Cyprus remained in positive territory for Jumbo Group at the start of 2026, with the retailer reporting a 3 per cent rise in February sales and a 6 per cent increase over the first two months of the year, despite a tough comparative base.

The group noted that February 2025 had been a particularly strong month for both Greece and Cyprus, as the carnival period boosted demand in certain product categories.

In Cyprus, network sales, including the online store, fell by 1.8 per cent in February. However, over the first two months of 2026, they were up by 4 per cent.

In Greece, net sales of the parent company, excluding intragroup sales, rose by 6 per cent in February and, overall, by 8 per cent in the first two months of the year.

Bulgaria, meanwhile, recorded a 7 per cent increase in February, while sales for the January-February period were up by 11 per cent.

In Romania, by contrast, network sales, including the online store, decreased by 3 per cent in February and by 4 per cent in the first two months of 2026.

The company added that the Romanian market continues to face significant pressure from the depreciation of the local currency, the recent increase in VAT and new fiscal measures weighing on consumption. Inflation in Romania stood at 9.6 per cent in January.

At the same time, the group’s partner in Israel, Fox Group, opened the fifth Jumbo store towards the end of February, further strengthening the brand’s presence in the local market.

Shortly afterwards, tensions in the Middle East escalated, affecting consumer behaviour across the wider region.

However, disruptions in international transport and the supply chain remain manageable for the time being, due to the binding terms secured in advance, while the euro also remains strong compared with the same period last year.

The company also recalled that, following the resolutions of the extraordinary general meeting held on February 4, 2026, it will proceed with an extraordinary cash distribution of €0.50 per share gross.

The ex-dividend date has been set for March 23, 2026, while payment to eligible shareholders is expected to begin on March 30, 2026.