Food innovation and classic retail of the Netherlands and Belgium

Sunday

Arrival of the group in Amsterdam, dinner together

Monday

Wageningen University

‍Defined by world fame in the fields of agriculture and food sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity to meet with experts and gain insights into current food market trends and innovative approaches to the retail business.

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‍Albert Heijn

Premium retailer, the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands. Known for its wide range of products, including fresh produce, ready meals and farm products. Albert Heijn is also ahead in innovation by introducing new technologies and services for the convenience of customers. Larger hypermarket-type stores — called AH XL — can be found in suburban areas.

- market share in the Netherlands - 37%

- 1056 stores in the network

- work in 2 countries (Netherlands and Belgium)

- 3 store formats (826 - regular, 133 - To Go, 37 - XL size)

Tuesday

Jumbo

‍A supermarket chain that stands out for its authentic atmosphere and individual approach to the range. They offer a variety of products, focusing on a selection of high-quality and fresh products. Jumbo Success Formula is the best quality and service at the lowest price.

‍Key figures:

‍- 725 stores

- market share in the Netherlands - 21%

- total turnover for 2023 grew by 7.3% - 11.02 billion euros

- the share of online purchases increased by 8%

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‍Rockstart

‍One of the first multivertical accelerators in Europe. Since 2011 Rockstart has been a specialist in creating entire ecosystems around specific areas such as Digital Health, Smart Energy and Artificial Intelligence.

‍Key figures:

‍- more than 350 investments in startups

- 210 million euros were earned by startups

- the amount of companies that have released the accelerator - 1.3 billion euros

Wednesday

Picnic

‍An online supermarket and grocery delivery service that is defined by its concept of free and efficient delivery. Emphasis is placed on affordability, quality, and innovation in the retail grocery industry. Picnic redefines how people buy food. With no physical stores, they use an app-only approach and a user-centric philosophy to make shopping quick, easy and fun

‍Key figures:

‍- total sales for 2023 - 1.25 billion euros

- operate in 3 countries (Netherlands, Germany, France) - serve more than 120 cities - up 40% for 2023

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Cuisine republic

‍An innovation hub and platform for culinary startups and entrepreneurs in the food industry. They provide kitchens and cooking equipment, and promote the exchange of ideas and cooperation in the food business. For many food companies, creating a professional kitchen space, including equipment, is a big investment that carries high risk. Their kitchen eliminates this financial risk and gives customers access to a space full of high-quality professional kitchen equipment.

‍Key figures:

‍- community of 125+ companies

- more than 1250 m2 of shared and private kitchen

Peer trip to Belgium.

Thursday

Carrefour

‍Carrefour is one of the world's food leaders. They specialize in a wide range of goods, including food, home goods, and electronics. Known for its global presence and commitment to meet diverse needs.

‍Key figures:

‍- 14,000 stores worldwide

- 80 million customers

- turnover for 2023 - 81.2 billion euros

- market share in Belgium - 17%

- 3 store formats (in the smallest format, the number of SKUs is 5000-7000)

- 32 groups of VTM products

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‍Carrefour Innivations

‍It is engaged in the introduction of technological and conceptual innovations in stores: digital solutions, loyalty programs, interactive services, other ideas aimed at improving customer interaction and optimizing business processes.

‍Key figures:

‍- 15 million users in the app

- reworked 328 VTM recipes to improve the quality of products

- launched the mission “Zero Waste” - almost 100% of the packaging of products is recycled or reused.

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Friday

Louis Delhaize Group

‍Louis Delhaize Group is a Belgian retail group, operating in Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Romania.Presented throughout Belgium, Louis Delhaize can be seen both in small villages and cities, as well as in airports, stations, hospitals and motorways. Offers a wide working time. Most stores are open on Sundays and public holidays. Carrefour's main competitor in Belgium.

‍Key figures:

‍- more than 350 stores in Belgium

- WTM Louis has more than 1300 product names - 12 companies in the holding (almost all food-retail)

Free day/ Flight home