CEO “AB Vasilopoulos” but officially for several days, namely from August 29 Nikos LavidasAt that time, a general meeting of the company was held, at which a new board of directors was elected. Mr. Lavidas’ term of office is three years and, unlike his predecessor, Mr. Vassilis Stavrou, he will not have the status of Chairman of the Board of Directors, as Mr. Sofokles Yannakou holds that position.

The appointment of Mr. Lavidas comes at a difficult time for the organized food retail industry, as inflationary pressures are already weighing on the consumption and profitability of supermarket chains. Recall that the sector closed the first half of 2022 with a slight increase in turnover, about 1%, which is associated solely with revaluations, as sales decreased by 2.2% (data from the research company IRI). ) compared to the corresponding period in 2021. Chains and of course “AB Vassilopoulos”, which is included in the top three, are asked to maintain competitive prices, while receiving constantly new price lists from their suppliers with margins. In other words, they are being asked to absorb some of the surplus, while they themselves have increased operating costs, mainly due to increased energy costs. In this context, AB’s strategy is to have about 500 products, the vast majority of which are private labels, at a low price, even with a special indication, both in its physical stores and in its online store. At the same time, the chain has improved its coupon program so that its customers can get better deals.

The situation in the market as a whole makes it much more difficult to achieve high turnover and profitability.

The situation on the market as a whole makes it much more difficult to achieve the goal of achieving high turnover and profitability at the same time, and especially the approach of Sklavenitis, which remains in first place among supermarket chains. It is recalled that in 2020, the last year for which the AB balance sheet was published, the chain increased, like the entire industry, sales and profits, but its growth rate was low (3.76%) compared to the entire industry. market (about 10%). In 2020, it should be noted that the turnover “break through” the milestone of 2 billion euros for the first time since 2017. It is recalled that when “Marinopoulos” was on a downward trajectory, then by the crash in 2016, “AB Vasilopoulos” took first place in the industry. The acquisition of control of Marinopoulos by Sklavenitis changed the data, sending AB into second place, while Lidl had a great uptrend. According to market analysts, the chains that reportedly benefited the most in terms of market share and new customer acquisition in 2021 are mainly Sklavenitis and Lidl.

However, AB’s parent group, Ahold Delhaize, can, according to seasoned industry executives, maintain an extremely competitive pricing policy if it so chooses to ensure that its Greek subsidiary not only maintains its existing market share, but increases it. it’s further. The fund of the Dutch-Belgian group is strong and that is why not only in Greece, but in all the countries in which it operates, it implements the so-called “Save for our customers” cost savings program with a total value of 850 million dollars. euro, which is based specifically on private label products and reward programs.

In his luggage, Mr. Lavydas brings, among other things, nine years of experience in Sklavenitis from 2010 to 2019, participating in a major reorganization of the company, especially after the acquisition of the Marinopoulos chain in 2016.