Ahold NV: Trading Statement -- Second Quarter 2005




 Highlights:

 -- Consolidated second quarter 2005 net sales amounted to EUR 10.4 billion

 -- Decline of 0.9% compared to same period last year impacted by lower 
    U.S. dollar exchange rate

 -- Consolidated second quarter 2005 net sales, excluding currency impact, 
    grew by 0.6%

ZAANDAM, Netherlands, Aug. 4, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ahold today announced consolidated net sales (excluding VAT) of EUR 10.4 billion for the second quarter of 2005 (12 weeks: April 25, 2005 -- July 17, 2005), a decline of 0.9% compared to the same period last year (Q2 2004: EUR 10.5 billion). Net sales were impacted by the lower U.S. dollar exchange rate. Net sales excluding currency impact increased by 0.6% in the second quarter of 2005.

The figures presented in this trading statement include net sales accounted for in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), which is Ahold's primary GAAP. Under IFRS, net sales figures are adjusted to exclude discontinued operations. The impact from the adoption of IFRS is discussed under "Adoption of IFRS" below.

The net sales figures presented in this press release are preliminary and unaudited.

Please open the following link in order to view the full press release including tables regarding our first quarter 2005 net sales.

http://hugin.info/130711/R/1004892/154657.pdf