Healthy communities and planet
As Ahold Delhaize works towards the transition to a more healthy and sustainable food system, we demonstrated this through several examples this quarter. In May we announced our new partnership with The Global FoodBanking Network, an international non-profit organization dedicated to supporting community-led foodbanks which contributes to hunger relief while reducing food loss and waste. Last month we also published our 2024 Human Rights Report which includes updates to our Standards of Engagement for suppliers and highlights our brands’ initiatives to improve workers’ conditions across the value chain.
Across our brands, Food Lion celebrated 10 years of Food Lion Feeds, their hunger relief platform that has donated 1.2 billion meals since 2014 and is well on track to its pledge to donate 1.5 billion by the end of 2025. The GIANT Company also announced the return of its Healing the Planet grant program in partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. This year, $100,000 in grants will be awarded for native tree planting projects. In Europe, Albert Heijn joined the Shelf-Life Coalition and Upcycled4Food initiative to raise awareness for the prevention of food loss and waste.
Portfolio and operational excellence
Across Ahold Delhaize and our brands, we use technology and data, we save for our customers every day and we leverage scale to become the most operationally efficient in our industry. In Q2 Albert Heijn demonstrated its commitment to further growing its e-commerce ambitions by mechanizing its fulfillment activities with the opening of a second fully automated Home Shop Center in Zwolle, the Netherlands. Additionally, our CSE brands – Albert, Alfa Beta, Maxi and Mega Image – opened 23 stores throughout the quarter.
In the U.S., Stop & Shop recently announced the closure of 32 stores, set for completion this November as part of our revitalization plan. While this was a difficult decision for associates, customers, and local communities, it is important for creating a sustainable store base long term. By investing in Stop & Shop’s core markets, we can enhance the customer experience and achieve successes. For example, in June, Stop & Shop opened a new flagship store in Allston, Boston, featuring an expansive prepared foods section with chef-prepared grab-and-go meals, an expansive produce department with more fresh and local fruits and vegetables, and a large range of products to serve the diverse range of cultures and communities of Allston.
Looking ahead, our Growing Together strategy will ensure we stay at the forefront of innovation in healthy foods, omnichannel experiences and supply chain transformation, serving customer needs through a well invested and future focused foundation.
