Ahold Delhaize posts more than $11 billion across two U.S. divisions

ZAANDAM, the Netherlands — Ahold USA on Monday generated $7 billion in second quarter sales. While comparable to the year-ago period though, those sales were reached with 24 fewer stores. Comparable sales growth for the quarter was up 0.3%.



The company reported a positive impact on the timing of Easter that was offset by Fourth of July holiday sales and last year's competitive closures in the New York market. At the end of the quarter, Ahold USA announced new price investments in own brands, produce, milk and eggs.



Delhaize America meanwhile posted $4.7 billion in net sales on 1.3% comparable growth. The rollout of the "Easy, Fresh & Affordable" strategy at Food Lion is "progressing well" the company reported, with all the remodeled markets continuing to record positive real growth. In the second part of 2017, that program will be rolled out into two new market areas, including Greensboro and Richmond, with 164 stores to be remodeled.



"We are pleased to report a strong set of results," reported Dick Boer, Ahold Delhaize CEO. "In the United States, our sales performance improved with returning inflation, while margins expanded on the back of strong synergy savings. Our U.S. brands are well-placed in a fast-changing competitive landscape," he said. "We continue to improve the price positioning of our Ahold USA brands and have developed effective competitive plans for Food Lion, facing new competition."