date:Apr 23, 2013
Belgian grocer Delhaize posted a rise in operating profit for the first time in six quarters, raising hopes its cost cutting and investment drive are starting to boost both sales and margins.
Shares in the group, which makes almost two thirds of its sales in the United States, jumped over 11 percent on Monday to their highest for 18 months.
Retailers across Europe are mostly struggling as disposable incomes are squeezed by rising inflation, muted wages growth and austerity measures, while in t