The report, the eighth annual assessment of the company’s sustainability performance, highlights progress toward “Supergood,” the Group’s ambition to be a sustainability leader in all its local markets by 2020. In addition to an overall update, the report includes chapters on each of the operating companies in North America, Europe and Indonesia.
“Many of the things that make our company more sustainable also help us serve our customers better, be a better employer, and ultimately be a better business.” Frans Muller, President and CEO of Delhaize Group
Among the sustainability achievements in 2014 across the organization were:
Private brand nutritional value
35% of Delhaize America private brand food sales were from products with high nutritional value (earning at least one Guiding Star), up from 33% in 2013.
Sustainable seafood
Delhaize Belgium increased its sustainable seafood commitment and is on track to source 80% Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified seafood by 2020. In 2014, 35% of private brand seafood product sales were certified by MSC or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).
Waste reduction
The Group’s total recycling rate for all companies in Europe and North America increased to 58% in line with the goal to reach 80% by 2020.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Delhaize Group continued to drive down absolute and relative greenhouse gas emissions toward the goal of 20% reduction by 2020. From 2008 to 2014, it reduced greenhouse gas emissions per m2 sales area by 8%.
Food donations
Delhaize America’s Food Lion banner partnered with Feeding America to launch Food Lion Feeds, an ambitious program to serve 500m meals to people in need by 2020. Food Lion Feeds provided more than 40m meals to local hunger relief organizations in its first year.
Associate diversity and development
A new Delhaize Group Associate Diversity Steering Committee was created to align a Group-wide approach to diversity and inclusion. Each operating company now has plans and commitments to improve diversity and inclusion by 2020.
“The most important way to achieve our 2020 ambition is by working together and learning from each other across the Group.” Marc Croonen, the Group’s Chief Human Resource Officer – EVP HR, Internal Communication & Sustainability
To read the full 2014 report click here
Questions can be sent to sustainability@delhaizegroup.com.
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Delhaize Sustainability Progress Report 2014