NEW YORK, Nov. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ahold Delhaize USA announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its FreshDirect business to Getir, a pioneer in ultrafast grocery delivery operating in key markets in the U.S. and globally. Following a thorough review, Ahold Delhaize USA made the decision to sell the FreshDirect business to focus investments in its omnichannel businesses.

“This was a difficult decision, especially given FreshDirect’s rich history in the New York City area,” said JJ Fleeman, CEO, Ahold Delhaize USA. “However, our strength as a grocery retailer in the U.S. is the true omnichannel experience – a combination of online and in-store – where we have leading brands and market share, strong store density and online presence, and a deep heritage of customer loyalty and relationships. With this decision, we will increase our focus on omnichannel – our biggest growth opportunity.”

There are no changes for FreshDirect customers as a result of the transaction. All customers will continue to be served by their local delivery teams. In addition, there are no changes to DeliveryPass subscriptions or other services.

“We are proud of the positive impact FreshDirect has had in the online grocery space, raising the bar in offering the best in-season selection of locally sourced goods,” added Fleeman. “In the coming weeks, we are committed to supporting a smooth transition for FreshDirect’s valued employees, customers, partners and communities, who have been loyal to the brand over the past 20 years, so that FreshDirect will be well positioned to continue as an integral part of New York’s food culture under Getir’s ownership.”

Headquartered in the Bronx and serving the greater New York tri-state area, FreshDirect has 3,200 employees and a deep-rooted culture of delivering the highest quality, freshest food. Founded in New York City in 2002, FreshDirect was acquired by Ahold Delhaize USA in January 2021.

About Ahold Delhaize USA
Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of Netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize, is the parent company of Ahold Delhaize’s U.S. companies, including its local brands – Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford, Stop & Shop and FreshDirect – along with Retail Business Services, its U.S. support services company; Peapod Digital Labs, its digital and e-commerce engine; and ADUSA Distribution & Transportation. When considered together, the local brands of Ahold Delhaize USA comprise the largest grocery retail group on the East Coast and the fourth largest grocery retail group in the nation, operating more than 2,000 stores and more than 20 distribution centers across more than 20 states and serving millions of omnichannel customers each week.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Christy Phillips-Brown for Ahold Delhaize USA
704-310-2221

Cautionary, forward-looking statement
Statements that are included or incorporated by reference in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, which address activities, events and developments that Ahold Delhaize USA, Inc. expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, the completion of the sale of Fresh Direct, the expected effect of the portfolio optimization, strategic options, future strategies and the anticipated benefits of these strategies, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified as statements that include phrases such as “believe,” “predict,” “strategy,” “may,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “will,” “should” or other similar words or phrases. Although such statements are based on current information, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those projected depending upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, changes in the general economy or the markets of Ahold Delhaize USA, Inc., in strategy, in consumer spending, in inflation or currency exchange rates or in legislation or regulation; competitive factors; adverse determination with respect to claims; inability to timely develop, remodel, integrate, open, convert or close stores; and supply or quality control problems with vendors. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements are described in the most recent Annual Report of Ahold Delhaize NV, parent of Ahold Delhaize USA, Inc., and subsequent press releases issued by Ahold Delhaize NV or Ahold Delhaize USA, Inc., which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference. Except as required by law, Ahold Delhaize USA, Inc. and its parent Ahold Delhaize NV disclaim any obligation to update developments of these risk factors or to announce publicly any revision to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this release, or to make corrections to reflect future events or developments.