Exhibit 23.1



                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated
April 29, 1999, appearing in and incorporated by reference in the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. for the year
ended February 27, 1999, and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts"
in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Parsippany, New Jersey
June 9, 1999