Criteo Crosses $1B Media Spend Threshold Amid Revenue Decline
Adjust media spend strategy in response to Criteo's revenue decline.
Adjust media spend strategy in response to Criteo's revenue decline.
Summary
Criteo reported that $1B of media spend flowed through its performance and retail media businesses in Q1 2026, marking the first time the company surpassed the $1B threshold in a single quarter. However, total revenue fell 9% YoY to $425M in Q1 2026, and retail media revenue dropped 32% YoY after changes to its partnerships with Roundel and Uber Eats. The decline in retail media revenue is attributed to adjustments in the relationship with these partners, announced a year earlier. Despite the revenue dip, media spend increased 8% YoY when adjusted for inflation.
The company’s performance and retail media businesses remain significant drivers of its overall revenue, but the shift in partnership dynamics has impacted profitability. Criteo’s Q1 2026 figures highlight the volatility of the retail media landscape and the importance of maintaining strong partner relationships.
Advertisers and agencies should reassess their media spend allocation on Criteo’s platform, considering the recent revenue trends and partnership changes.
Key changes
- Criteo processed $1B media spend in Q1 2026, up 8% YoY
- Total revenue fell 9% YoY to $425M in Q1 2026
- Retail media revenue dropped 32% YoY after partnership changes
- Criteo passed $1B media spend threshold for the first time in Q1
- Revenue from retail media minus traffic acquisition costs decreased
- Partnership changes with Roundel and Uber Eats impacted revenue