Delhaize Group

Delhaize Group

Type	Public
Traded as	Euronext: DELB
Key people	Frans Muller (CEO)
Industry	Retail
Products	Supermarkets, convenience stores
Revenue	€21.1 billion (2014)
Operating income	€762 million (2014)
Net income	€89 million (2014)
Employees	150,000 (2014)
Website	[www.delhaizegroup.com Official website]

History

The Delhaize Group was founded in 1867 by Jules Delhaize and his brothers in Charleroi, Belgium. The company began as a wholesale business, focusing on the distribution of groceries. Over time, Delhaize expanded its operations to include retail, opening its first store in 1883. The company quickly grew, establishing a strong presence in Belgium and later expanding internationally.

International Expansion

Delhaize Group expanded beyond Belgium in the early 20th century, entering the United States market in 1974 with the acquisition of Food Town, which was later rebranded as Food Lion. This move marked the beginning of Delhaize's significant presence in the American retail market. The company also expanded into other European countries, including Greece, Romania, and Luxembourg.

Merger with Ahold

In 2015, Delhaize Group announced a merger with the Dutch retailer Ahold, creating a new entity known as Ahold Delhaize. This merger was completed in 2016, forming one of the largest retail groups in the world. The combined company operates thousands of stores across Europe and the United States, with a focus on supermarkets and convenience stores.

Operations

Delhaize Group operates a variety of store formats, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores. The company's brands include Delhaize, Food Lion, Hannaford, and Alfa-Beta. Delhaize is known for its focus on fresh products, private label offerings, and customer service.

Store Formats

• Supermarkets: These are the primary format for Delhaize, offering a wide range of products including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and packaged goods.
• Hypermarkets: Larger than supermarkets, these stores offer a broader selection of non-food items such as clothing and electronics.
• Convenience Stores: Smaller stores located in urban areas, focusing on quick shopping trips and essential items.

Sustainability Initiatives

Delhaize Group has implemented several sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact and promoting social responsibility. These include efforts to reduce food waste, improve energy efficiency, and support local communities. The company has also committed to sourcing sustainable products and reducing its carbon footprint.

Corporate Structure

Delhaize Group is organized into several regional divisions, each responsible for the operations in their respective areas. The company's headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium, and it operates under the leadership of a CEO and a board of directors.

Key People

• Frans Muller: CEO of Ahold Delhaize, responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operations of the company.
• Kevin Holt: CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA, managing the company's operations in the United States.

See Also

• Ahold Delhaize
• Food Lion
• Hannaford
• Retail

External Links

• Official website