Ahold Delhaize USA has unveiled a new series of health and sustainability goals, to enable customers to make healthier choices and create greater product transparency.
The company also aims to eliminate waste, and promote climate action, along with an overall goal of developing a more sustainable food supply chain, it said.
Sustainability
Ahold Delhaize has developed its new strategy in response to research showing that consumers are demanding healthier and more transparent product options.
Research by the group has revealed that 43% of consumers feel sustainability is 'extremely important,' up from 28% before the pandemic.
Kevin Holt, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA, acknowledged that the past year was an "unprecedented time for food retailers" and added that the group is still committed to serving its customers' interests.
Holt believes that due to the group's network of stores across the US, the parent company of various supermarket chains "can make a real and positive impact on local communities and our planet."
Measures
Ahold Delhaize USA will introduce a number of measures over the coming years to achieve its sustainability goals.
The group recently announced an agreement with the Partnership for a Healthier America initiative, to increase access to healthier food options for consumers and publicly disclose the percentage of sales from more nutritious options, helping customers make better food choices.
It has also entered into a partnership with HowGood, to bring customers an easy-to-use environmental and social impact rating system, increasing transparency within its supply chain.
Ahold Delhaize USA aims to reduce food waste through its affiliation with the non-profit organisation, Feeding America. It has also pledged to donate two billion meals through food rescue programmes and donations.
The group joined the Science Based Targets initiative as part of the 2015 Paris Agreement to help set climate targets that are in line with reducing carbon emissions.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Conor Farrelly. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
