Ahold announced Thursday consolidated net sales of 7.8 billion euros for the fourth quarter of 2012, an increase of 7.5 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2011. At constant exchange rates, net sales were up 5.1 percent.

For the full year 2012, consolidated net sales were 32.8 billion euros, an increase of 8.5 percent compared with 2011. At constant exchange rates net sales were up 3.5 percent.

In the United States sales were up 4.3 percent.

"Our strong performance was partly driven by the exceptional efforts of our teams during Hurricane Sandy, which enabled our stores to remain open and to serve our customers during these difficult times," Ahold said in an earnings release. "The positive sales impact of Sandy was partly offset by a negative calendar impact due to the timing of year end."

Ahold continued to gain market share in all of its divisions. The 15 Genuardi’s stores Ahold acquired in 2012 performed in line with expectations. Ahold announced they have opened another four pick-up points, bringing the total to eight in the United States.