Seven & i Holding's Foodservice Growth Story Intact; Inflation Headwinds Likely Dissipate by Summer

The convenience store operations under the 7-Eleven banner have been a key driver of Seven & i Holdings' growth. After accelerating its domestic store expansion and adding more than 7,600 stores between 2011 and 2018, management has embarked on overseas expansion, setting off from North America and now making inroads to other markets, including Vietnam and Australia. Management is pinning hope on foodservice and private-label growth, a key strategic initiative to boost per-store sales, to replicate its Japan success globally. Meanwhile, it has singled out food as the sole focus of the superstore business undergoing a major restructuring through 2025.