Supermarket concern Ahold has announced an 11.5% increase (almost 4% at constant exchange rates) in net sales for the second quarter of its current fiscal year, compared to the same period last year.

In a statement on Tuesday the company, which operates Dutch market leader Albert Heijn as well as a number of US supermarkets, said consolidated net sales were €6.4bn in the second quarter of the current fiscal year.
Sales at the Albert Heijn supermarkets rose almost 8% to €2.2bn.
The results were lower than analysts expected, according to news agency ANP.
‘In the second quarter, inflation slowed considerably and we continued to see changing customer and competitor behaviour, with an increased focus on price and promotions… In Europe, Albert Heijn grew market share by providing great customer value, while managing margins,’ said Ahold.