Ahold Delhaize reports fourth-quarter sales increase

Zaandam, the Netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize announced net sales of $18.7 billion for 2018’s fourth quarter, an increase of 3 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.

Overall, the business delivered another strong sales performance in the fourth quarter and for the full year, the company said in a press release. For the full year, net sales reached $71.3 billion, up 2.5 percent.

In the U.S., where the company operates banners under Ahold Delhaize USA, sales were up 2.7 percent. The company said U.S. banner Food Lion continues to benefit from the roll-out of the "Easy, Fresh and Affordable" program, now in 70 percent of its stores.