Collaborating for a more sustainable food system

April 14, 2025 – At Ahold Delhaize, we recognize that achieving our climate targets requires collaboration across our entire value chain. We’re committed to reducing emissions within our own operations (scope 1 and 2), as well as our value chain (scope 3). This includes thousands of suppliers who provide hundreds of thousands of products, which make their way into the hands of millions of customers at our 17 great local brands.  

 

Our scope 3 targets 

In 2023, in line with the SBTi guidance on land-related (forest, land and agriculture sector or FLAG) and non-land-related (Energy and Industrial sector or E&I), we replaced both our near-term and long-term scope 3 GHG emissions reduction targets with two reduction targets, FLAG and E&I sector targets. Both our near-term (2030) and our long-term (2050) scope 3 reduction targets are consistent with the SBTi methodology with the aim of maintaining the level of decarbonization required to keep the global temperature increase within 1.5°C of pre-industrial temperatures. 
 

Three levers for decarbonization 

To tackle this challenge, we have identified three key levers for decarbonization in our value chain (scope 3): 

  • Engaging our suppliers and identifying emission reduction opportunities 
  • Ensuring a lower emission assortment  
  • Encouraging our customers to make more sustainable choices 

Partnerships and collaboration are an important part of how the brands increase transparency and support implementation of decarbonization techniques in their supply chains.  
 

Ahold Delhaize USA’s farmland-focused initiatives to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions  

Through several strategic collaborations with key suppliers, Ahold Delhaize USA is making strides to reduce GHG emissions in the value chain, contribute to a healthier planet, and create a more resilient and sustainable food system.  

Kellanova and Bartlett: regenerative wheat in North Carolina 

In summer of last year, Ahold Delhaize USA teamed up with Kellanova (formerly Kellogg Company) and Bartlett to launch a farm-to-shelf regenerative agriculture pilot aimed at reducing Scope 3 GHG emissions in wheat farming. This collaboration focuses on supporting North Carolina wheat farmers in adopting regenerative practices to enhance soil health and supply chain resilience. 

The pilot program involves financial investments from Ahold Delhaize USA, Kellanova and Bartlett to assist farmers in implementing regenerative agriculture techniques. Bartlett's certified crop advisors provide technical assistance to farmers, guiding them in conservation practices that improve soil health and water quality, while reducing emissions. The harvested wheat is milled at Bartlett’s facility in Wilson’s Mills, North Carolina, and used to produce Kellanova’s Cheez-It® and Club® crackers at their Cary, North Carolina, facility. These consumer products, which integrate regenerative wheat into their recipes, are expected to be available in Ahold Delhaize USA's local brand stores this year.  

General Mills: supply shed collaboration 

In September 2024, Ahold Delhaize USA and General Mills announced a collaborative initiative to address Scope 3 emissions within their shared value chain. This project focuses on co-investing in key supply sheds – geographic regions where key ingredients are sourced – to support farmers in adopting regenerative agriculture practices. 

The collaboration aims to implement regenerative farming techniques on over 70,000 acres of farmland in Kansas, U.S., and Saskatchewan, Canada, by the end of 2025. These areas represent the approximate acreage General Mills uses to source key ingredients, such as wheat and oats, for products sold in Ahold Delhaize USA's local brand stores, including Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. 

Farmers receive technical and financial support to implement practices like cover cropping and nutrient management. The Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC), a non-profit, member-based organization, will facilitate the program and oversee impact measurement. A combination of field sampling and modeling will be used to estimate net GHG emissions, with reductions and soil carbon sequestration verified by an independent third-party organization to ensure transparency and accountability. 

Campbell’s: collaboration for potato farming practices 

Ahold Delhaize USA and The Campbell's Company recently initiated a three-year regenerative agriculture pilot aimed at reducing carbon emissions associated with potato farming. This project focuses on supporting partner farms in implementing regenerative practices to enhance soil health and create more resilient agricultural systems. 

The pilot involves three potato farms located in North Carolina, New York and Michigan respectively, covering a total of 1,000 acres – the approximate area needed annually to grow potatoes for Campbell's products sold in Ahold Delhaize USA’s local brand stores. The harvested potatoes will be used in products such as Kettle Brand® chips, Cape Cod® chips and Campbell’s® soups, available in the stores of Ahold Delhaize USA’s great local brands.  

Key farming practices promoted in this initiative include cover cropping, compost application, nutrient management, and converting farm equipment to renewable energy sources. The companies will collaborate with farmers to measure soil health and emissions impacts, leveraging Campbell's broader sustainable agriculture program, which has engaged all its potato suppliers since 2023. 
 

Commitment to collaboration 

By working with key partners to support farmers in adopting regenerative agriculture, these programs aim to improve soil health, enhance supply chain resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. From field to shelf, these efforts not only contribute to a lower-carbon food system but also help create positive environmental outcomes and support the long-term sustainability of farms and their communities.  

By engaging with suppliers in this way, we create a ripple effect of sustainability across the industry. Through continued collaboration, data-driven insights and innovation, we will keep working for a healthier future for people and planet. 
 

Further resources 

For more information, read Ahold Delhaize USA’s press releases or refer to our 2024 Annual Report: