National leaders outpace home markets in Europe: 2025 results

In a competitive year for European grocery retail, market leaders are still managing to outperform their home markets. We compare the performances of the first group of leading European retailers to make their 2025 financial results available.

Sonae MC posts impressive growth

Portuguese market leader Sonae MC boasted an impressive 2025. With a 14% increase in consolidated turnover, it is growing well ahead of one of the fastest growing markets in Europe. Central to this is the expansion of its grocery operations, with 13 new stores opened in 2025, focusing on proximity convenience formats. The retailer also cites its value proposition as well as innovations in digital and AI capabilities as reasons for its 8.3% increase in like-for-like grocery sales.

Another key driver of success is its flourishing health and beauty segment, which grew an impressive 12% in 2025. This was supported by the company’s merger with Druni, a leading Iberian health and beauty specialist, combining it with its existing Arenal banner.

Mercadona consolidates market share

In another strong 2025 performance, the Spanish market leader saw a total turnover of €41.9 bn with a total sales growth of 8%, also significantly outpacing its home market. This is partly due to the expansion of its Portuguese operations, with nine new stores opened in 2025.

In Spain, it achieved 7.3% sales growth, outpacing the market despite a reduction of its store network by eleven stores across the year. This has earnt Mercadona an increase in market share, consolidating its leading position. Improvements in productivity, store management, and energy efficiency provided the retailer with its highest profit margin in history. It is rewarding its staff with a total benefits package worth over €1 bn.

Ahold Delhaize recovers well

Following growth of only 0.9% in 2024, the Dutch market leader saw an improved total sales growth of 3.4% in 2025. This resulted in total sales of €93.4 bn, or €39.3 bn excluding its US operations. In the Netherlands, it achieved growth of 4.2%, ahead of the market. A key driver of this is its online grocery channel, which grew an impressive 11.2% in 2025, particularly strong given its 3.4% growth in 2024.

The retailer focused on improving its value proposition to appeal to shoppers facing financial uncertainty. Its private label ranges were a focus, with over 1450 new products introduced in Europe, aimed at offering quality and choice at competitive prices. It has also invested in improving its omnichannel capabilities, integrating AI to create a seamless experience across its operations. These measures have clearly resonated with shoppers, allowing Ahold Delhaize to retain its leading share of the Dutch market.

Leclerc reports steady preliminary results

While its full consolidated results are yet to be released, the French market leader’s preliminary reporting shows steady growth in 2025. Its growth of 2.4% is slightly down on 2024’s 2.5%, but still puts Leclerc ahead of the market. Additionally, with a total turnover of €51.1 bn, the retailer has gained market share, consolidating its market leading position.

Its Leclerc Drive pick-up points for online orders were a key driver, with sales rising 4.2% across its approximately 900 locations. Non-food sales, however, grew at only 0.9% but are still seen as a key part of the business.

A range of drivers for success

Established retailers are turning to many different strategies to differentiate themselves from competitors who threaten their market shares. Some invest in their value propositions to compete directly with price-focused discount retailers. Others look internally to improve efficiency and profitability.

The most successful, however, are the retailers that leverage their size and investment capability to expand and improve their operations, enhance customer experience, and offer more value to shoppers. Digital integration, online shopping services, and expansion across channels are all key drivers of growth. These points of difference have been key to leaders outpacing their home markets and consolidating their positions.

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