Ahold Delhaize aims to inspire and enable customers to make healthier and more sustainable choices. As part of those efforts, Ahold Delhaize announces that its European food retail brands* have set a consolidated target, aiming for 50% plant-based food sales by 2030. A gradual shift towards more plant-based proteins is an important component of its plan to reduce carbon emissions and its impact on nature, and can also help achieve nutritional health objectives.
Value for customers
By encouraging a shift towards a more plant-rich diet, Ahold Delhaize’s local brands aim to provide greater value and choice to their customers. This includes offering delicious, nutritious, and affordable options that cater to diverse lifestyles and preferences.
Ahold Delhaize’s commitment highlights its efforts to drive the transition to a healthier and more sustainable food system. Approximately 95% of the company’s emissions are outside of its own operations, within the value chain. This includes the footprint of all products sold in the stores of the local brands. Products that contain animal-based proteins represent the highest emissions due to land use, feed, and processing activities. By rebalancing protein sales and advancing the development of lower carbon emission animal products, Ahold Delhaize is addressing emissions in line with its climate ambition.
Inspiring customers to make healthier and more sustainable choices
Claude Sarrailh, CEO of Ahold Delhaize Europe and Indonesia comments: “We are committed to inspiring healthier and more sustainable lifestyles by focusing on what truly matters to our brands’ customers. While supporting the shift to more plant-based proteins, we also work closely with our animal protein producers and suppliers to help reduce the environmental impact of their products. Our goal is to serve all customers and honor their diverse food preferences, while encouraging them to explore plant-rich options more often. Even small changes in the shopping habits of millions of customers each week can collectively make a positive impact on the health of people and planet.”
Daniella Vega, Senior Vice President Health & Sustainability at Ahold Delhaize added: “At Ahold Delhaize and our local brands, we view healthier, more sustainable diets as a chance to deliver exceptional value to customers — including great attention to quality, taste, nutrition, and affordability. Collaborating closely with our suppliers and partners, we are committed to inspiring everyone to make choices that support better eating and better living”.
Building on years of experience in supporting healthier dietary choices and working with healthy sales targets, Ahold Delhaize is increasingly helping customers to make more sustainable choices. The brands’ strategies are tailored to their local markets and customer preferences. These include:
- Actively promoting plant-based product ranges and offering lower-carbon animal protein assortments.
- Working together with farmers and partners to reduce emissions of animal protein products.
- Leveraging loyalty programs and incentives to encourage customers to choose plant-based alternatives.
- Investing in inspiration and education, helping customers discover the benefits of healthier and more sustainable choices.
For more information and examples of our local brands’ approaches to healthier and more sustainable choices, please visit this webpage.
In 2022, Dutch brand Albert Heijn set its current protein split target of 60% plant-based sales by 2030.