Weak dollar hits Delhaize Group revenue

Delhaize has more than 1,300 supermarkets in the United States and plans 146-156 new one.

 Fourth-quarter group sales declined 3.4 percent to 4.68 billion euros ($6.94 billion), matching the average forecast in a Reuters poll of 14 analysts. Revenue rose 5 percent at constant exchange rates.

U.S. consumer caution did not have a significant impact on sales because of measures it had taken earlier, Delhaize said. Like-for-like store sales growth in the United States, where the retailer makes 80 percent of its revenue, was 3.7 percent in the fourth quarter. Analysts had expected on average 4.1 percent growth.

On an annual basis, U.S. comparable store sales rose 3.8 percent in 2007, the highest growth in more than 10 years, said Delhaize.