Supermarket group Ahold Delhaize sold even more last quarter. Turnover grew mainly in the United States, but also in Europe. Below the line, the company has €2.5 billion left, up from €2.2 billion in 2021.
Economist and professor Karen Maas believes Ahold should use those profits to better serve stakeholders. She said so in a conversation with BNR about the companies’ record profits and the criticisms that often follow.
According to Maas, companies that can claim such profits could reward employees in the form of a salary increase. But customers should also benefit, through price reductions. “Companies could also invest more in reducing CO2 emissions.”
Prices for farmers are minimal
Where supermarkets can still make the biggest difference, according to Maas, is in the production chain. ‘Look at the prices farmers receive for the produce they supply. They’re really minimal.’ According to Maas, they have the absolute right to benefit from the profit.
Even supermarkets will be forced to take this into account more and more, predicts the economist, due to the forthcoming European legislation and, hopefully, soon also of the Netherlands.
Declaration of intent
Of course, ultimately, a business is about money, Maas acknowledges. However, he refers to AH’s mission statement: Making Better Food Affordable Together. For everyone. “It’s a little pretentious,” he says. “It would be crazy to just focus on the money and try to make as much profit as possible.”