Belgian food retail turnover hits €30.72 billion
Last year, Belgian food retail market sales reached 30.72 billion euros. This is the sum of the annual results for Colruyt Group, Ahold Delhaize, Carrefour Belgium, Aldi, Lidl, Louis Delhaize Group, Intermarché, Alvo, Lambrechts, Jumbo, Action, Kruidvat, Trafic and Hema.
The big drivers are clearly the “newcomers”, especially from the Netherlands.
Like last year, the biggest growth came from Jumbo. They grew by 77.8% and now have a market share of 0.7% (up from 0.4% in 2021). This is the result of a growth in number of shop outlets from 17 to 27 and the average sales per shop have also increased by 12%.
The second biggest grower in sales 2022 is Action – growing by 37%! This is the result of the opening of 8 stores, but it is mainly the sales per POS that have increased spectacularly by 39%. Last year’s second biggest riser is in third place this year. Albert Heijn grew by 20% thanks to a combination of more shop locations (from 65 to 74), and an increase in sales per store of around 5%.
Next to the direct impact on market shares, these 3 retailers are putting pressure on the performance of their competitors, such as Delhaize and Colruyt. Strategies are being changed, promotional tactics amended and assortments being reviewed. The market has become far more competitive and price sensitive. The retail fight is fierce.