Ahold Delhaize reported third-quarter sales of €23.1 billion on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, but warned that a recent cybersecurity incident will reduce fourth-quarter revenue and earnings.

The supermarket group said revenue increased 2.6% at actual exchange rates and 1.9% at constant currencies. It estimated the disruption in October would reduce fourth-quarter net sales by €200 million to €250 million and operating income by €75 million to €100 million.

That warning is material for a business with major food retail operations across Europe and the United States. It illustrates how interruptions to technology and distribution can become a direct commercial cost, even for large grocery groups with established contingency procedures.

The group reported comparable sales growth excluding fuel of 0.5% in the United States and 2.1% in Europe. Its European performance benefited from accelerating volumes, while US growth faced pressure from lower SNAP benefits, egg price deflation, a cyclospora outbreak and changes in pharmacy pricing.

Ahold Delhaize also reported 9.0% growth in online sales at actual exchange rates. US online sales increased 14.2% at constant rates, reflecting continued demand for delivery, pickup and personalised shopping services.

Online trading has become increasingly important to retailers such as Albert Heijn and the group’s US supermarket brands. The company had recently announced an expansion of NCR Voyix store technology across US businesses, covering checkout, pharmacy and fuel systems.

Its underlying operating margin was 4.1%, down 0.1 percentage points at constant exchange rates, while reported operating income reached €976 million. The company generated €445 million in free cash flow in the quarter.

Chief executive Frans Muller said investments in affordability, quality and convenience had supported customer loyalty and market-share gains. The group continues to pursue operational savings alongside technology investment under its Growing Together strategy.

However, the October incident prompted a revision to its full-year guidance. Ahold Delhaize now expects an underlying operating margin approaching 4.0%, rather than around 4.0%, and low-single-digit growth in underlying diluted earnings per share at constant currencies, down from a previous mid- to high-single-digit expectation.

The free cash flow forecast was cut to around €2.1 billion from at least €2.3 billion. Ahold Delhaize also expects further response and remediation spending, although it described the incremental full-year impact on reported operating income as marginal.

The company announced plans for a €1 billion share buyback starting in early 2027. It also aims to increase its dividend per share at a mid-single-digit rate for 2026, subject to its outlook.

The European performance is especially relevant to suppliers operating in markets where the group has established supermarket brands. The structure and buying power of those retailers form part of the wider European grocery buying alliance landscape, where shared procurement and technology can influence supplier negotiations.

For manufacturers and logistics partners, the latest results raise two issues. Rising online demand increases the need for reliable stock data and fulfilment. At the same time, the cybersecurity disruption highlights the importance of resilient ordering, payment and distribution systems.

Ahold Delhaize said it would continue its investment plans while managing the financial effects of the incident. Investors and grocery suppliers will now watch whether the group restores normal trading ahead of the year-end peak.

Editor’s Note: The key development is not only €23.1 billion in quarterly sales but the quantified impact of October’s cyber disruption. Grocery retailers’ digital resilience has direct implications for supply continuity. Source: Ahold Delhaize Q3 statement, 4 November 2026.