Portuguese retailer Jerónimo Martins has reported preliminary sales for full year 2018 of €17.3 billion, a 6.5% increase on the previous year.
The weight of the Polish operation of Biedronka continues to increase and accounts for over 67.4% of the group's total sales. In Poland, sales grew 5.6% to €11.7 billion for the period.
According to the group, food inflation in Poland remained low, influenced by deflation in relevant raw materials and fresh produce and the highly competitive environment, particularly in the context of the ban on Sunday trade.
Despite the demanding context, Biedronka “managed to mitigate the negative impact of 21 fewer days of sales during the year, while protecting the efficiency of the operation and its profitability".
During 2018, Jerónimo Martins opened 122 Biedronka stores, ending the year with 2,900 locations (77 net additions). Jerónimo Martins sees further opportunities to open proximity stores in the country.
Portugal Performance
In Portugal, supermarket chain Pingo Doce saw a 4.6% increase in sales, reaching €3.8 billion, accounting for over 22.1% of the group turnover.
The banner opened 10 new stores, of which are trading under the Pingo Doce & Go convenience concept, ending the year with 432 stores.
Portuguese cash & carry chain Recheio saw 4% revenue growth, to €980 million, for a 5.7% share of total sales, with 42 stores, one less than the previous year.
In Colombia, an improvement in consumer confidence levels in the first half of the year, helped supermarket chain Ara record sales of €599 million (+47.9%). The banner opened 143 stores in 2018, ending the year with 532.
Finally, Polish health and beauty shop network Hebe saw sales increase 24.7%, to €207 million. It opened 51 new stores (48 net additions), ending the year with 230 pharmacies and 200 drugstores.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
