During the first quarter of the year, ICA Gruppen achieved a turnover of SEK 47.8 billion, representing an increase of 5.6 percent compared to the same period last year. Operating profit, excluding items affecting comparability, amounted to SEK 1.6 billion. The increase compared to last year is therefore 6.3 percent.
The Group's CEO Nina Jönsson is optimistic about the development at the beginning of the year:
We are delivering a stable first quarter, winning customer confidence and investing for the future. The world around us is uncertain, but our direction is clear. We want to be the first choice in everyday Swedish life, with the right price here and now, high availability and with consideration for both the customer's wallet and the long-term needs of society.
Growth in Online Grocery
Within the grocery business, there is an increase in e-commerce at ICA Sverige. Online sales grew by 12.6 percent during the first four months of the year, reaching a total of SEK 1.8 billion.
E-commerce now accounts for 3.5 percent of ICA Sverige's total sales.
Rapid Growth for Online Pharmacy
Within the Group, Apotek Hjärtat has the highest percentage growth digitally. Their online sales increased by 24.7 percent during the quarter, resulting in online turnover of SEK 1.2 billion.
The proportion of sales that takes place via e-commerce now amounts to 15.1 percent for the pharmacy chain. However, e-commerce's contribution to earnings was slightly lower than in the corresponding period last year.
Investments in Logistics
To handle e-commerce and the flow of goods for the stores, the Group is investing in new infrastructure. In the spring, it was announced that a new logistics center for Apotek Hjärtat will be built in Norrköping.
This construction is part of the strategy to shorten lead times and increase service levels, with a planned move-in during 2030.
At the same time as e-commerce is growing, the Group's earnings in the short term are affected by increased costs for ongoing IT projects and logistics conversions.