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Cyprus Emerges As Eu Retail Champion With 10.4% Growth In September 2025

Cyprus has distinguished itself as the leader in retail trade performance within the European Union for September 2025. According to data released by Eurostat, the country’s retail trade volume in food, beverages, and tobacco surged by 10.4% compared to September 2024, marking the highest annual growth among EU nations with available data.

Regional Comparisons And Emerging Trends

Across the broader European Union, retail sales in this key category experienced a modest year-on-year increase of 0.5%, while the euro area observed a 1.0% rise. Out of 25 EU member states reporting data, 15 recorded annual gains. Noteworthy performances include Spain with a 4.5% increase and Malta at 4.4%, although both figures pale in comparison to Cyprus’s double-digit expansion.

Contrasting Performances Across The Union

In contrast to these gains, several EU member states experienced declines in retail trade volumes. Estonia saw the steepest drop at 4.8%, followed by Romania at 4.5%, and Belgium at 3.4%. The Eurostat report underscores that while overall growth in retail trade remains modest yet stable, the dynamic consumer activity in southern European economies, particularly Cyprus, points to a resilient and adaptable market environment.

doValue Cyprus Strengthens Market Leadership With New Astrobank Portfolio

Expanding Market Influence

Loan and real estate management firm doValue Cyprus has significantly reinforced its domestic presence in non-performing loan servicing by acquiring a new portfolio from Astrobank Public Company Limited. This development follows Astrobank’s recent transition, marked by the transfer of key operations to Alpha Bank Cyprus Limited and the subsequent surrender of its banking licence.

Strategic Acquisition And Swift Execution

Finalized on November 3, 2025, the agreement underscores a decisive strategic shift as doValue Cyprus assumes management of Astrobank’s remaining portfolio. The immediate commencement of portfolio management is a testament to the firm’s commitment to delivering specialized, resilient solutions within the non-performing loan market.

Expertise Driving Market Growth

Chief Executive Officer Varnavas Kourounas emphasized that the latest portfolio acquisition not only expands the firm’s operational footprint but also validates its credibility and deep expertise in the competitive Cypriot financial sector. The strategic move is aligned with the broader growth ambitions of the doValue Group.

Broader Market Implications

Operating as part of the international doValue Group—the largest independent loan and real estate management organization in Southern Europe—doValue Cyprus is well-positioned to leverage its newly expanded portfolio. With approximately €136 billion in assets under management, the group maintains a dominant presence across Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Cyprus. Moreover, its subsidiary, Altamira Real Estate, runs Cyprus’ largest real estate platform, managing extensive property portfolios alongside the island’s most comprehensive sales network.

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