Billa

Billa is a prominent European supermarket chain and private label brand that originated in Austria. Originally founded by Karl Wlaschek in 1953 as a discount perfume shop under the name WKW (Warenhandel Karl Wlaschek), it was rebranded as Billa (a contraction of Billiger Laden, meaning 'Cheap Shop') in 1961 when it transitioned into the grocery sector.

Today, Billa operates primarily as a retail brand under the ownership of the German REWE Group. While the brand is most synonymous with the Austrian retail landscape, its products are manufactured by a vast network of suppliers across Europe, depending on the specific product category, ranging from dairy and bakery items to household cleaning supplies.

The REWE Group, headquartered in Cologne, Germany, acquired Billa in 1996. This acquisition allowed the brand to expand its presence across Central and Eastern Europe. The ultimate ownership remains with REWE, one of Europe's leading trade and tourism cooperative groups, ensuring that Billa stays integrated within a massive international supply chain while maintaining its Austrian heritage.