ALFA BETA VASSILOPOULOS continued to post increases in sales through the third Quarter of 2003 both for the listed Company standalone as well as on consolidated basis. Compared to the first nine months of 2002, Turnover increased by 7.55% for ALFA BETA standalone and by 8.76% on a consolidated basis.

The addition of two modern stores, one in the Piraeus central market area and the second on Pendelis Avenue in Halandri, are expected to enhance the increasing sales trend during the last Quarter of 2003. Each store is representative of one of two new concepts that the Company is introducing.

The downtown Piraeus store is the first example of the 'City Market' concept that is being introduced in various European markets where Delhaize Group is active. It is a full self-service convenience store that responds to the day-to-day needs of the ever-busier customer.

The store in Halandri, with 1,500 m2 selling area, also addresses the time-conscious consumer by introducing for the first time in Greece the self-scanning system. Thanks to self-scanning the customer will be able to register the shopping items while filling the basket or cart and pay the cashier without having to empty and reload the merchandise. Convenient parking, easy accessibility and functional layout will also add to the customer quick service and convenience.

Full financial figures for the third Quarter will be published by mid-November.

For additional information you may contact Mr. Kostas Macheras or Ms Maria Kuhkalani at ++210 66.08.000.