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Jumbo Group Navigates Market Challenges With Steady Growth In Early 2026

Robust Growth In Cyprus And Greece

Jumbo Group reported positive sales growth at the start of 2026, with revenue in Cyprus increasing by 3% in February and by 6% during the first two months of the year. The company noted that results were achieved despite a strong comparative period in 2025, when the carnival season boosted demand across several product categories.

Region-Specific Challenges And Opportunities

Network sales in Cyprus, including the online store, declined by 1.8% in February. However, cumulative sales for January and February still recorded a 4% increase compared with the same period last year. In Greece, the group’s net sales, excluding intragroup transactions, rose by 6% in February and by 8% during the first two months of the year. Bulgaria also reported strong growth. Sales increased by 7% in February and by 11% during the January–February period. Romania was the only market to record a decline. Network sales there fell by 3% in February and by 4% during the first two months of the year. The company attributed the slowdown to currency depreciation, higher VAT and new fiscal measures, alongside inflation that reached 9.6% in January.

Strategic Expansion And Geopolitical Influences

Jumbo continues to expand its presence through international partnerships. In Israel, the group’s collaboration with Fox Group led to the opening of the fifth Jumbo store in the market. At the same time, rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are beginning to influence consumer sentiment in the region, creating additional uncertainty for retail activity.

Resilient Supply Chains And Commitment To Shareholders

The company said it has managed disruptions in international transport and supply chains through previously secured agreements with suppliers and logistics partners. The stronger euro compared with the previous year has also supported purchasing conditions. Following an extraordinary general meeting held on February 4, 2026, Jumbo announced an extraordinary cash distribution of €0.50 per share before tax. The ex-dividend date is set for March 23, 2026, while payments are scheduled to begin on March 30, 2026.

Greek Retail Powerhouse Expands Into Six Strategic International Markets

Greek retail titan Jumbo has announced an ambitious expansion strategy that positions the company to extend its international footprint beyond its established strongholds in Cyprus and Southeast Europe. In a strategic agreement with the Balfin Group, the retailer is set to penetrate six new markets, including Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

Strategic Global Expansion

The agreement builds on the existing cooperation between Jumbo and Balfin Group, which previously supported the retailer’s expansion into markets including Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Moldova. According to the company, the next phase of expansion will include a greater degree of local operational management across the new markets.

Enhanced Logistics And Supply Chain Capabilities

To support the expanded international network, Balfin Group is also developing a new central logistics hub in China. The facility is expected to strengthen sourcing, warehousing, transportation and distribution operations across the Caucasus region, Central Asia and Ukraine. Previously, Jumbo relied primarily on logistics infrastructure based in Greece to support franchise operations across Southeast Europe.

Sustainable Growth And Robust Financial Foundation

Alongside its franchise expansion strategy, Jumbo continues focusing on organic growth across existing markets. The retailer currently operates 89 physical stores, including 53 in Greece, six in Cyprus, 10 in Bulgaria and 20 in Romania, in addition to its e-commerce operations. A new store in Baia Mare is expected to open by the end of October.

Jumbo also operates 46 franchise stores across seven countries, including Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Israel. According to the company, its expansion strategy continues to be supported by strong liquidity levels and the absence of bank borrowing.

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