Sustainability Cooperation

As early as 2020, the REWE Group had formulated the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent by the end of 2030 compared to 2019. In order to achieve its goals, the REWE Group relies on cooperation based on partnership. Together with its strategic suppliers, who account for 75 percent of product-related emissions, it wants to agree on concrete targets and measures to reduce the greenhouse gases that are produced in the upstream supply chains by the end of 2024. As part of the “Together for more climate protection” initiative, suppliers can register on a platform and, with the support of the REWE Group and external service providers, set climate protection targets and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As an international market player, Colruyt takes responsibility for ensuring the right working conditions among its’ producers. The retailer wants to be sure that producers not only comply with their national laws, but also with international treaties and conventions. One way in which Colruyt realise it’s aim of 100% responsible trade is through membership of amfori BSCI. This international platform helps companies achieve their goals around decent working conditions. Colruyt asks all suppliers of house-brand products to sign up to the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct.

“In the wake of COP21 in 2015, Carrefour raised its targets for reducing its CO2 emissions. It then set a new reduction pathway approved by the Science-Based Target (STBi) initiative in 2020 (compatible with keeping the increase in global warming to below 2°C by 2100). Now, just as COP26 is kicking off, the Group is once again raising its aim and has set itself the target of carbon neutrality by 2040. To do this, the Group is intending to reduce the emissions resulting from its activities at source as much as possible. In particular, this will involve using completely renewable electricity by 2030, replacing all of its fluorinated refrigerants with natural fluids and further reducing its energy consumption.”

Thanks to the contributions of companies like Mercadona that form part of the Spanish Network of the Global Compact, the guide identifies thirty challenges linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aim of this set of guidelines is to serve as a road map for other companies operating in the sector in meeting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agri-food industry encompasses one of the economic activities with the greatest impact on an international level. Beyond economics, however, it is a sector that directly impacts consumers’ health and well-being, the labour conditions of those who work in the industry and the exploitation of natural resources.

METRO supports its customers’ business success. Metro’s purpose is to help its professional customers run profitable businesses which have a positive impact on their communities and the environment. Consumers have changed the way they consume both at home and in restaurants and food businesses must adapt. METRO has, therefore, developed a guide which takes HoReCa customers through the main sustainability issues of interest for gastronomers: water, energy, responsible sourcing, waste, plastic & packaging waste, food waste, sustainable menu, social issues and safe food. It gives advice and solutions customers can directly implement in their own business. Because sustainable gastronomy is about conducting business that thrives in the long term.

Kaufland and Lidl cooperate with renowned organic associations to increasingly offer their customers local organic food produced according to the highest standards. Since November 2018 Lidl Germany has a partnership with Bioland, the leading association for organic farming in Germany and Southern Tyrol. In total Lidl Germany permanently offers over 80 food items which meet Bioland standards. Kaufland is offering numerous quality food products through its Demeter line, which was established in February 2019. By now, the assortment has grown to over 250 products and includes juices, dairy products, canned vegetables, pasta products, baby food, and cereals as well as fruits and vegetables.

K Group (Kesko and K-stores) and the wildlife conservation organization WWF Finland have begun several years of wide ranging cooperation to conserve and increase endangered migratory fish populations. The cooperation is recognised by the “Mating Belongs to all” (“Kuteminen kuuluu kaikille”) slogan. in this collaboration, the parties strive to remove barriers that block spawning in rivers and brooks and to create spawning grounds together with local operators, landowners, K-retailers and volunteers. In 2 years, more than 80 kilometres of new spawning grounds and habitats for migratory fish have been opened up, 19 barriers that prevent the fish from swimming upstream removed, and more than 200 gravel beds established.

Colruyt Group and Brevisco are working together on a project of mussels farming off the Belgian coast. For the first time, they have been able to harvest together a large quantity of mussels. Partnerships with local suppliers and growers are very important to Colruyt Group. Together with different partners, the retailer is also investing in other projects in the North Sea such as the Edulis project to test the farming of mussels in between the wind turbines in the North Sea or the SYMAPA project which aims at developing efficient harvesting techniques and looking at where smart sensors and measurements can support the cultivation process.

As member of the CGF’s Environmental Sustainability Committee, Ahold Delhaize helps drive and communicates environmental sustainability improvements throughout the value chain of the consumer goods industry. The retailer is represented on the Board of Governors and working group of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and is on the Board of the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI), which provides clarity on credible seafood standards. In addition, Ahold Delhaize is part of the Retailers Palm Oil Group (RPOG) and Retailers Soy Group (RSG); a group of European retailers working together pre-competitively on the challenging topics of palm oil and soy.

MC put forward its Sustainability Statement to be adopted by all Continente Producers Club members and has already been subscribed to by approximately 37% of the members. This is a commitment based on eleven principles, including topics such as nature and biodiversity conservation, promotion of regenerative agriculture and circularity, and a wide range of initiatives to promote sustainable production techniques and consumption habits. These initiatives cover all areas of the agri-food sector and include better production practices, better packaging, and better nutritional solutions.

The Continente Producers Club’s Academy is a training program developed specifically for the Club’s members, with the aim of reinforcing their knowledge on the various areas of the supply chain, making them more competitive, accelerating innovation, and sustainability processes. Launched in 2017, the Academy already has more than 50 innovation projects presented, including new products and concepts aligned with current production and consumption trends, and 10 producers distinguished with the Continente Producers Club’s Innovation Prize.