Food Lion, Hannaford expected to gain market share this year
Ahold Delhaize on Wednesday reported that fourth quarter sales performance at Ahold USA was in line with the previous quarter, with comparable sales growth of 0.6% (excluding gasoline). Market share is expected to be stable compared to last year. Giant Carlisle reported a strong quarter, with new Beer & Wine locations driving increased transactions.
At Delhaize America, comparable sales grew by 1.5%, with both Food Lion and Hannaford reporting positive comparable sales growth, and market share is expected to increase compared to last year. Food Lion continued to benefit from the roll-out of the "Easy, Fresh and Affordable" program in the Charlotte market last year and the Richmond and Greensboro markets this year.
These are the first quarterly results of the collective Ahold and Delhaize banners under the direction of CEO Kevin Holt. Ahold Delhaize last month named Kevin Holt CEO of its newly minted Ahold Delhaize USA division, which will serve as the parent company for all of Ahold Delhaize's U.S. companies, including its local brands, Stop & Shop, Food Lion, Giant, Hannaford, Giant/Martin's and Peapod.
"I'm excited that we are moving into this next phase where we can focus on further strengthening our brands and winning in our markets," Holt said in December. "Ahold Delhaize USA and its U.S. brands are well positioned to continue to drive growth and innovation and meet the evolving needs of customers, both in stores and online."
The newly merged grocers certainly move fast. Giant Food earlier this month was named the best grocer in Pennsylvania, Food Lion has instituted delivery in almost one-third of its store base and Hannaford launched a new loyalty program focused on boosting its own brand penetration.
At Delhaize America, comparable sales grew by 1.5%, with both Food Lion and Hannaford reporting positive comparable sales growth, and market share is expected to increase compared to last year. Food Lion continued to benefit from the roll-out of the "Easy, Fresh and Affordable" program in the Charlotte market last year and the Richmond and Greensboro markets this year.
These are the first quarterly results of the collective Ahold and Delhaize banners under the direction of CEO Kevin Holt. Ahold Delhaize last month named Kevin Holt CEO of its newly minted Ahold Delhaize USA division, which will serve as the parent company for all of Ahold Delhaize's U.S. companies, including its local brands, Stop & Shop, Food Lion, Giant, Hannaford, Giant/Martin's and Peapod.
"I'm excited that we are moving into this next phase where we can focus on further strengthening our brands and winning in our markets," Holt said in December. "Ahold Delhaize USA and its U.S. brands are well positioned to continue to drive growth and innovation and meet the evolving needs of customers, both in stores and online."
The newly merged grocers certainly move fast. Giant Food earlier this month was named the best grocer in Pennsylvania, Food Lion has instituted delivery in almost one-third of its store base and Hannaford launched a new loyalty program focused on boosting its own brand penetration.