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Press release 2021 half - year figures Koen Slippens , CEO " The year started with the strict lockdown that came into effect in the fourth quarter of last year . As a result , we were faced with 20 weeks of lockdown in the first half of the year , compared to 11 weeks in 2020. Additionally , where last year we were allowed to open up our cash - and - carry stores in the Netherlands to private individuals as well for 13 weeks , this was no longer the case in 2021. The sales markets were severely impacted by the effects of the lockdown up to mid - May . With the easing of the measures , we saw a strong recovery , especially in June . In the first half - year , net sales declined by 34 % from the pre - COVID levels ( Q2 : decrease of 24 % ) . The cost - cutting measures taken and the flexible and decisive approach of our teams in the Netherlands and Belgium ensured that , despite a further dip in net sales , we were able to significantly improve the EBITDA over the first Strong recovery after difficult start to the year Group net sales for the first half of 2021 totalled € 788 million , a COVID - 19 - driven decrease of 16.5 % compared to the same period last year ( Q2 : increase of 12.0 % ) . Despite the drop in net sales , the Group's EBITDA increased by € 8 million to € 35 million . A net loss of € 4 million remained for the first half of the year ( net loss excluding impairment in the first half of 2020 : € 16 million ) . Key figures for the first half - year x € million Net sales Organic net sales growth ( % ) Gross operating result ( EBITDA ) Operating result before amortisation ( EBITA ) Operating result ( EBIT ) Net profit ( loss ) Net profit ( loss ) excluding impairment Free cash flow¹ ) Earnings ( loss ) per share ( x € 1 ) x € million Net invested capital Net interest - bearing debts Sligro Sligro Food Group N.V. 1 ) The free cash flow has been adjusted for the impact of lease liabilities paid under IFRS 16 . half of the year . Free cash flow was also positive , further reducing our debt position . As a result , we once again remained within the boundaries of our original financing covenants , even though a temporary easing was provided for . We have been preparing for the restart in recent months , together with our customers and partners . This is now in full swing and we aim to give our customers plenty of scope to start doing business again . Though we are operating in a market marked by shortages of personnel , transport and goods , together we are moving ahead with plenty of energy and passion in order to achieve the best possible results . Sligro Food Group has a good reputation on the job market and is seen as a reliable employer , which helps us to retain and recruit many good employees despite the general job market tightness . For each other , and with each other ! " 2021 788 ( 16.5 ) 35 4 ( 5 ) ( 4 ) ( 4 ) 40 ( 0.09 ) 2020 757 355 943 ( 20.6 ) 27 ( 7 ) ( 79 ) ( 72 ) ( 16 ) 28 ( 1.63 ) 30 June 31 December 2021 2020 802 402