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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.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

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