BRUSSELS — Delhaize Group is close to launching a three-tier private-label offering across all its U.S. banners, Pierre-Olivier Beckers, president and chief executive officer, said in a conference call yesterday. The line will include value-priced offerings under the Smart Option brand and premium items under the Taste of Inspirations name. Mid-tier house brands will retain their names but will share unified design and procurement throughout U.S. operations, Beckers said. Delhaize recently rolled out a private-label natural and organics line, Nature’s Place, in a similar manner and is preparing the launch of a health and beauty care brand called Healthy Accents. Beckers made his comments while reviewing results for the fiscal first quarter ending March 31. U.S. sales of $4.4 billion increased by 5.6% vs. the same period a year ago, with same-store sales improving by 4.1% and operating profits increasing 7.7% to $240.6 million.
