Albert Heijn Netherlands

Albert Heijn is the largest Dutch supermarket and convenience chain which was established in 1887 by Albert Heijn Sr. The company is a subsidiary of the Ahold Delhaize Group. In 2021, Albert Heijn had a market share of 35.9%, experiencing a growth of 0.9% when compared to the previous year.

Albert Heijn operates a total of 1050 stores as well as 64 pick-up points. 

In 2021, Ahold Delhaize announced the acquisition of 38 Deen stores which will be converted into Albert Heijn stores.

Furthermore, the company also owns the AH app, which is present in 50 cities, where the customers can buy their products online. 

Albert Heijn also launched ‘My Albert Heijn Premium’, which is an omnichannel subscription for a set amount per year that gives customers more discounts. More than 300 000 customers were reported to have subscribed.

Albert Heijn employs around 100 000 people and in 2021, the business’s turnover was €1.62 billion. Its online sales account for 10% of its revenue.

The company provides a wide assortment of products under the following categories:

• Savory Grocery: pasta, rice, oil, herbs, etc.
• Sweet Grocery: cereals, biscuits, chocolate, candy, etc.
• Drinks: beer, soft drinks, juice, etc.
• Wine & Spirits: a wide assortment of wines
• Frozen Food: dessert, snacks, ready-meals, meat, etc.
• Chilled & Fresh Food: fruits, vegetables, ready-meals, cold cuts, etc.
• Dairy: butter, eggs, cheese, milk, etc.
• Personal Care: baby care, fragrances, makeup, hygiene, etc.
• Household: fabric softener, detergent, cleaning products, etc. 

Products from brands like Cruesli, Heineken, Coca Cola, Lays, Pampers, Page, etc. can be found in the stores. 

A range of organic, sugar-free, gluten-free, etc, items are also offered. 

Albert Heijn offers their own brands which are:

• AH Huismerk: Under this brand, a range of sustainable groceries and ecological products. This brand is dedicated to both the food and non-food sector.
• AH Excellent: This brand includes products such as rice, olive oil, coffee, etc,..
• AH Biological: This brand comprises more than 1500 skus which are organic. Products such as yoghurt, snacks, cheese, etc,.. are sold under this name.
• AH Basic: Quality products are sold at a lower price under this name.

Moreover, the firm is fairtrade, MSC & ASC and Better Life certified.

The procurement team of the company has a sourcing manager and a buyer who are responsible for each category.

In order to collaborate with Albert Heijn as a supplier, the following requirements are compulsory:

• Strong desire for competitiveness
• Should be independent enough when working with large retailers
• Quick delivery (Ensure delivery within two days)
• Huge capacity
• provide own logistics solutions

The firm works with more than 1000 permanent farmers and growers and takes special measures such as animal welfare, carbon emission reduction and the promotion of biodiversity.  Albert Heijn works with 80 local bakers, cheese makers and butchers from the Netherlands as well as the supplier, Streeckgenoten. 

Albert Heijn is interested in branded products in the personal care category such as vitamins and complements. The firm wishes to collaborate with suppliers from Eastern and Western Europe and will consider factors such as lead times and transportation costs. 

Furthermore, Albert Heijn is willing to work with suppliers from the UK but there should not be any delays due to Brexit. 

The company is also willing to partner with suppliers that have a wide range of products. 

Albert Heijn is also interested in products for private labels in the following categories:

• Frozen Food: fish and seafood
• Chilled & Fresh Food: meat

In 2021, the company imposed a ban on Brazilian meat as it was causing deforestation.  

Albert Heijn has a fleet of 800 delivery vehicles devoted mainly to deliver orders placed by customers online. The company has 4 fulfilment centres and 20 cross-dock hubs. At present, Albert Hein can process over 100 000 orders each week. 

With regards to the community, the company collaborates with Red Cross, Food Banks, and Linda Foundation in order to provide food for the less fortunates. Furthermore, Albert Heijn minimises food wastage, uses better packages, avoids plastic, etc, in order to meet its sustainable goals pertaining to the environment. 

Albert Heijn’s online shop can be accessed on www.ah.nl