Community spirit

Approximately 120 SPAR Gran Canaria employees and their families enjoyed a day in nature with workshops for kids, including building bird feeders and musical butterfly activities. The eco-friendly day concluded with a countryside picnic and a guided tour of Finca de Osorio.

Since 2007, SPAR Gran Canaria has partnered with the Foresta Foundation, actively contributing to environmental initiatives. Over 17 years, collaborative efforts resulted in successful reforestations in various locations on the island. Locations include Morro Santiago, Tenteniguada, Finca de Osorio, Valleseco, Los Llanos de la Pez, Finca Las Tabaibas, Artenara, and San Juan De Dios. The commitment continues to create a better living environment for the future, emphasising the retail company’s respect for the land.

SPAR Gran Canaria has an extensive responsible retailing programme. Initiatives include supporting local growers, reducing its environmental footprint through generation power through photovoltaic panels and more.

Source: SPAR Gran Canaria

Read more about SPAR Spain

About SPAR Spain

SPAR Spain was founded in 1959 when a group of wholesalers who wished to join an international organisation came together. As a result, the brand became the first voluntary trading chain to be established in Spain, having been granted a license by SPAR International. Together, 13 regional SPAR wholesalers actively continue the expansion of the brand across the country.

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“Achieving environmental sustainability is a strategic issue for SPAR Hungary. It is an important aim to reduce waste production, help prevent waste generation and increase recycling rates. In 2023 a number of measures were taken that align with these goals. Examples include using less plastic in the packaging of certain products and saving a significant amount of plastic film by covering some shipments with rolling rack plastic blankets. Additionally, new digital solutions have greatly reduced paper-based administration. One of the important steps in this area will be the uniform introduction of the so-called ‘IFCO’ storage containers in the SPAR network this year. This will not only strengthen food safety, but also enables the company to operate in an environmentally-conscious manner,” said Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.

Fully recyclabe containers

By utilising the new fully recyclable containers, the fresh and vegetable sections in stores will be more uniform and well-designed. These containers also meet high food safety standards, and will result in significantly less cardboard, plastic and wood from one-way containers being used. The new containers are robust and collapsible which means considerable cost savings during transport. The containers are easy to clean and reduce the risk of damage to the groceries during transport and handling, which is particularly important for fruit and vegetables.

SPAR Hungary has been testing the new containers since September 2023 and the experience has been very positive. By the end of the year, the system is expected to be introduced in all company-owned stores.

Source: SPAR Hungary

Read more about SPAR Hungary

About SPAR Hungary

The first SPAR Supermarket opened in Hungary in 1992, following the acquisition by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG) of a majority stake in General Kereskedelmi Rt. SPAR Hungary is one of the country’s largest employers, with a network of company-owned and independently run stores operating nationwide.

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“Good bags” instead of plastic ones

According to Eurostat, the European research agency, “out of all light plastic bags used per capita in Slovenia in 2021, the majority were very light plastic bags”.  The retailer’s stores will replace plastic bags in the F&V section with biodegradable bags and reusable SPAR mesh bags this year.

The company has introduced a special SPAR shopping bag with a pocket. This was designed with both the customer and sustainability in mind, featuring a pocket for storing mesh bags.

As a recipient of the Green Star sustainability certificate, SPAR Slovenia belongs to the category of Green Leaders. These are businesses having the principles of sustainability firmly embedded in their business strategy and models.

SPAR Slovenia recognised

SPAR Slovenia received the FDI Award Slovenia 2023, which has been awarded since 2006 by the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport and the Public Agency SPIRIT. The company received the award in the category of significant influence on the Slovenian economy.

According to the commission, SPAR Slovenia has had a significant impact on the Slovenian economy since 1991, including through the presentation of innovative approaches to customers. Its role is also crucial in supporting the Slovenian community, as it is a sponsor of charitable organisations and events, while at the same time supporting local farmers and suppliers, which contributes to the promotion of the domestic economy.

“Receiving the FDI Award Slovenia for the company is an exceptional recognition and confirmation of continuous efforts for quality offer, innovation and sustainable business,” says David Kovačič, chief executive officer of SPAR Slovenia. “We see this award as a confirmation of successful cooperation with the Slovenian community. It is an incentive for the further development and growth of the SPAR company in Slovenia,” he adds.

Source: SPAR Slovenia

Read more SPAR Slovenia news.

About SPAR Slovenia

SPAR Slovenia, operated by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG), was granted a licence by SPAR International to operate under the brand in 1991. ASPIAG is a subsidiary of SPAR Austria AG. SPAR has become a key employer in the country, both through its corporate businesses as well as through licenses being granted to independent retailers to expand the brand further.

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The name of initiative, when translated from Italian, is “DESPAR widespread forest”. The campaign is part of the International “One Tree Planted” project. This project unites SPAR partners to plant trees and create greener spaces, with DESPAR Italy giving the initiative a boost.

DESPAR Italia are collaborating with the PlanBee crowdfunding platform for the implementation of the initiative nationwide. Local organisations and non-profit associations, which specialise in environmental regeneration interventions, are supporting the initiative. Through the initiative, DESPAR Italia reaffirms the brand’s commitment as a socially responsible company by planting 1,404 trees which matches the number of stores across seven different locations in Italy.

Combining environmental and social benefits

The General Manager of DESPAR Italy Filippo Fabbri believes that “Bosco Diffuso Despar” initiative will unite different regions in Italy, confirming DESPAR’s bond with the territories where the brand operates. The first trees were planted in Bologna on November 6th, a few kilometres from the DESPAR Italia headquarters. A few provinces have now proudly planted the first trees, with the initiative expected to roll out fully by the end of the year.

Source: DESPAR Italia.

Read more news about SPAR Italy.

About SPAR Italy

SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, was first granted the SPAR Brand’s license in 1959. The first store opened in 1960. With it, SPAR became the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in the country. In addition, SPAR Italy licenses regional partners, all of whom work together to grow the brand across the country.

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The Manifest lists 10 points focusing on topics like climate change, communication on health and wellness, transparency, and promotion of local economies. The outlined points stand as a framework for the brand in terms of being a socially responsible and sustainable business. Moreover, DESPAR intends to tackle the identified sustainability challenges with action plans falling in line with Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Focus on ESG

The Manifest continues to support DESPAR Italia’s ESG strategy to sustainability, focusing on environmental, social and governance dimensions.

Food waste reduction through local and national collaboration, attention to packaging, and carbon footprint calculations, are examples which reflect the responsible environmental approach in the Sustainability Manifest.

DESPAR Italia highlights the social pillar of sustainability through support for employees and maintenance of high quality standards for branded products. A high level of attention is given towards local community and the wellbeing of people.

Another important part of the Sustainability Manifest focuses on returning value to the local territories through initiatives and collaborations along the supply chain and involving local community groups. Initiatives with strong regional attention such as tree planting will be planned all across the country.

General Manager of DESPAR Italia, Filippo Fabbri, comments that the Sustainability Manifesto reflects the group’s commitment and transparently represents sustainability goals and strategies which are a fundamental driver of development for the organisation.

Source: DESPAR Italia.

Read more news about SPAR Italy.

About SPAR Italy

SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, was first granted the SPAR Brand’s license in 1959. The first store opened in 1960. With it, SPAR became the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in the country. In addition, SPAR Italy licenses regional partners, all of whom work together to grow the brand across the country.

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Carbon-conscious

During the event’s preparation, SPAR Hungary made visitors aware of how they could be carbon-conscious. Examples communicated including portion control to reduce food waste, using public transport to the festival, or by sharing cars. The company sought to reduce environmental impact by sourcing ingredients for the food served at the festival from local producers and beverages from domestic partners. This initiative thereby supports shorter supply chains. With dishes prepared onsite, it eliminated the need to transport and package food separately. Reusable cutlery and glasses also avoided additional waste. Untouched food was distributed to those in need with the help of the Hungarian Food Bank Association, with the remaining waste processed by Biofilter.

Native fruit trees planted

SPAR Hungary offset the CO₂ emissions through the planting of native fruit trees. According to the experts’ calculations, this requires 392 tree seedlings over five years. The Institute distributed the seedlings to the gardens of educational and welfare institutions in cooperation with the retail organisation. By offsetting the carbon footprint of the event, and planting indigenous trees from the “Fairy Garden” (Tündérkert) orchard in Pórszombat, a gene conservation site in the Zala County, SPAR Hungary has contributed to the conservation of biodiversity and local varieties.

SPAR Hungary has an extensive set of initiatives to reduce environmental impact. You can read more on their dedicated subsite here.

Source: SPAR Hungary

Read more about SPAR Hungary

About SPAR Hungary

The first SPAR Supermarket opened in Hungary in 1992, following the acquisition by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG) of a majority stake in General Kereskedelmi Rt. SPAR Hungary is one of the country’s largest employers, with a network of company-owned and independently run stores operating nationwide.

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For the first time, the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs, and Equal Opportunities presented SPAR Slovenia with the “Disability Friendly Company” award. This special recognition for SPAR Slovenia highlights the company’s good practices in providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. SPAR Slovenia is one of the largest employers nationwide with over 5,100 employees. More than 5% of those employees are people with disabilities.

Upon receiving the award, Branka Jovanović from the HR team at SPAR Slovenia said that “with the right support, all employees can have equal opportunities, ensuring everyone contributes to the success of the company”. SPAR Slovenia constantly invests in better working conditions, new skill training for employees, and advocates for an inclusive, stable, and safe place to work for all.

Lake cleaning initiative

SPAR supported the traditional September cleanup of Lake Soboška following the busy summer season. Divers of PD Murska Sobota were joined by children from three local primary schools for the cleanup campaign. In total, they removed about 150 kilogrammes of waste from the lake and its surroundings. As part of the cleaning campaign, the divers prepared an educational quiz for the participating school children. This covered ecological, geographical, and historical characteristics of Lake Soboška, as well as the basics of safe diving.

This is the seventh year that SPAR Slovenia collaborated with the Slovenian Diving Association as part of the “Together for a better tomorrow” initiative. The collaboration aims to raise environmental awareness among consumers and encourage eco-friendly behaviour.

Source: SPAR Slovenia.

Read more about SPAR Slovenia.

About SPAR Slovenia

SPAR Slovenia, operated by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG), was granted a license by SPAR International to operate under the brand in 1991. ASPIAG is a subsidiary of SPAR Austria AG. SPAR has become a key employer in the country, both through its corporate businesses as well as through licenses being granted to independent retailers to expand the brand further.

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SPAR National Tree Day is a great opportunity for children and teachers across Ireland to step outside the classroom and foster a deeper understanding of trees and their role in nature. This year’s campaign focuses on the native Hazel tree, also known as Corylus avellana or Crann Coll. This species plays host to a diverse ecosystem and has a crucial role in supporting biodiversity. The tree is also the home for the campaign’s mascot, Sammy Squirrel.

Wider commitment

The campaign compliments SPAR’s wider ‘Team Tree’ activity and its commitment to plant 20,000 native Irish trees this year. This is one element of its year-long 60^th anniversary celebrations.

Further instore celebrations will be held across the country this week about tree planting. A consumer competition offers SPAR shoppers the chance to win one of 25 children’s gardening kits.

Source: SPAR Ireland

Read more about SPAR Ireland

About SPAR Ireland

SPAR is one of Ireland’s largest convenience retail groups, and has been serving communities in Ireland for over sixty years. From the time it opened its first store in Dublin in 1963, SPAR has been a leader in Irish convenience retailing, bringing consumers the most innovative products and in-store offerings. SPAR is part of leading retail and wholesale company BWG Foods UC and, with a presence in every county across Ireland, SPAR’s over 400 stores provide employment for 14,000 people locally.

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SPAR Austria uses multiple solutions to tackle food waste. From food donations and regional social organisations, to using artificial intelligence (AI) to obtain more accurate product demand predictions. Newly implemented IT tools analyse the data on sale volumes, weather conditions, and other factors to estimate optimal quantities of product orders in each store with an expected 90% of accuracy in predictions. The system is being trialed for fruit and vegetable ordering in SPAR Austria stores before expanding to other food groups. SPAR donate unsold surplus food through strong partnerships with local donation platforms. In 2022, these donation platforms received about 7,000 tonnes of food.

SPAR Denmark

SPAR Denmark is also exploring innovative IT solutions to minimize food waste in stores through partnering with Whywaste. The suite of digital tools helps track expiration dates, implement smart product discounting, and automatically inform consumers about great deals. SPAR donates surplus stocks to local organisations. Following positive results of trials in two stores, Whywaste tools are being implemented in all SPAR stores across Denmark. Retailers highlight that this successful partnership resulted in labour cost reduction, markdown revenue increase, and most importantly, a 30% reduction of food waste in stores.

SPAR International

Recognising that food waste reduction fits with the environmental and social values of the SPAR brand, SPAR International targets to halve food waste in our own operations by 2030. To achieve this goal, SPAR is strengthening partnerships to minimise food waste along the various steps of retail operations. By partnering with digital solution providers such as Whywaste and Gander, a higher operational efficiency can be achieved. This leads to lower levels of food waste due to better stock management. For the surplus product instore, end-of-life solutions are available through partnerships with apps such as Too Good to Go. The collaboration with such platforms resulted in substantial reduction of food waste, with 4,636,237 meals along with 11,590,593 kg CO2e saved through our partnership with social impact company Too Good to Go across 2,500 SPAR stores in 14 European countries.

Adopting different approaches and tools, SPAR continues to minimise food waste instore and raise customer awareness,extending the impact into households.

#FoodWasteEU, #FLWDay

Source: SPAR Austria, SPAR Denmark 

Read more about SPAR’s responsible retailing strategy.

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As part of an ambitious commitment to power their logistic operations with renewable energy sources by 2050, SPAR Austria looks at greenhouse gas emissions incurred in local transportation. Of around 300 trucks supplying SPAR stores across Austria, over 50% of the trucks have been refueled with renewable Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) since mid-September.

This fuel is made from used cooking oil and is considered a renewable low-carbon substitute for diesel. The transition to this fuel can be done seamlessly with the same trucks continuing to deliver products to 1,500 SPAR stores in Austria. To date, the provinces of Vienna, Lower Austria, Burgenland, Styria, and Carinthia are using this source, with other regions to follow.

SPAR Austria confirmed a reluctance in the past to use this fuel source due to plant-based oils, such as rapeseed, soybean, or palm oil, potentially competing with other crops for land use during the fuel production process. SPAR Austria Board member Marcus Wild underscored that, as a food retailer, there is a definitive answer to the ‘plate or tank’ dilemma: food belongs on the plate. Ensuring the HVO fuel is 100% certified and obtained from used cooking oils and residues containing no palm oil was a key factor for SPAR Austria to adopt this fuel in their vehicles.

Reduced CO2

SPAR Austria indicated that although the fuel being sourced is 100% bio-based, it still causes emissions during refinery and fuel transportation stages, however, up to 90% of emissions can be avoided when compared to using fossil diesel. It is estimated that switching to bio-based fuel will save around 10,000 tonnes of CO2 per year in the first five provinces using this source, with up to 17,000 tonnes potentially saved if rolled out throughout Austria.

Source: SPAR Austria

Read more about SPAR Austria.

About SPAR Austria

The origins of SPAR in Austria date back to 1954, but the current SPAR AG was created in 1970 when the original founding families joined other regional wholesalers to form SPAR Austria AG – a 100% privately owned Austrian company. With licences granted by SPAR International, ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG) has developed the brand in Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, and Northern Italy.

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