Ahold Delhaize posts 3.9% European operating margin as Profi absorption lifts profitability

Ahold Delhaize reported that its European core operating margin reached 3.9% in the second quarter, a rise of 0.1 percentage point from the same period a year earlier. The improvement was largely attributed to synergies generated by the absorption of Profi Rom Food into Mega Image in Romania, a reduction in the IMCA turnover tax, and gains in labour productivity across Europe.

In the quarter, the group recorded net sales of €10.2 billion in Europe, up 2.6% on a constant‑currency basis, and total net sales of €23.1 billion, up 1.9% at constant exchange rates. The positive impact from Romania was partially offset by weaker performance in Serbia, where recent price‑cap regulations and higher energy costs reduced margins.

CEO Frans Muller highlighted the solid, region‑wide performance, noting continued growth of the Delhaize and Albert Heijn brands in Belgium and the Czech Republic.