Sligro Food Group N.V.’s sales in the first quarter of 2013 (13 weeks) were €589 million, an increase of €12 million or 2.0% compared with the same period in 2012 (€577 million). Almost all of the growth was organic. Sales
growth benefited this year from the effects of the Easter holiday, which we estimate at 1.3 percentage points for both divisions.
Total first-quarter sales are analysed as follows (€ million):
Food retail
Like-for-like consumer sales growth at the EM-TÉ supermarkets in the first quarter was 5.5%, well above the market growth rate. Although the market is still very competitive, the slight easing of the pressure on prices
observed at the end of 2012 continued in the first quarter.
Foodservice
Even with close to zero organic growth in our foodservice activities, we still outperformed the market by a considerable margin. Sales growth in the delivery
activities was generated by attracting new customers, in a foodservice market which was under considerable volume and price pressure. Our sales of tobacco products were lower in the first quarter, despite a substantial
increase in duty. Integration of Van Oers is progressing well, with the transfer of the first customers to the Group’s distribution centres in mid-March. We expect to complete the process in May. Almost all the customers
have entered into new contracts with Sligro.
We prefer not to make any firm forecast of our half-year
results at this stage. The half-year figures will be published on 18 July.
Sligro Food Group encompasses food retail and foodservice companies selling directly and indirectly to the entire Dutch food and beverages market. The foodservice division operates as a wholesaler and the food retail division as both wholesaler and retailer. Sales in 2012 totalled €2,467 million, while net profit was almost €70 million. The group employed an average of 5,800
full-time equivalents in 2012. Sligro Food Group shares are listed on NYSE Euronext.
Veghel, 18 April 2013
On behalf of Sligro Food Group