Swedish retailer ICA has published a report on its sustainability activities for the second quarter of 2013, covering significant events and activities within its environment, quality, ethical trade, health and social responsibility efforts.
'ICA Gruppen will naturally continue to see sustainability initiatives as a precondition for retaining customer confidence and creating long-term profitability. Right now we are therefore working to harmonise all our sustainability policies and documents', the retailer noted.
Commenting on the report, Per Strömberg CEO of ICA Gruppen, said, “Activities during the quarter included the first review of our pilot project with manufacturers in China designed to reduce environmental impact. We at ICA also received confirmation that our hard work with sustainability is recognised when we were named Best in Sweden by the Sustainable Brand Index.”
The retailer carried out a major customer survey on sustainability in all five of their markets during the first half of the year, which revealed that "high morals and ethics, transparency and honesty were important in every country where ICA operates", according to Strömberg.
"Food safety and local products are also key in most countries", he added.
ICA also continued its work with food banks during the quarter, through its Rimi banner. During the quarter Rimi’s customers and employees in Lithuania donated approximately 33,000 food products.
ICA was the top ranking company in the Swedish Sustainable Brand Index for 2013, trumping rival retailer Coop, who scooped second position in the chart.
The retailer's efforts on improving conditions for Sweden's berry pickers also came good, as the the working method developed by ICA became the industry model during the quarter, with a new agreement between the Swedish Food Federation, Svensk Dagligvaruhandel, and the Swedish Trade Federation.
The retailer's Q1 sustainability report focused strongly on the prevention of food fraud, following the horse meat scandal across Europe.
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Ellen Lunney
