Ahold Delhaize released its first-quarter results for 2024. Amid ongoing financial challenges for households, we started the new year with a strong focus on our customers. Throughout Q1, our local brands worked diligently to provide exceptional value, savings, and access to healthier food through both physical and online stores, as well as through our own-brand assortments. Additionally, we launched two exciting initiatives: our participation in the global retail innovation fund, W23 Global, and the opening of AD/01, our new tech studio in Bucharest.
Driving Value and Savings through Loyalty Programs
In this quarter, several of our brands enhanced their loyalty programs to offer substantial savings and value to customers. For instance, Giant Food reduced prices on hundreds of its own-brand items and expanded its Flexible Rewards program to include double points on Giant brand purchases. Additionally, 1.2 million customers from The GIANT Company benefited from the new ‘Weekly Pro Pick’ program, which features essential items at the best value. These initiatives have been well-received, with brands like Food Lion, Giant Food, and Stop & Shop being recognized in Newsweek’s 2024 America’s Best Loyalty Programs. The GIANT Company was also highlighted in the 2024 Dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index for its visible discounts, competitive pricing, and effective promotions and rewards.
In Europe, our Czech brand Albert celebrated the third anniversary of the ‘My Albert’ app, now offering a 15% discount on Nature’s Promise healthy and organic products to active users. This makes Albert our third European brand to reward customers for choosing healthy products, following the Delhaize SuperPlus and Albert Heijn Premium programs. Additionally, Albert Heijn reached a milestone of over 1 million subscribers to its Premium subscription, which provides a 10% discount on all organic and AH Terra products, Albert Heijn’s fully plant-based own-brand line.
Steps in Health and Sustainability
This quarter, we proudly announced that Ahold Delhaize has priced a €1.6 billion multi-tranche transaction, which includes a Sustainability-Linked Bond and a Green Bond. The proceeds will be used to finance or refinance new or existing Eligible Green Projects, helping us achieve our sustainability targets.
In Europe, all our brands launched climate hubs to support suppliers in reducing their carbon emissions. Additionally, Albert Heijn made significant progress in promoting healthier options, revealing that in 2023 they reduced 115 million sugar cubes, 62,000 kilograms of salt, and 275,000 kilograms of saturated fat from their own-brand products compared to 2022.
In the U.S., Ahold Delhaize USA and our brands were recognized for their commitment to the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities. We announced an investment of nearly $1 million in nutrition programming for children in 2024.
Scaling Tech Capabilities and Innovation
This quarter, five of our European brands—Alfa Beta, Albert, Delhaize Belgium, Maxi, and Mega Image—led an app convergence project that resulted in a unified, scalable, modular app framework. This new framework is designed to streamline and enhance the shopping experience for customers. Additionally, Ahold Delhaize USA launched a partnership with DoorDash, providing an additional on-demand grocery delivery marketplace for customers.
In April, Ahold Delhaize announced its collaboration with four other leading grocery retailers to establish W23 Global, a collaborative venture capital fund. The fund aims to invest in innovative start-ups and scale-ups that use technology to enhance customer experiences, transform the grocery value chain, and address sustainability challenges. We also launched AD/01, a new tech studio in Bucharest, Romania, where top tech talent will develop innovative solutions to enhance customer experiences across our European brands.
Lastly, our Dutch e-commerce retailer bol.com celebrated its 25th anniversary this quarter. From selling its first product digitally 25 years ago, bol.com now boasts more than 13.5 million customers, offers a range of 38 million items, and partners with around 50,000 sales partners.
Looking Ahead
Throughout 2024, we will continue to prioritize our brands’ customers and look forward to sharing exciting developments at our Strategy Day on May 23. Stay updated by following us on our social media channels!
