Ahold Delhaize said on Wednesday it had gained market share in the all-important US market, where the group generates two-thirds of its annual sales, in the third quarter of 2017.

The Dutch foods giant was hit by stronger competition from the lower end of the market where Aldi and Lidl hold sway as well as at the top end where Amazon’s recent acquisition of Whole Foods has shaken the industry.

Group chairman Dick Boer said results were pleasing at every level. ‘In the United States, inflation returned at low levels, and sales performance further improved. We gained market share across our brands in a competitive landscape with new entrants,’ Boer said in a website statement.

In reaction to the Amazon/Whole Foods transaction in September, Boer said Ahold Delhaize has to make its supermarkets more exciting. He said adding restaurants and other meeting spaces were being considered.

The group’s net sales increased by 7.4% to €15bn (up 10.9% at constant exchange rates) while net income was up 54% at €362m. Net sales at the company’s online businesses rose 20%.