RetailDetail EU
Europe - EN
  • België - NL
  • Belgique - FR
  • Nederland - NL
  • Europe - EN
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Sign in user
  • News
    • Food
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Electronics
    • Beauty/Care
    • DIY/Garden
    • Leisure
    • General
  • RetailDetail Plus
  • Events
  • Hunts
  • RetailHub
  • Advertising & Partnerships
    • EVENT PARTNERSHIPS
    • PRINT ADVERTISING
    • ONLINE ADVERTISING
RetailDetail EU
Europe - EN
  • België - NL
  • Belgique - FR
  • Nederland - NL
  • Europe - EN
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Sign in user
  • News
    • Food
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Electronics
    • Beauty/Care
    • DIY/Garden
    • Leisure
    • General
  • RetailDetail Plus
  • Events
  • Hunts
  • RetailHub
  • Advertising & Partnerships
    • EVENT PARTNERSHIPS
    • PRINT ADVERTISING
    • ONLINE ADVERTISING
thumb
Written by Stefan Van Rompaey
In this article
  • Companies AldiCarrefourColruytDelhaizeLidl
  • Topics Sustainability
  • Geography Belgium
Share article
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • email

Delhaize and Lidl lead in sustainability, but “lots of room for improvement”

icon
Food22 November, 2022

Belgian supermarkets are still not doing enough for the environment and climate: they shift most of the responsibility to their consumers. Delhaize and Lidl emerge as frontrunners, but the differences between the chains are small.

No measurable objectives

Are supermarkets in Belgium making sufficient efforts to promote plant-based and sustainably produced food, and to combat deforestation and food waste? Think tank Questionmark audited Colruyt, Delhaize, Carrefour, Aldi and Lidl, who have a combined market share of 80 % in Belgium. The study, called Superlist Environment Belgium, looked at the chains’ product range, shop environment, promotions and policy. Its overall conclusion is clear: supermarkets are missing opportunities.

Supermarket chains do not sufficiently encourage their customers are to eat more plant-based foods: two out of three ready-made meals contain meat or fish, barely 4 % are plant-based. Meat and fish take all the spotlights in supermarket flyers, with large meat portions being the standard. Consumers have to actively look for sustainable products in the range – if there are any, at all. At Aldi and Lidl, no sustainable options are available in half of the product groups surveyed. There are hardly any action plans to reduce deforestation. Food waste and food loss are on the radar, but measurable targets and reporting are lacking. Only Delhaize has published an action plan.

Small differences

Lidl and Delhaize emerge as overall frontrunners, but the differences between supermarkets are small and each chain places different focuses. In the transition to less meat and more vegetable, Delhaize is doing better than Lidl, Aldi and Carrefour. Delhaize is also a step ahead in policy against food waste, but it seriously lags behind in actions for sustainable agriculture and against deforestation. In this area, Carrefour, Aldi and especially Lidl are ahead in Belgium. Colruyt is in the middle for each subject. In absolute terms, every supermarket still has a lot of room for improvement.

You can find the full survey here.

(Protein transition – Sustainable agriculture – Food waste)

Stay up-to-date

Receive our free newsletters and do not miss out on the latest retail news.

Subscribe
logo

Belgian supermarkets are still not doing enough for the environment and climate: they shift most of the responsibility to their consumers. Delhaize and Lidl emerge as frontrunners, but the differences between the chains are small.

More on Food
See more
  • icon
    Food24 March, 2023
    For the first time ever: Duvel goes discount

    For the first time in its history, Belgian beer Duvel is giving price discounts. The competition in the beer market is proving too hard to hold on to a non-discount policy.

  • icon
    Food24 March, 2023
    Makro auction earns trustees 2 million euros

    The inventory sale of the sixth and last Belgian Makro shop has been completed. It will bring the bankrupt chain a total of over two million euros. Meanwhile, the premises look rundown.

  • icon
    Food24 March, 2023
    Is ‘dual tracking’ (producing both private labels and A-brands) a good idea?

    The strong growth of private label is tempting A-brand manufacturers to also produce private brands. On the other hand, private label manufacturers see opportunities in developing a national brand. What opportunities and risks does "dual tracking" bring?

Events
  • 20
    Apr
    RetailDetail Congress
  • 11
    May
    Fashion & Beauty Congress
  • 15
    Jun
    Human Resources & People Congress
  • 29
    Jun
    Food Congress
Most read
  • icon
    Fashion3 March, 2023
    LVMH eager for luxury merger with Richemont
  • icon
    Fashion15 March, 2023
    Zara increases its competitive edge over H&M
  • icon
    Food7 March, 2023
    Delhaize to sell all Belgian stores
  • icon
    Food9 March, 2023
    Week-long strike at Belgian Delhaize stores
Follow RetailDetail
  • socialFacebook
  • socialTwitter
  • socialInstagram
  • sociallinkedIn
footer-logo
RetailDetail, the leading b2b-retailcommunity in the Benelux, keeps retail professionals up-to-date by means of online & offline publications, retail events, inspiring retail hunts and the unique co-creation platform retailhub, where retailers and their suppliers can experience the future of shopping.
RetailDetail Mailing Address:
Kolveniersstraat 7, bus 26 
2000 Antwerp
Visiting address:
Stadsfeestzaal – Meir 78 
2000 Antwerp
How to reach us:
Directions
© 2023 RetailDetail
general conditions | privacy policy
+32 3 500 89 59 info@retaildetail.be
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Accept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT