Ahold Delhaize has reported that its second quarter (Q2) group net sales stood at €18.6bn, down 2.4 per cent at actual exchange rates, but up 3 per cent at constant exchange rates.
According to the retailer, this was impacted by unfavourable foreign exchange rate, acquisitions, a rebound in petrol sales, and flat comparable sales growth excluding petrol, against strong Q2 2020 results.
Group net consumer online sales grew 35.8 per cent at constant exchange rates, aided by acquisition of FreshDirect.
Underlying income from continuing operations was €551m, down 20.6 per cent in the quarter, the group said.
'We are pleased with our Q2 performance,' said Frans Muller, president and CEO of the retailer. 'During the quarter, associates in all our brands and businesses continued to work tirelessly in a rapidly shifting environment, marked by the gradual reopening of the economies across our markets.'
Muller said Ahold Delhaize continued to make progress in elevating its Healthy and Sustainable strategy.
'We are proud to be one of the leading signers of the EU Code of Conduct for Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices, as part of the European Green Deal, committed to shifting to a sustainable food system,' he added. 'As part of the pact, we have made commitments in the areas of healthier choices, product transparency, waste reduction and climate impact.'
