Zaandam, The Netherlands, October 25, 2002 - Against the backdrop of challenging trading conditions, Ahold, the international food retailer and foodservice operator, today reported 3rd quarter 2002 sales of Euro 16.4 billion, a 5.8% increase over the Euro 15.5 billion generated in 2001. Organic sales growth, excluding currency impact, amounted to 1.5% for the quarter (2001: 6.5%).
United States
U.S. retail sales of the Ahold regional supermarket chains Stop & Shop, Giant-Landover, Giant-Carlisle, Tops, BI-LO and Bruno's rose 11.5% to USD 6.0 billion (2001: USD 5.4 billion). Organic U.S. retail sales growth amounted to 3.4% (2001: 7.3%). Identical U.S. retail sales amounted to -0.2% (2001: 3.4%). Comparable U.S. retail sales grew by 0.6% (2001: 3.8%).
U.S. foodservice sales increased by 43.3% to USD 4.0 billion (2001: USD 2.8 billion). Organic U.S. foodservice sales growth amounted to -6.1% (2001: 9.0%).
Europe
In the 13 European countries in which Ahold is active, sales increased by 6.6% to Euro 5.5 billion. Organic sales growth, excluding currency impact, amounted to 4.8% (2001: 6.3%).
South America
In South America - Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Paraguay - sales decreased by 49.3% to Euro 586 million. Organic sales growth, excluding currency impact, was 6.0% (2001: -1.3%).
Asia
Sales in Asia - Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia - increased by 16.8% to Euro 109 million (2001: Euro 93 million). Organic sales growth, excluding currency impact, amounted to 21.7% (2001: 3.3%).
Central America
In Central America - Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador - the joint venture Paiz Ahold, owner of La Fragua, formed a new regional joint venture with CSU named CARHCO, effective January 1, 2002. Since that date, La Fragua has been deconsolidated. CARHCO's results are reported as income from unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates. Sales in the third quarter amounted to Euro 372.0 million. Organic sales growth, excluding currency impact, amounted to 17.1%.
Ahold
Ahold is a multi-channel food provider with 2001 sales of Euro 66.6 billion. Ahold implements a multi-format strategy focused on meeting the needs of 40 million customers every week in currently 27 countries on four continents. A close network of food retail and foodservice companies provide a superior shopping and service experience in the local market place. Under their own local brand names, Ahold companies operate approximately 9,000 supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenience stores in the U.S., Europe, Latin America and Asia. Ahold also has significant foodservice activities in the U.S. and in three European countries. Worldwide Ahold employs more than 450,000 people.
