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Jumbo Retail Reports Robust Sales Growth and Strategic Expansion Amid Global Market Challenges

Strong Performance Across Key Markets

Greek retailer Jumbo has achieved an 8 percent year-over-year increase in sales for the January–August 2025 period, underscoring its resilient market position despite prevailing inflationary pressures, increased VAT in Romania, and global economic uncertainty. In Greece, the parent company reported a 7 percent rise in net sales in August, with a 9 percent gain over the first eight months of the year. Cyprus experienced a robust 12 percent jump in August, translating to an approximate 9 percent year-to-date growth. Meanwhile, Romania’s combined online and offline sales grew by 8 percent in August and 7 percent in the period, and Bulgaria saw August sales up by 7 percent, though year-to-date growth was a modest 3 percent, reflecting a deceleration compared to the previous year.

Operational Efficiency and Asset Acquisition

In addition to its encouraging sales performance, Jumbo has made significant strides in improving its operating efficiency. The group has strategically acquired several leased properties, investing approximately €39 million between 2021 and 2024 to purchase five outlets in Greece and Romania. This year alone, Jumbo has completed acquisitions for two additional leased stores in Greece and is finalizing transactions for two more locations in Patras and Athens. These investments are set to propel the company into owning roughly 70 percent of its 89 retail outlets across Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, positioning the firm to better control its asset base and operational costs.

Focus on Romania for Future Growth

Romania remains a focal point of Jumbo’s expansion strategy. The retailer currently operates 20 stores in the country, complemented by an expanding online platform. With plans to double its network in Romania over the next eight years, the company has already inked an agreement for a new store in Baia Mare, signaling its commitment to tapping into the region’s growth potential.

Outlook for the Full Year

The latest performance metrics bolster management’s full-year outlook, with projected group sales growth of approximately 4 percent and profitability levels expected to remain on par with 2024. Jumbo’s balanced strategy of leveraging strong regional performance and pursuing asset optimization initiatives exemplifies its capacity to navigate complex market conditions while preparing for sustainable long-term growth.

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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