Delhaize plans to speed up store openings in its new markets and new formats to achieve annual sales growth of 5% to 7% in three years. The retailer expects to open about 450 stores in its newer operations by 2014. Store openings will include expansion of its Bottom Dollar Food stores in the US, which have delivered positive results. Additional cost savings to fund its plans will be made. Delhaize is now halfway through a three-year programme to generate e500m (£429.3m) in annual savings and says it has achieved about 60% of this target.

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