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Greek Retailer Jumbo Group Sustains Growth Amid Global Uncertainty

Greek retailer Jumbo Group has demonstrated remarkable resilience, posting a 6% year-on-year sales increase in November 2025 despite operating against a strong performance benchmark from the previous year.

Robust Performance In High-Pressure Months

The company’s performance over the January–November period, with growth climbing close to 8%, confirms that Jumbo’s momentum remains strong as it approaches the sector’s critical final weeks. Historically, November and December are peak months for retail, where full capacity and daily turnover are key determinants of annual performance.

Expanding Global Footprint Through Strategic Franchise Partnerships

Jumbo Group has reinforced its international presence by deepening ties with local franchise partners. The November inauguration of its fourth store in Israel underscores the confidence in the brand, while plans announced by the Fox Group—the franchise rights holder for Israel and Canada—include adding another five to six stores in Israel during 2026 and launching three stores in Ontario next year, contingent on favorable market conditions.

Navigating Supply Chain Challenges Amid Unrest

Amid ongoing farmers’ protests, concerns have emerged over potential disruptions to supply chains, particularly delays at customs, road networks, and ports. Such challenges could adversely affect domestic replenishments and export flows, impacting overall economic activity. In response, the group has urged the state to maintain stability and ensure the smooth operation of the country during this precarious period.

Regional Growth Performance

Performance by market continues to be robust. In Greece, net sales—excluding intragroup transactions—rose by approximately 6% in November, with an annual growth of around 9% over the first eleven months. In Cyprus, November figures advanced by about 3%, reaching roughly 8% year-to-date. Bulgaria, which capitalized on online sales through e-jumbo.bg, saw an 8% increase in November, though the year-to-date growth remains at 4%. Romania, incorporating online activity, noted a 6% rise in November, with an overall annual increase nearing 5%.

Solar Photovoltaics Drive Global Energy Demand: A Renewable Milestone

Solar Photovoltaics Lead The Charge

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems accounted for 27% of global energy demand growth in 2025, marking the first time a single renewable technology has led the increase. This compares with overall demand growth of 1.3% in 2025, 2% in 2024, and an average of 1.4% over the previous decade, highlighting the accelerating role of solar in the global energy mix.

Surpassing Traditional Energy Sources

Solar PV outpaced natural gas, which contributed 17% of the increase in energy demand. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), new solar installations added capacity equivalent to 600 terawatt-hours (TWh), bringing total solar generation to 2,700 TWh, or roughly 8% of global electricity production. This shift reflects growing reliance on renewable energy for power generation across major markets.

Traditional Fuels Under Pressure

Demand for fossil fuels showed slower growth. Natural gas consumption rose by 1% in the first half of the year, compared to 2.8% in 2024. Oil demand increased by 0.7%, with additional daily consumption reaching 650,000 barrels, down from 750,000 in 2024 and well below pre-pandemic increases of around 1.4 million barrels per day. Part of this slowdown is linked to the substitution of cleaner energy sources. Electric vehicle sales rose by 20% in 2025, accounting for roughly one-quarter of the global market.

Mixed Trends In Coal Consumption And Emissions

Coal demand increased by 0.4%, reflecting diverging regional trends. China and India reduced coal use as renewable capacity expanded, while the United States increased coal consumption in response to higher electricity demand. Coal contributed around 9% to demand growth, similar to wind energy.

Global CO2 emissions from the power sector rose by approximately 0.4%. Emissions declined in China due to increased use of renewables and nuclear energy, while U.S. emissions increased alongside higher coal usage.

Record-Breaking European Renewable Production

Europe recorded strong growth in renewable generation in the first quarter of 2026. Solar output increased by 15%, marking the highest quarterly rise on record, while wind generation grew by 22% year over year. Total renewable production reached 384.9 TWh, supported by solar, wind, and hydroelectric output. These gains helped offset volatility in gas markets linked to geopolitical tensions, including developments involving Iran.

Looking Ahead

Renewables are taking a larger share of global energy demand growth, with solar PV at the center of this shift. Combined contributions from renewables, biofuels, and nuclear energy now account for roughly 60% of new demand, indicating continued structural change in the global energy system.

Aretilaw firm
eCredo
Uol
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