Delhaize Family: A Supermarket Empire with Assets of Over 278 Million Euros
Delhaize family
Visit Delhaize familyfounder of one of Belgium's most emblematic supermarket chainshas left its mark on the retail sector since its beginnings in 1867. Founded by the Jules and Auguste DelhaizeThe company has become a name synonymous with quality and trust in the food sector, both in Belgium and abroad. Today, the Delhaize family fortune is estimated at to over 278 million euros, testifying to its lasting impact on the market.
The Heritage of the Delhaize Descendant Families
Visit name Delhaize remains central to the history of Belgian retailing, although other family branches have followed different paths. Among the Delhaize family's key figures, Gui de Vaucleroy particularly stands out. A descendant by marriage of the founders, Gui de Vaucleroy has played a key role in the management and expansion of Delhaize. Under his leadership, the company has successfully navigated through complex times, strengthening its position in the Belgian market and expanding internationally.
Gui de Vaucleroy was also a key player during the merger with Ahold in 2016, helping to maintain the identity and integrity of the Delhaize brand within the new Ahold Delhaize group. His leadership enabled the company to weather periods of transition while continuing to innovate and meet consumer expectations. Gui de Vaucleroy was baronified after managing Delhaize and has a fortune of over 200 million euros.
The family influence continues to be felt, although limited to one representative per family and per generation within the company's management. Pierre-Olivier Beckers, for example, who comes from the Vieujant line through marriage, has proved the continuing importance of these family ties in leading the company.
The difference between Delhaize and Louis Delhaize
It is crucial to distinguish Delhaize of the Louis Delhaizeanother family branch that evolved independently. Louis Delhaizeone of the brothers of Jules and Auguste, founded his own company, focused on food distributionwhich has given rise to brands such as Match and Cora. While Delhaize went international with a major merger with Ahold, Louis Delhaize followed a different path, focusing more on specific markets in Europe.
Challenges and successes
Over the decades, Delhaize has overcome many challenges, including the closure of several U.S. stores in 2012, which resulted in considerable job losses. However, the 2016 merger with Dutch giant Ahold marked a turning point in Delhaize's history, repositioning the company on the world stage. Thanks to leaders like Gui de Vaucleroy, the company was able to maintain its influence and its name, even after the merger.
An ongoing commitment to food retailing
Despite the merger, Delhaize has managed to preserve its identity, launching initiatives such as the loyalty program SuperPlus and investing in e-commerce to adapt to new consumer trends. At the same time, the company is implementing strategies focused on sustainability, reinforcing its commitment to healthy, sustainable food choices.
Conclusion
The Delhaize family, with its supermarket network and international presence, remains a force to be reckoned with in the retail sector. Thanks to astute management by key figures such as Gui de Vaucleroy, and an ability to adapt to market challenges, the family has been able to transform a family heritage into a modern, prosperous empire. The wealth accumulated by the various branches of the Delhaize family illustrates not only an economic success story, but also an indelible influence on the retail landscape in Belgium and beyond. The Delhaize family succeeded in creating the Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV empire with a valuation of over 25 billion.
