Sustainability

More and more people are consciously opting for plant-based foods – whether for health reasons, out of consideration for animal welfare or out of responsibility towards the environment.

According to United Nations projections, up to ten billion people could be living in the world by 2050. Consequently, one of the major challenges of the future will be to feed these people healthily without overburdening our planet. As a food retailer and daily companion to our customers, we are working hard to tackle this challenge.

In the food and consumer goods industry, startups account for around ten percent of the relevant players in Germany and are therefore indispensable drivers of innovative ideas and trends. As a pioneer of innovation in food retail, REWE recognized and promoted the potential of this creative diversity and innovative strength at an early stage.

Extreme weather events such as floods, water shortages and severe storms are no longer a rarity. On the contrary, they pose a growing threat, which is further exacerbated by the ongoing climate crisis. To counter these challenges, Eurogroup, a subsidiary of REWE Group, which is responsible for purchasing fruit and vegetables in Spain, among other things, has launched the TRES producer program.

Global challenges, such as the growing world population, debates surrounding animal welfare, trade disputes and climate change, are prompting a move towards more secure, sustainable and crisis-proof food systems. Plant-based and alternative proteins can play an important role in this. As one of Europe’s largest retailers, we feel we have a responsibility to play an active part in safeguarding future food supplies. This includes the ongoing expansion of plant-based ranges in our supermarkets as well as innovative FoodTech solutions.

Exemplary: BILLA has created the highest quality flowering areas in terms of nature conservation over several hectares. This is the result of zoological monitoring carried out by the Karl-Franzens University of Graz, Institute of Zoology, on renaturalised green spaces at BILLA stores.

Ten years of social and ecological commitment worldwide – the DERTOUR Foundation is celebrating its anniversary with a very personal campaign: ten people talk about their very own experiences with the projects. Kathrin Sommer (Manager Corporate Responsibility at the DERTOUR Group) reveals her wishes and plans for the foundation in an interview.

Milestone reached: REWE Group in Germany now only offers peat-free soils. The proportion of peat in potted plants is being continuously reduced. These key measures are part of our sustainability strategy: we are taking responsibility for climate protection and the preservation of biodiversity. But this is just the beginning: we are also making progress in peat-free and peat-reduced plant cultivation.