Ahold Delhaize marks 10 years on Euronext

Ahold Delhaize marked its 10th anniversary July 27 by sounding the opening gong at Euronext Amsterdam, capping a decade in which the company grew from serving about 50 million customers weekly to 77 million today.

The Zaandam, Netherlands-based retailer was formed in 2016 through the merger of Ahold and Delhaize Group, one of the largest cross-border deals in food retail. The companies announced their intention to combine in June 2015.

Today the company operates as a family of 17 local brands across the United States, Europe and Indonesia, employing 384,000 associates. It serves customers online and in more than 9,500 stores, and holds a No. 1 or No. 2 position in all of its markets.

Ahold Delhaize’s U.S. brands include Food Lion, The Giant Co., Giant Food, Hannaford and Stop & Shop.

Local Focus on a Global Scale

“When Ahold and Delhaize Group came together, we believed local brands would be stronger when supported by international scale,” said Frans Muller, president and CEO at Ahold Delhaize. “Ten years later, that belief has proven right. Our brands remain deeply connected to the customers and communities they serve, while benefiting from our scale, shared expertise, technology and innovation.”

The anniversary comes amid a leadership transition. In May, the company named Xavier Garnier as CEO nominee, with Muller planning to retire in 2027.

While the gong sounded on July 27, the actual anniversary date is likely in late September, when the merger officially closed. The timing of the ceremony creates a small window of ambiguity around the exact milestone being celebrated, though the event highlights the company’s desire to project stability and continuity to investors and the public.

Looking to the Next Era

The company pointed to its Growing Together strategy, launched in 2025 on a four-year timeline, as the framework for its next phase, citing continued growth in omnichannel shopping, greater personalization and rising demand for affordable, healthier and more sustainable food.

“The next decade of food retail will bring profound change, and we are well positioned to seize the opportunities ahead,” said Jolanda Poots-Bijl, CFO at Ahold Delhaize. “By leveraging these strengths at scale, while remaining committed to affordability, health and sustainability, we will continue to create lasting value for all our stakeholders.”

Leaders across the organization are now preparing to execute this plan with a new executive team. The company has also implemented a price-gouging ban on surveillance technology to address consumer concerns regarding ethical retail practices. Price gouging bans have become increasingly common as regulators scrutinize the retail sector’s conduct.