Zaandam, The Netherlands – February 28, 2024 – Ahold Delhaize has unveiled its 2023 Annual Report today, presenting an integrated overview of the company’s financial and non-financial performance throughout the year. Amidst ongoing societal challenges, our local brands have remained resolute in delivering value to customers, supporting community initiatives, and streamlining business operations for future efficacy. Concurrently, our dedication to fostering a sustainable and healthy food ecosystem persists, with active strides towards meeting our sustainability objectives.
Frans Muller, CEO of Ahold Delhaize, reflected on the Annual Report’s release, stating, “The essence of this report, ‘local matters,’ underscores our unwavering commitment to communities. Throughout 2023, our brands remained steadfast in ensuring accessibility to affordable, sustainable, and nutritious products while actively contributing to a more sustainable value chain.”
The Annual Report comprises sections on Strategic Insights, Governance, and Performance, featuring impactful narratives highlighting our local brands’ contributions. It includes messages from our CEO and CFO, as well as insights from our Supervisory Board Chair. The report elaborates on key developments within our Leading Together strategy, emphasizing growth drivers such as e-commerce, digitalization, operational excellence, health, sustainability, and talent development.
Key Highlights from Ahold Delhaize’s 2023 Annual Report:
- Achievement of all major financial objectives, with free cash flow reaching €2.4 billion, reflecting robust operating cash flows.
- Exceeding the initial ‘Save for Our Customers’ goal, resulting in over €1.25 billion in cost savings, enabling sustained affordability for customers.
- Expansion of high-quality own-brand assortments, optimization of loyalty programs, and enhancement of the overall shopping experience both in-store and online.
- Significant progress in health and sustainability, including nearly 55% of own-brand healthy food sales and notable reductions in GHG emissions, food waste, and virgin plastic usage.
- Societal impact sections detailing contributions to communities and efforts towards employee welfare, including data on donations, pay equity, and diversity initiatives.
- Enhanced ESG reporting, encompassing alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals and compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
- Unwavering commitment to climate targets and recognition with an AAA rating from MSCI for exemplary ESG management.
Looking ahead, despite anticipated economic challenges in 2024, we remain optimistic about the potential for our brands to drive momentum. Further strategic insights will be shared during our upcoming Strategy Day in May.
The complete Annual Report for 2023 can be accessed here.
