermarket Sector
With the consolidation as the 4th largest supermarket chain in Brazil and the incorporation of new units from Bretas, the group enters a new phase of growth.
According to market analysts, the challenge in the coming years will be to maintain the pace of physical expansion, balancing costs and productivity.
The integration of acquired stores and the expansion of the logistical base should continue to be among the company’s priorities.
The sector’s performance will also depend on the recovery of families’ purchasing power and the evolution of internal consumption.
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