nuNov 4, 2026, 13:10

Ahold sees small supermarkets struggle with high technology costs

Ahold Delhaize CEO Frans Muller reports that independent supermarkets are struggling with the high costs of digital transformation and infrastructure modernization. Consequently, many small operators are seeking to sell their businesses or partner with larger chains, creating expansion opportunities for companies like Ahold.

Ahold Delhaize CEO Frans Muller recently stated that smaller and mid-sized supermarket operators are struggling to keep pace with rising technological investment requirements. To maintain competitiveness, retailers must increasingly fund loyalty programs, personalized marketing, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. Muller explained that while large chains can spread these costs across vast networks, independent owners often find the financial burden unsustainable, leading to a surge in acquisition interest within Ahold's own network.

This trend is particularly evident in the United States, where independent and family-owned businesses still represent about 20 percent of the market. In contrast, the landscape in Western Europe is already dominated by major players. As independent retailers face mounting pressure, large corporations like Ahold Delhaize are well-positioned to expand their market share through strategic acquisitions. This strategy was recently highlighted by Ahold's agreement to purchase Tesco operations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia for over 1.2 billion euros, effectively securing a leading market position in the region.

Economy Business Technology

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

All eyes on energy- and space-guzzling data centers. But aren't they essential for our smartphones? ‘The balance is lost’

Protesters are planning a demonstration at Sloterdijk in Amsterdam this Friday to oppose the development of new data centers due to concerns over climate, housing, and urban space. While experts recognize the necessity of data infrastructure for modern technology, they acknowledge that the current expansion model is causing a loss of balance that requires immediate attention.

Cyber incident costs Albert Heijn parent company millions, but Ahold still aims for growth

Ahold Delhaize expects to lose up to 250 million euros in revenue following a major cyberattack that disrupted operations at its supermarket chains. Despite the financial impact, the company is pursuing further growth by acquiring Tesco's operations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia while maintaining steady global revenue gains.

Ahold Delhaize: cyberattack impact on fourth-quarter sales estimated at 200 to 250 million euros

Retail conglomerate Ahold Delhaize expects a financial hit of up to 250 million euros in the fourth quarter following a recent cyberattack. The security incident forced the company to disable systems and halt distribution, resulting in widespread operational disruptions for its brands, including Albert Heijn.

Hackers used fake job applications to breach Binance for multibillion-dollar theft

Hackers stole 6.3 billion dollars from the cryptocurrency exchange Binance after tricking an employee into downloading malicious software during a fake job interview. The FBI has identified the North Korean hacking group TraderTraitor as the responsible party for this record-breaking theft. Binance has pledged to use its own funds to compensate all victims affected by the security breach.

Supermarkets resume operations day after cooling systems hacked

Supermarkets in Belgium have restored operations following a cyberattack that manipulated refrigeration temperatures and caused significant food waste. While major Dutch supermarket chains were not affected, at least seventeen smaller businesses in the Netherlands experienced system issues.