Albert Heijn Netherlands achieves B Corp Certification
Certification as recognition of steps forward
December 12, 2024 – Ahold Delhaize is proud to announce that Albert Heijn Netherlands has received the prestigious B Corp Certification. This milestone underscores Albert Heijn's purpose – "Together we make eating better the easy choice. For everyone." – through which it contributes to a healthier, more social, and sustainable society. Achieving B Corp Certification is an encouragement for Albert Heijn Netherlands to continue on its chosen path.
The B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency. With B Corp Certification, Albert Heijn Netherlands joins a global network of more than 9,000 companies that prioritize positive impact and are committed to a more inclusive, regenerative, and equal economy.
Marit van Egmond, brand president of Albert Heijn: “As the largest supermarket in the Netherlands, we take steps – both large and small – every day to contribute to a healthy, sustainable, and social society based on our purpose. We do this together with all 125,000 colleagues, our partners and, of course, our customers. I’m proud of the recognition from B Lab, and I see the certification as a positive incentive to continue along our chosen path. I’m looking forward to that. Because the more you know and learn, the more you realize what’s still possible.”
Tessa van Soest, Director B Lab Benelux: “Albert Heijn Netherlands has reached an important milestone by achieving B Corp Certification. B Lab strives for economic system change, where companies create value for all their stakeholders. We warmly welcome Albert Heijn Netherlands to the B Corp community and, as B Corp Certification is all about continuous improvement, we look forward to the next steps in their sustainability journey.”
B Corp Certification: how does it work?
To achieve B Corp Certification, an organization must score at least 80 out of a maximum of 200 points in an assessment conducted by B Lab. This process evaluates the impact of a company across five key areas: governance, environment, workers, customers, and community. Albert Heijn Netherlands scored 97.9 points, as noted in its public B Corp profile. Furthermore, every B Corp must embed a commitment to considering the impact of its actions on all stakeholders in its articles of association. To maintain certification, B Corps must recertify every three years.
On an annual basis, Albert Heijn reports its progress in its sustainability report. You can read the 2023 report here. We’re very proud of this step forward and encourage Albert Heijn to continue on this path.