Grocer Delhaize Group’s sales in the third quarter of 2011 rose 6.6% at identical exchange rates, to E5.33bn (£4.57bn).

Growth in the US reached 3.5% in dollars and 1.9% like-for-like. Operating profit increased 1.8% at identical exchange rates to E238m (£204.1m). Operating margin decreased to 4.5%, mainly due to the consolidation of Delta Maxi and the related acquisition expenses.

Net profit from continuing operations fell 5.4% to E133m (£114m).