2012 ends with abysmal quarter
In the past year Delhaize had sales worth of
22.7 billion euro, a rise by 7.7% compared to 2011. Net profits however made a
massive drop by 77.8 percent to 105 million euro. In the last quarter the group made a loss of 168
million euro, as its gross margin dropped by 130 points
to 24.3%.
On the Belgian market company profits dropped
by 15.1 percent to 53 million euro, while in America the group had to take a
hit of 35.7 percent to 156 million euro. High pricing pressure in the United
States and investments in price drops elsewhere are some of the main causes
according to the retailer.
Revitalise and accelerate
In 2013 Delhaize wants to revitalise in Belgium, especially
since the group is expecting the discounters to keep on gaining market share, causing
another difficult year for Delhaize. In the United States the position of Food Lion will be
fortified at an accelerated pace.
In Europe the group would like to improve
its market share in Greece, Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria. By opening 200 new stores around the world this year, the group hopes 2013 will be the year of the resurrection.
