Analysis of food retail efficiency in Serbia

Abstract

It is well known that the problem of analyzing the efficiency of all companies, including trading companies, is very topical, significant and complex. In the context of the above mentioned, mathematical methods and models are increasingly being applied. With this in mind, this paper explores the effectiveness of food retailers in Serbia using AHP and DEA methods. Of all the observed optimization criteria (cost of goods sold, operating costs, gross margin and net profit), the most significant one was the cost of goods sold. The most efficient food retailer in Serbia is Delhaize Serbia. Mercator-S is inefficient according to DEA analysis. In order to improve the efficiency of food retailers in Serbia, it is necessary to look up to the Western models and apply new business models (private brand, multichannel sales, organic food sales and others) and new concepts of strategic management accounting as well as strengthen the digitalization of business.