Albert Heijn B.V. · Zaandam The Netherlands

There's nothing small time about Albert Heijn, who began selling groceries in the 1880s and whose namesake chain is now the #1 food retailer in the Netherlands. With more than 725 company-owned and franchised supermarkets and 30-plus AH To Go convenience stores throughout the tiny country, the Albert Heijn chain is the flagship banner of Royal Ahold, one of the world's top 10 food retailers. The grocery chain has a 22% share of the local market, but is losing ground to competitors, including hard discounter ALDI of Germany and region rivals Laurus N.V. and Edah. In response, Albert Heijn has undergone an image makeover; from the most expensive supermarket in Holland to a price-competitive supermarket chain. To read the full description, subscribe now.