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Greek Retail Giant Jumbo Posts Robust Sales Growth In July 2025 Driven By Cyprus And Greece

Greek retail powerhouse Jumbo has delivered a robust performance in July 2025, registering a 9 percent increase in year-on-year sales across all markets. The group’s strategic operations in Cyprus and Greece have been central to this growth, underscoring a resilient business model in a dynamic retail landscape.

Strong Performance Across Markets

In Cyprus, the group achieved a notable 13 percent rise in sales in July compared to the same period last year, with a consistent 8 percent increase over the first seven months. Likewise, in Greece, parent company net sales—excluding intercompany transactions—advanced by 10 percent in July and 9 percent over the seven-month period. These results reflect strong consumer demand and an agile operational framework.

Diverse Regional Growth And Market Adaptability

Further afield, Jumbo’s sales in Romania, inclusive of online platform revenue, recorded a 7 percent increase in July and maintained the same growth rate over the seven-month term. In contrast, the Bulgarian market experienced modest gains of 2 percent, highlighting regional divergence in consumer trends. Meanwhile, Jumbo’s operations in Israel sustained uninterrupted activity despite persistent geopolitical instability, demonstrating the network’s capacity to operate in complex environments.

Macroeconomic Challenges And Strategic Adjustments

Looking ahead, management has flagged potential macroeconomic pressures in Romania, where an impending VAT increase from 19 to 21 percent could impact consumer spending. The company is proactively exploring measures to cushion part of the tax impact to preserve competitive pricing.

Commitment To Shareholder Value

In tandem with its sales performance, Jumbo confirmed the completion of its annual dividend distribution at the July 9 general meeting. Shareholders approved a dividend of €68 million (or €0.50 per share) for fiscal year 2024. A subsequent cancellation of 1,694,198 treasury shares — representing 1.25 percent of total share capital — adjusted the gross distribution to €0.5063 per share. Key dates were observed with an ex-dividend date of July 21, record date of July 22, and payment finalized on July 24. Earlier in the year, Jumbo also issued an extraordinary cash distribution of €63.5 million, culminating in total shareholder returns of €131.5 million by the end of July. This steadfast commitment to shareholder remuneration reinforces Jumbo’s reputation as a reliable operator in the retail sector.

Expanding Presence And Future Outlook

As of July 31, Jumbo operates 89 stores spanning four countries: 53 in Greece, 6 in Cyprus, 10 in Bulgaria, and 20 in Romania, complemented by an active online presence across all markets. The group’s performance highlights the importance of a diversified market approach and the capacity to adapt amid changing economic conditions.

Limassol Port Electrification Awaits Grid Connection And EU Funding

Plans to equip Limassol port with shore-side electricity are advancing at the technical level, but unresolved administrative procedures, a pending grid connection and the need to secure European funding continue to delay implementation.

The proposed shore-power system, also known as cold ironing, would allow vessels to connect to electricity while berthed, reducing reliance on onboard engines and cutting emissions and noise in the surrounding area.

Technical Studies Near Completion

Transport Minister Evi Tsolaki said work is progressing through the EU-backed DecarbonLim programme, which is preparing the technical assessment and feasibility study required before construction can begin. The ministry is seeking regular updates from the Cyprus Ports Authority on the studies’ completion timetable.

The initiative also involves Frederick University, Eurogate Container Terminal Limassol, DP World Limassol, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, the Cyprus Transmission System Operator and Limassol Municipality.

Grid Connection Remains A Key Hurdle

Despite progress on the studies, construction cannot proceed until the project secures a connection to the national transmission network.

Tsolaki said the ministry has requested land from the Department of Lands and Surveys for an electricity substation. Once the site is allocated, the relevant applications can be submitted to the Cyprus Transmission System Operator to advance the grid-connection process.

Until these steps are completed, the project will remain in the preparatory phase, even if the technical studies are finalised.

European Funding Adds Urgency

The feasibility work under DecarbonLim will support an application for construction financing, Tsolaki said. A competitive European funding call is currently open, and the ministry intends to submit an application within the required timeframe.

The funding window has raised concerns in parliament. MP Fotini Tsiridou warned that further delays could undermine Cyprus’ chances of securing EU support, noting that similar port electrification projects elsewhere in the bloc have already received funding.

Speaking to Entrepreneurial Limassol, published by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tsiridou said she had observed some progress but had yet to receive a formal response to her parliamentary question.

Environmental And Commercial Benefits

Tsiridou argued that shore-side electricity would deliver benefits beyond emissions reductions, including less noise and air pollution for residents near the port.

“Our port should not be disconnected from the rest of the city,” she said, describing shore-power infrastructure as both a necessity and a European obligation.

Across Europe, port electrification is increasingly linked to environmental performance and competitiveness. By allowing compatible vessels to switch off auxiliary engines while docked, shore-power systems can reduce local emissions and noise while supporting wider decarbonisation goals.

Construction Timetable Still Unclear

The Cyprus Ports Authority signed a contract with DBA S.p.A. in July 2025 for a comprehensive study of the system’s technical, economic and environmental requirements. The work was intended to establish the basis for installation and identify any necessary port infrastructure upgrades.

More than a year later, key steps concerning land allocation, grid connection and financing remain unresolved. No timetable has been announced for completing these procedures or submitting the final funding application.

Limassol’s shore-power project therefore remains between planning and implementation. Its next milestones are securing the substation site, progressing the transmission-network application and obtaining construction financing. Until these are in place, the port’s transition to shore-side electricity cannot move into the construction phase.

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