According an Ahold Delhaize spokesperson, it is out of the question that the company moves its main office to the United States at one point in the future.
More time invested in the US than in Europe
The move would make sense, considering how Ahold Delhaize generates two thirds of its turnover in the United States. The company has more than 2,000 stores there, spread across chains like Giant, Hannaford, Food Lion and Stop&Shop. “If you see how much time my team invests in the United States, then it is very clear: we spend most of our time here”, CEO Dick Boer told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
Nevertheless, such a move is not about to happen: “We already have several of our main office people in the United States, but we are still a Dutch-Belgian group with a strong foundation in both countries. Looking at our holding structure, it makes sense to reside in the Netherlands”, he said.
Learn from each other
Boer also feels that both markets (Europe and the United States) still have much to learn from each other. The American customer service and focus on services impresses him: “We should have more of that in Europe, because if you look at the future of supermarkets, they will be places where people meet.”
On the other hand, American supermarkets should become a lot more efficient, especially when it comes to product range. “Our efficiency and logistics in the Netherlands have taught us how to become successful with limited store space.” American supermarkets also need to focus more on healthy food and need to lower prices, he feels.
