Interview with Nicola Francescucci, Deputy Director for Economic Activities at the Directorate of Economy, on the Opening of the new Tigre-Annona Supermarketigre-Annona

Focus on Recycling and Energy Consumption

The internal Vatican store reopens under the Tigre-Annona brand, bringing many new features. Chief among them are extended opening hours, a commitment to offering the lowest price every day, special attention to recycling and energy saving, and the introduction of new technologies such as a dedicated App.
Nicola Francescucci, Deputy Director for Economic Activities in the Directorate of Economy of the Governorate of Vatican City State, discusses these developments in this interview with www.vaticanstate.va.

What are the main features of this new store?

It is a fully renovated, modern retail space offering an assortment of about 11,000 products, staffed by 34 employees. The store will apply an every day low price commercial policy.

What does this partnership with the Tigre brand represent?

It represents a collaboration process that began in October 2023 and underwent a complex evaluation procedure. We can say that this partnership ensures continuity with certain established habits of customers while fostering the evolution of the service. The brand was particularly appreciated for its social engagement and support for specific customer groups such as members over 70, large families, and new parents (with children aged zero to three).

What distinguishes this new store from the former Annona?

Certainly, the extended opening hours: the store will now close at 7:30 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. (including Saturday afternoons), allowing those who finish work later to shop more comfortably. From the start, customers will also have access to a delayed pickup service (after shopping, they can collect their purchases at a set time, with guarantees that fresh or frozen products are kept at the proper temperature). At a later stage, a click & collect service—order online and pay upon pickup—will be activated.

How was the Directorate of Economy involved in the selection of the concession operator and in the development of the new facility?

The Directorate of Economy oversaw all stages of market research to identify the most suitable partner, verifying its operational capacity and reputation. It supported the governing bodies throughout the contractual negotiation process and ensures compliance with the agreement throughout the concession period.

Does the new store adopt sustainable solutions?

The Gabrielli Group is ISO 50001 certified, a standard that defines the requirements for an Energy Management System, providing a practical and voluntary framework for continually improving energy efficiency, reducing consumption and costs and minimizing environmental impact. The store is equipped with a PET bottle compactor (customers can return empty bottles and receive shopping vouchers); trolleys are made of recycled plastic; refrigeration systems are monitored in real time to optimize cooling and prevent overconsumption; the lighting system is fully LED-based and automatically adjusts according to ambient light throughout the day.

What innovative technologies have been implemented?

To ensure better price management and monitoring, the store uses electronic shelf labels that can be updated in real time—reducing the use of paper and ink. Small baskets can be easily handled at the checkout area thanks to “basket-lifting” devices. A mobile App will also be available, providing information about ongoing discounts and promotions for holders of the fidelity card.

Is this also an additional service for the wellbeing of employees?

Absolutely. The range of services provided by the concessionaire and the pricing policy are effectively tools that contribute to improving employee family budgets.

What sectors are featured in the supermarket?

The store includes all the usual sectors of a modern supermarket, except for a fish counter (seafood products are available in take-away form). There is a small café area, which can also be used to consume dishes prepared by the food service and rotisserie departments. The butcher’s section will offer ready-to-cook prepared fresh dishes, and the bakery will serve pizza alla pala, sweet and savory breakfast pastries and fresh baked bread from select local bakeries. Products from the different departments can also be ordered by phone. In the fruit and vegetable section, customers will find a self-service fresh orange juice machine. The store is also equipped with public restrooms.

How much attention is given to local or zero-kilometer products?

The store has developed a product selection that highlights local items, particularly in the bakery, gastronomy, fruit and vegetable, and the liquor departments.