In 1895, a handful of committed retailers formed a purchasing co-operative in Styria, from which the umbrella organisation ADEG - "Arbeitsgemeinschaft Der EinkaufsGenossenschaften" (“Consortium of Purchasing Co-operatives) emerged in 1929. Today, ADEG is not only one of the retail companies with the most long-standing tradition, but also the Austrian retail organisation for independent retailers. With approximately 330 markets and 130 delivery centres, ADEG contributes significantly to maintaining local supply in Austria. The individual ADEG markets are especially appreciated as close to their customers and closely linked to their respective region.