Tag Archives: Frans Muller

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Ahold USA and Delhaize America unveil plans and strategies to further strengthen their brands

Quincy, Mass. and Salisbury, N.C., 2017-Feb-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ahold USA and Delhaize America, proud companies of Royal Ahold Delhaize, are each announcing plans to further strengthen their brands to ensure they will remain customer-focused, close to their communities and positioned to win in their markets. This follows the merger of Ahold and Delhaize Group on July 24, 2016, which created the largest grocery retailer group on the United States East Coast, and furthers its strategy centered on building great local brands while capturing the benefits of scale.

As part of this strategy, Ahold USA and Delhaize America in December announced the creation of Retail Business Services LLC, led by Roger Wheeler, President. Retail Business Services will leverage its scale to drive synergies and best practices as well as provide industry-leading expertise, insights and analytics to the Ahold USA brands and Delhaize America brands to support their respective strategies. Services provided by Retail Business Services, in addition to commercial support, will include financial services, not-for-resale procurement, legal services, information technology, and people systems and services.

With the creation of Retail Business Services, the Stop & Shop, Giant Foods, GIANT/MARTIN’S, Peapod, Food Lion and Hannaford brands will be able to dedicate full focus on building on their leading positions in their respective markets and delivering even more for their customers. Each of the brands will have distinctive commercial strategies that are tailored to local markets with dedicated resources, including category merchandising, assortment, pricing, promotions, marketing and format teams. This brand-centric structure, which we expect to be complete by early 2018, will better position the Ahold USA brands and Delhaize America brands to be even more closely connected to their customers and communities. “Positioning the Ahold USA brands to be even closer to their customers will not only help them deepen their connection in their local communities and win in their markets, it will ensure that associates have exciting and rewarding opportunities to make meaningful contributions to each brand’s success,” said Kevin Holt, chief operating officer of Ahold USA.

“Today’s announcements will further strengthen Food Lion and Hannaford’s strong brands,” said Frans Muller, acting chief operating officer (ad interim) of Delhaize America. “The brand-centric structure will enable our Food Lion and Hannaford associates to build even stronger relationships with existing customers and communities in the markets they serve, and win new customers to grow their businesses.”

Ahold USA also announced that its Stop & Shop New York Metro and Stop & Shop New England Divisions will be consolidated into one brand organization. Having a single brand organizational structure dedicated to Stop & Shop will strengthen the brand and will ensure it can better leverage its brand to serve the unique needs of customers in the different markets that Stop & Shop serves.

Delhaize America and Ahold USA brands will maintain their respective office locations in:

 Stop & Shop, Quincy, Mass.
 Food Lion, Salisbury, N.C.
 GIANT/MARTIN’S, Carlisle, Penn.
 Hannaford, Scarborough, Maine
 Giant Food, Landover, Md.
 Peapod, Skokie, Ill.

Ahold USA brands and Delhaize America brands that have regional support offices now will continue to have brand support offices throughout their market areas.

In addition, Holt announced the following Ahold USA brand executive leaders will continue in their roles:

 Mark McGowan, President, Stop & Shop
 Tom Lenkevich, President, GIANT/MARTIN’S
 Gordon Reid, President, Giant Food
 Jennifer Carr-Smith, President, Peapod

“I’m very excited about the brand-centric model at Ahold USA and its brands, which puts the customer at the center of all we do,” said Holt. “Mark, Tom, Gordon and Jennifer all have proven track records and they are the right leaders for our great local brands.”

Muller announced the following Delhaize America brand executive leaders will also continue in their roles:

 Meg Ham, President, Food Lion
 Mike Vail, President, Hannaford

“I am extremely pleased that Meg and Mike will continue to lead and drive the successful strategies of Food Lion and Hannaford,” said Muller. “We have every confidence in the continued success of Food Lion and Hannaford under their leadership.”

In addition, the following executive appointments in the U.S. will become effective when the brand-centric organization is complete, which is expected by early 2018:

 Reporting to Royal Ahold Delhaize:
o Greg Amoroso, Executive Vice President, U.S. Chief Financial Officer
o Linn Evans, Executive Vice President, U.S. Chief Legal Officer

 Reporting to Retail Business Services:
o Kathy Russello, Executive Vice President, People Systems and Services
o JJ Fleeman, Executive Vice President, Commercial Services & Strategy
o Chris Lewis, Executive Vice President, Supply Chain
o Paul Scorza, Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer

The Ahold USA brands and Delhaize America brands will continue to operate as independent companies in the U.S. and will continue to serve their local customers’ needs and be strong community partners in their respective markets.

About Ahold USA
Ahold USA is a proud company of Ahold Delhaize, one of the world’s largest food retail groups, a leader in supermarkets and e-commerce, and a company at the forefront of sustainable retailing. Ahold USA supports four regional Divisions – Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant Landover, and Giant Carlisle – that together operate approximately 780 supermarkets with 115,000 associates in 14 states and the District of Columbia along with Peapod, the nation’s leading e-commerce grocery shopping/delivery service. For more information, visit www.aholddelhaize.com.

About Delhaize America
Delhaize America companies include Food Lion and Hannaford, operating more than 1,200 stores along the East Coast. Each banner has a distinct identity and well-established brand image within its respective markets across 16 states, offering market-specific products and services to meet the unique needs of its customers. The companies of Delhaize America employ more than 96,000 fulltime and part-time associates. The company is part of Ahold Delhaize, an international grocery retailer based in Zaandam, Netherlands.

Media Contacts:
Christopher Brand
for Ahold USA
717-240-1513 (office)
717-448-5835 (cell)

Christy Phillips-Brown
for Delhaize America
704-310-2221 (office)
704-245-3317 (cell)

Source:  Ahold USA

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Kevin Holt to succeed James McCann at Ahold USA

Zaandam, the Netherlands, 2016-Oct-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (5 October 2016) Ahold Delhaize announced that James McCann, member of the Management Board of Ahold Delhaize, has resigned in order to move out of full-time executive work and into a portfolio of non-executive and advisory roles. He will remain available to provide an appropriate hand over and transition through April 30, 2017.

James joined Ahold in September 2011 as Chief Commercial Officer, taking over responsibilities for Ahold USA in 2013. After the merger between Ahold and Delhaize Group in July 2016, he became member of the Ahold Delhaize Management Board and continued his leadership role at Ahold USA.

Dick Boer, CEO Ahold Delhaize: “We thank James for his significant contributions both driving our e-commerce strategy whilst based in Europe and for the last three-and-a-half years driving the transformation at Ahold USA, supporting the Stop & Shop New York, Stop & Shop New England, Giant Landover, Giant Carlisle, Martin’s and Peapod brands. We wish James and his wife Tania all the best for the future.”

James McCann will be succeeded at Ahold USA by Kevin Holt. Kevin currently is CEO of Delhaize America and member of the Management Board of Ahold Delhaize.

Dick Boer: “As the new leader of Ahold USA, Kevin brings a wealth of US retail experience and he is recognized for his leadership skills.”

Kevin Holt: “I am looking forward to getting to know Ahold USA and the great brands it is supporting. I am leaving Delhaize America with pride for the transformations we have accomplished and with gratitude for the support and warmth I received from the many associates and customers.”

Following Kevin’s departure from Delhaize America to assume his new role at Ahold USA, Delhaize America including the Food Lion and Hannaford brands will be reporting on an ad interim basis to Frans Muller, Deputy CEO of Ahold Delhaize. Both Frans and Kevin will assume their new accountabilities effective immediately and will continue to report to Dick Boer.

Media Contacts:

Email: media.relations@aholddelhaize.com
Phone: +31 88 659 9111

Source: Ahold Delhaize Group

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Delhaize Group CEO Frans Muller and Ahold CEO Dick Boer sign the merger deed after receiving regulatory clearance

Brussels, Belgium, 2016-Jul-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Delhaize Group and Ahold have received regulatory clearance for their merger from the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The companies subsequently completed the merger with the signing of the merger deed by Delhaize Group CEO Frans Muller and Ahold CEO Dick Boer today.

Mats Jansson, Chairman of Delhaize Group said: “Today is an historic day, as we are now really bringing together these two great companies, creating an even stronger international food retailer. We are completing this international transaction with great momentum and a high level of readiness.”

Frans Muller, Delhaize Group CEO said: “We are pleased to complete our merger with Ahold today. I would like to thank our associates for all their work and dedication. The moment to merge has never been more right, and we are confident that we will deliver even more for customers, communities and investors.”

The merger will become effective on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at 00:01 a.m. CET. Ahold Delhaize shares will start trading on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Brussels on Monday, July 25 with ticker symbol AD. Ahold Delhaize American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) will trade over-the-counter in the United States and will be quoted on the OTCQX International marketplace.

Media Contacts:

Tim van der Zanden
Head of External Communications
media.relations@aholddelhaize.com
+31 88 6595134

Maud van Gaal
Manager External Communications
media.relations@aholddelhaize.com
+31 88 6595134

Source: Ahold Delhaize Group

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Delhaize Group to announce its 2016 first quarter results ended March 31, 2016 n Wednesday April 27, 2016

Brussels, Belgium, 2016-Apr-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Delhaize Group will announce its 2016 first quarter results (ended March 31, 2016) on Wednesday April 27, 2016 at 7:00 a.m. CET. The press release will be available on Delhaize Group’s website (www.delhaizegroup.com) immediately after its publication.

Frans Muller, CEO, and Pierre Bouchut, CFO, will discuss the 2016 first quarter results during an investor conference call that will start at 09:00 a.m. CET on April 27, 2016. To participate in the conference call, please call +44 (0)20 3427 1908 (U.K.), +1 718 354 1157 (U.S.) or +32 2 404 0662 (Belgium), with “Delhaize” as password.

The conference call will also be broadcast live over the internet on April 27, 2016 at 09:00 a.m. CET at www.delhaizegroup.com. An audio replay of this webcast will be available at the same website starting at 12:00 p.m. CET on April 27, 2016.

» Delhaize Group

Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in seven countries on three continents. At the end of 2015, Delhaize Group’s sales network consisted of 3 512 stores. In 2015, Delhaize Group recorded €24.4 billion ($27.1 billion) in revenues and €366 million ($407 million) net profit (Group share). At the end of 2015, Delhaize Group employed approximately 154 000 people. Delhaize Group’s stock is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).

» Contacts

Investor Relations: + 32 2 412 2151
Media Relations: + 32 2 412 8669

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Delhaize Group announces its 2015 Annual and Sustainability Progress Reports

Brussels, Belgium, 2016-Apr-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Delhaize Group announces the publication of its 2015 Annual Report and its 2015 Sustainability Progress Report. The reports are available online at https://annualreport.delhaizegroup.com/and at https://sustainabilityreport.delhaizegroup.com/.

The Delhaize Group 2015 Annual Report highlights the Group’s accomplishments over the last year, with a focus on customer centricity. The report includes the following sections:

  • key financial figures and an interview with Mats Jansson, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Frans Muller, President and Chief Executive Officer;
  • an overview of the Group’s Strategic Framework;
  • a performance section that includes Delhaize Group’s global operations, as well as details on each operating company;
  • corporate governance, including remuneration;
  • financial statements and notes.

“Our Annual Report highlights our solid 2015 performance and underscores our continuous commitment to customers, ensuring that they remain at the center of everything we do,” said Frans Muller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Delhaize Group.

The 2015 Sustainability Progress Report shows progress toward “Supergood,” the Group’s ambition to be a sustainability leader in all its local markets by 2020. The report features program highlights and progress against targets for each of the Group’s operating companies towards our 10-year Supergood goal. Six case studies illustrate specific projects and accomplishments in all seven countries of operation.

“Our financial performance goes hand-in-hand with our sustainability targets,” Muller said. “Those efforts contribute directly to a more efficient company.”

The Group’s work around sustainable seafood is one of the various points of pride. “As of the end of 2015, 87 percent of our private brand seafood sales – fresh, frozen and canned – are coming from sustainable sources,” Muller said.

Among the sustainability achievements in 2015 across the organization were:

Independent recognition
• Inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability World and Europe Indices

Responsible products
• 87 percent of private brand seafood sales come from sustainable sources
• 40 percent increase in sales from organic products since 2014
• 100 percent palm oil used in private brand products is covered by an RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certification system

Waste reduction
• 60 percent of total waste recycled (diverted from landfills or incinerators)

Climate action
• 13 percent decrease in CO2 emissions per sales area since 2008
• 74 stores with low carbon refrigeration systems

Hunger relief
• 51 percent of stores and warehouses regularly donating unsold food to local charities

Health and wellbeing
• 37 percent of private brand products sold at Delhaize America earn at least one Guiding Star
• 141 wellbeing events for associates held across the Group

Diversity and inclusion
• 100 percent score earned by Delhaize America on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for fifth straight year

Marc Croonen, Delhaize Group’s Chief Human Resources Officer and EVP of Sustainability, says the 2015 report details significant progress. “We’re proud of what we have accomplished over the past five years on our journey to Supergood,” Croonen said. “Associates across the company, along with community partners on three continents, are collaborating to make our business more sustainable every step of the way.”

Read the full 2015 annual and sustainability reports online here:

https://annualreport.delhaizegroup.com/

https://sustainabilityreport.delhaizegroup.com/

Questions regarding the Group’s sustainability can be sent to sustainability@delhaizegroup.com.

» Contacts

Investor Relations: + 32 2 412 2151
Media Relations: + 32 2 412 8669

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Delhaize Group CEO Frans Muller on Group’s 3Q 2015 results: We continue to report robust sales in this third quarter

Financial Summary Third Quarter 2015
» Revenue growth of 2.3% at identical exchange rates
» Comparable store sales growth of 1.7% (or 4.1% excluding the positive impact from strikes at a competitor last year) in the U.S., 1.7% in Belgium and 5.1% in Southeastern Europe
» Group underlying operating profit of €218 million, underlying operating margin of 3.5% (4.2% in the U.S., 1.4% in Belgium, 4.5% in Southeastern Europe)
Highlights
» 162 Food Lion stores relaunched under the “Easy, Fresh & Affordable” strategy on October 14, 2015 in Raleigh, North Carolina

 »  CEO Comments

BRUSSELS, Belgium, 2015-10-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Frans Muller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Delhaize Group, commented: “We continue to report robust sales in this third quarter. At Delhaize America, while our revenue growth was driven by Food Lion, Hannaford also posted positive volume growth once adjusted for the competitive turmoil of last summer. We made significant progress with our key strategic initiative ‘Easy, Fresh & Affordable´ at Food Lion by further fine-tuning Wilmington and Greenville, relaunching 162 stores in the Raleigh market two weeks ago and preparing for our next market in 2016.”

“Our return to positive comparable store sales growth in Belgium is just a first step as we are putting our operations back onto a path of sustainable growth. During the third quarter, our stores were impacted by significant changes as a result of the agreed departure of many employees. We have started the roll-out of our new store organisation which will be implemented in 53 stores by mid-November. In Southeastern Europe, we continued to benefit from a strong summer in our Greek operations, excellent momentum in Romania, and Serbia also posted good comparable store sales growth.”

“We are looking forward to the important fourth quarter of the year and we are confident that we will deliver results and free cash flow in line with expectations. At the same time, we continue to make progress with the proposed merger with Ahold and we are on track to complete the transaction by mid-2016.”

FULL RESULTS

SOURCE:  Delhaize Group SA

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Delhaize Group to announce its third quarter 2015 results on Thursday October 29, 2015

BRUSSELS, Belgium, 2015-10-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Delhaize Group will announce its third quarter 2015 results (ended September 30, 2015) on Thursday October 29, 2015 at 7:00 a.m. CET. The press release will be available on Delhaize Group’s website (www.delhaizegroup.com) immediately after its publication.

Frans Muller, CEO, and Pierre Bouchut, CFO, will discuss the third quarter 2015 results during an investor conference call that will start at 09:00 a.m. CET on October 29, 2015. To participate in the conference call, please call +44 (0)20 3427 1906 (U.K.), +1 212 444 0481 (U.S.) or +32 2 402 3092 (Belgium), with “Delhaize” as password.

The conference call will also be broadcast live over the internet on October 29, 2015 at 09:00 a.m. CET at www.delhaizegroup.com. An audio replay of this webcast will be available at the same website starting at 12:00 p.m. CET on October 29, 2015.

» Delhaize Group

Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in seven countries on three continents. At the end of the second quarter of 2015, Delhaize Group’s sales network consisted of 3 445 stores. In 2014, Delhaize Group recorded €21.4 billion ($28.4 billion) in revenues and €89 million ($118 million) in net profit (Group share). At the end of 2014, Delhaize Group employed approximately 150 000 people. Delhaize Group’s stock is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).

» Contacts

Investor Relations: + 32 2 412 2151
Media Relations: + 32 2 412 8669

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Delhaize Group one of only three retailers in Europe included in DJSI for the Food and Staples Retailing sector

Inclusion in the DJSI confirms Delhaize Group’s leadership in the Food and Staples Retailing Sector.

BRUSSELS, Belgium, 2015-9-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Delhaize Group is proud to announce its inclusion in the 2015 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), a leading benchmark for investors who integrate sustainability considerations into their portfolios.

The Belgian international supermarket operator is one of only four retailers in the world and one of only three retailers in Europe to be included in the DJSI for the Food and Staples Retailing sector. The Group received a total score of 73, well above the industry median score of 43.  Performance of Delhaize Group was well-balanced between the three dimensions: economic, environmental and social.

“This is an outstanding achievement that reflects our ongoing commitment to be a sustainability leader in all of our markets,” said Frans Muller, Delhaize Group President and CEO. “We are particularly proud that we achieved strong results in all categories, especially related to our strategic focus areas of sustainable private brand sourcing and zero waste. Our score reflects the significant efforts and investments made by the Group and our 150 000 associates worldwide.”

Frans Muller noted that the Group’s 2020 “Supergood” Ambition is a key lever of the Strategic Framework, the overarching guiding principles that the company introduced last year.

“Our progress over the last year has clearly been recognized by the DJSI assessment. We moved closer to our 2020 goals, and further embedded sustainable business practices by establishing more specific and more measurable targets that help us improve and build on our sustainability performance,” he said. “We thank all of our associates and business partners for their dedication and support.”

For more information about Delhaize Group’s sustainability performance, please visit http://sustainabilityreport.delhaizegroup.com/.

» Delhaize Group
 Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in seven countries on three continents. At the end of the second quarter of 2015, Delhaize Group’s sales network consisted of 3 445 stores. In 2014, Delhaize Group recorded €21.4 billion ($28.4 billion) in revenues and €89 million ($118 million) in net profit (Group share). At the end of 2014, Delhaize Group employed approximately 150 000 people. Delhaize Group’s stock is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).

This press release is available in English, French and Dutch. You can also find it on the website http://www.delhaizegroup.com. Questions can be sent to sustainability@delhaizegroup.com.

 

» Contacts

Media Relations: + 32 2 412 8669
Investor Relations: + 32 2 412 2151
» Dow Jones Sustainability World Index
The Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) tracks the performance of the top 10% per industry of the 2500 largest companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index that lead the field in terms of sustainability. These 2500 companies represent the eligible universe for the DJSI World and are assessed using the Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) on an annual basis.

The DJSI press release on the 2015 results can be found here:

http://www.sustainability-indices.com/images/150910-djsi-review-2015-en-vdef.pdf

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Delhaize Group publishes interactive Annual Report 2014 which outlines its accomplishments in 2014

Brussels, Belgium, 2015-4-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Delhaize Group is pleased to announce the publication of the interactive Annual Report 2014 which outlines the Group’s accomplishments in 2014 and includes Delhaize Group’s financial statements.

The Annual Report includes the following sections:

  • An overview with key figures and an interview with Mats Jansson, Delhaize Group’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Frans Muller, Delhaize Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer;
  • A strategy section which outlines the Group’s Strategic Framework and shows how the strategy provides a roadmap for how the Group delivers to customers and other key stakeholders;
  • A performance section which includes a segment overview and an overview of Delhaize Group’s global operations;
  • A corporate governance section, including remuneration report;
  • Financial statements and notes.

“Our Annual Report 2014 highlights our performance and underscores our commitment to deliver on our Purpose: to operate our customers’ preferred local supermarkets and work together to support that ambition.” stated Frans Muller, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Delhaize Group.

The report is available on the website http://annualreport.delhaizegroup.com/.

Delhaize Group
Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in seven countries on three continents. At the end of 2014, Delhaize Group’s sales network consisted of 3 402 stores. In 2014, Delhaize Group recorded €21.4 billion ($29.4 billion) in revenues and €89 million ($118 million) net profit (Group share). At the end of 2014, Delhaize Group employed approximately 150 000 people. Delhaize Group’s stock is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).

This press release is available in English, French and Dutch. You can also find it on the website http://www.delhaizegroup.com. Questions can be sent to investor@delhaizegroup.com.

Contacts

Investor Relations: +32 2 412 21 51
Media Relations: +32 2 412 86 69

 

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Delhaize Group to announce its first quarter 2015 results on April 29, 2015

BRUSSELS, Belgium, 2015-4-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Delhaize Group will announce its first quarter 2015 results (ended March 31, 2015) on Wednesday April 29, 2015 at 7:00 a.m. CET. The press release will be available on Delhaize Group’s website (www.delhaizegroup.com) immediately after its publication.

Frans Muller, CEO, and Pierre Bouchut, CFO, will discuss the first quarter 2015 results during an investor conference call that will start at 09:00 a.m. CET on April 29, 2015. To participate in the conference call, please call + 44 (0)20 3427 1901 (U.K.), + 1 646 254 3361 (U.S.) or +32 2 402 3092 (Belgium), with “Delhaize” as password.

The conference call will also be broadcast live over the internet on April 29, 2015 at 09:00 a.m. CET at www.delhaizegroup.com. An audio replay of this webcast will be available at the same website starting at 12:00 p.m. CET on April 29, 2015.

»  Delhaize Group

Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in seven countries on three continents. At the end of 2014, Delhaize Group’s sales network consisted of 3 402 stores. In 2014, Delhaize Group recorded €21.4 billion ($28.4 billion) in revenues and €89 million ($118 million) net profit (Group share). At the end of 2014, Delhaize Group employed approximately 150 000 people. Delhaize Group’s stock is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).

» Contacts

Investor Relations: + 32 2 412 2151
Media Relations: + 32 2 412 8669

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Delhaize Group announces 3.9% revenue growth in its full year preliminary and unaudited 2014 results

BRUSSELS, Belgium, 2015-1-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Delhaize Group announces 3.9% revenue growth in its full year preliminary and unaudited 2014 results

Full Year preliminary and unaudited 2014 Results at actual exchange rates(1)
» Group revenue growth of 3.9% at identical exchange rates including the 53rd week in the U.S.
» Group revenue growth of 2.6% at identical exchange rates excluding the 53rd week in the U.S.
» Underlying operating profit of €764 million including the 53rd week in the U.S.
» Underlying operating profit of €739 million excluding the 53rd week in the U.S.
» Operating free cash flow of approximately €585 million. Free cash flow of approximately €756 million including the net proceeds of €171 million related to the divestment of Sweetbay, Harveys and Reid´s

 
Fourth Quarter 2014 Revenues
» Group revenue growth of 6.3% at identical exchange rates including the 53rd week in the U.S.
» Group revenue growth of 1.3% at identical exchange rates excluding the 53rd week in the U.S.
» 3.6% comparable store sales growth in the U.S.
» Comparable store sales declines by 6.9% in Belgium and by 2.2% in Southeastern Europe

» CEO Comments

Frans Muller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Delhaize Group said: “In 2014, we made substantial progress in a number of areas and believe the strategy announced in March of 2014 has resonated with all stakeholders. While we recognize there is still significant work to be done to achieve our ambitions and goals, I am confident in our team´s ability to deliver.”

“Our preliminary unaudited Group underlying operating profit stood at €739 million for 2014, excluding the 53rd week in the U.S., driven by strong sales growth and a relatively stable underlying operating margin at Delhaize America. We generated an operating free cash flow of approximately €585 million. ”

“Our fourth quarter revenues at Delhaize America were solid, partly helped by inflation and both Food Lion and Hannaford reported positive real sales growth. In Belgium our revenues and results were both negatively impacted by disruptions in our stores and in our distribution network. We have the ambition to reach a final agreement with our social partners on the Transformation Plan negotiations soon. In Southeastern Europe, a difficult consumer environment in Greece and Serbia resulted in negative comparable store sales growth.”

“For 2015, our focus will be to further roll-out the Easy, Fresh and Affordable strategy at Food Lion and to implement the Transformation Plan in Belgium, both initiatives focused on the customer. We will also seek to accelerate growth in selected markets. Finally, we will continue to be disciplined with respect to operating costs, capital allocation and working capital.”

Full Year preliminary and unaudited 2014 Results at actual exchange rates

 

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Delhaize Group announces the departure of its EVP Maura Abeln Smith effective November 1st 2014

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, 2014-10-13— /EPR Retail News/ — Delhaize Group is announcing that Maura Abeln Smith, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and General Secretary for Delhaize Group, will leave the company effective November 1st 2014.

“I am grateful for Maura’s service. She came to Delhaize Group at a time of transition in leadership. She was committed, worked diligently, and made significant contributions and we wish her well in her future endeavors,” said Frans Muller, President and CEO of Delhaize Group.

A successor will be named in the near future.

» Delhaize Group
Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in seven countries on three continents. At the end of the second quarter of 2014, Delhaize Group’s sales network consisted of 3 377 stores. In 2013, Delhaize Group posted €20.9 billion ($27.8 billion) in revenues and €179 million ($237 million) in net profit (Group share). At June 30, 2014, Delhaize Group employed approximately 152 500 people. Delhaize Group’s stock is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG). This press release is available in English, French and Dutch. You can also find it on the website http://www.delhaizegroup.com. Questions can be sent to investor@delhaizegroup.com.

» Contacts
Investor Relations: + 32 2 412 2151
Media Relations: + 32 2 412 8669

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements that are included or incorporated by reference in this press release and other written and oral statements made from time to time by Delhaize Group and its representatives, other than statements of historical fact, which address activities, events and developments that Delhaize Group expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, changes in executive management and the anticipated benefits of these changes, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified as statements that include phrases such as “guidance,” “outlook,” “projected,” “believe,” “target,” “predict,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “strategy,” “may,” “goal,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “likely,” “will,” “should” or other similar words or phrases. Although such statements are based on current information, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those projected depending upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, changes in the general economy or the markets of Delhaize Group, in strategy, in consumer spending, in inflation or currency exchange rates or in legislation or regulation; competitive factors; adverse determination with respect to claims; inability to timely develop, remodel, integrate, open, convert or close stores; and supply or quality control problems with vendors. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements are described in Delhaize Group’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings made by Delhaize Group with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference. Delhaize Group disclaims any obligation to update developments of these risk factors or to announce publicly any revision to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this release, or to make corrections to reflect future events or developments.