Delhaize
The Delhaize Group is a Belgian multinational retail company founded in 1867. Its principal activity was operating food supermarkets, but it also included hypermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty formats.
Solutions:
- Analytics across web
Key Facts
- Headquarters: Anderlecht, Brussels, Belgium.
- Number of Locations: 3,534 stores across Europe, North America, and Asia (2013).
- Revenue: €21.1 billion (2013).
- Net Income: €487 million (2013).
- Employees: Approximately 150,000 as of 2014.
Operations
Delhaize primarily operated supermarkets, which accounted for 85% of its sales network. Other formats included convenience stores and neighborhood shops. In addition to food retailing, it engaged in food wholesaling and non-food retailing of items such as pet products and health/beauty products. Its operations were concentrated in Belgium and the United States but extended to countries like Greece, Serbia, Romania, Indonesia, and Luxembourg.
Expansion and Market Presence
Delhaize entered the U.S. market in 1983 by acquiring Food Town Stores (later renamed Food Lion) and expanded significantly over the years. It also acquired other chains like Hannaford Brothers Company and Delta Maxi in Serbia. However, it exited markets like the Czech Republic (2007), Germany (2009), Montenegro (2013), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2014).
Merger with Ahold
On July 24, 2016, Delhaize merged with Dutch retailer Ahold to form Ahold Delhaize, headquartered in Zaandam, Netherlands. The merger created one of the largest food retail groups globally. Frans Muller, previously CEO of Delhaize Group, became CEO of Ahold Delhaize in 2018.
Legacy
Delhaize Group played a significant role in shaping modern supermarket retailing in Belgium and beyond. Its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency was evident through partnerships like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program. Today, its legacy continues through Ahold Delhaize's operations under various banners worldwide.