Delhaize recognized for leadership in health and sustainability

February 11, 2025 – At Ahold Delhaize, we are committed to supporting a healthy and sustainable food system to create a brighter future for our communities. We are proud to share that the latest Business Impact Assessments (BIA) study by Sciensano has reaffirmed our Belgium brand Delhaize’s leadership in health and sustainability, recognizing its efforts in building a resilient supply chain, promoting healthy and sustainable diets, and advancing circularity.

In Sciensano’s BIA study on sustainability, Delhaize emerged as a leader across multiple indicators – proving that its long-standing commitment is yielding results. Delhaize achieved top scores for various sustainability efforts:

·       90 for its corporate sustainability strategy
·       83 for its packaging initiatives
·       72 for its food waste and waste management policies
·       100 (maximum score) for its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint

Building a resilient supply chain

In line with these efforts, Delhaize continues to work closely with local farmers and suppliers to develop innovative solutions that ensure long-term sustainability. Through initiatives such as the Delhaize Climate Hub, the brand supports suppliers in measuring and reducing their carbon footprint, contributing to the brand’s Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goal of reducing supply chain carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 (compared with 2018 levels).

In addition, Delhaize is investing in sustainable sourcing practices, ensuring that its supply chain remains resilient in the face of environmental and economic challenges. Collaborations with Belgian farmers have led to innovative projects in sustainable vegetable cultivation, bakery improvements, and responsible meat production, reinforcing its commitment to local, sustainable food systems.
 

Encouraging healthy and sustainable diets

Delhaize has maintained its top position in the Sciensano BIA Obesity study with a score of 65%. This scientific research regularly evaluates the largest Belgian, French and European food companies based on their policies, commitments and performance in nutrition and obesity prevention. The goal is to highlight leadership in public health and obesity prevention while identifying areas for improvement.

A frontrunner in nutrition, Delhaize was the first Belgian retailer to introduce Nutri-Score in 2018, helping customers make informed choices about their food. Today, it offers the largest share of Nutri-Score A and B products, making it easier for consumers to choose healthier options. To further support customers, Delhaize reformulates over 1,500 products annually, reducing sugar and salt while maintaining great taste. These efforts align with the brand’s broader mission to encourage balanced eating habits.

Beyond its product offerings, Delhaize prioritizes consumer education. Through its GoodCook program, which has reached tens of thousands of children, Delhaize teaches young consumers about the importance of healthy eating and sustainable food choices. This initiative, run in collaboration with GoodPlanet Belgium, provides interactive workshops in schools, reinforcing the idea that good nutrition habits should start early in life.
 

Advancing circularity 

Delhaize is moving forward in circularity by reducing packaging waste and food loss. The brand has implemented recyclable and recycled packaging solutions, including rPET, and is an active member of the Reusable Packaging Coalition, piloting innovative projects such as reusable mushroom packaging in collaboration with local growers.

Furthermore, Delhaize is tackling food waste through innovative projects like its partnership with start-up Wastech, which explores ways to convert food waste into animal feed using insect larvae. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to minimize both packaging and food waste, and to promote sustainable alternatives.
 

A shared commitment to a better future

This recognition from Sciensano highlights the progress Delhaize is making in creating a more sustainable and health-conscious food system. By integrating resilient sourcing, better nutrition and circular economy principles, Delhaize is leading the way toward a future where healthy living and sustainability go hand in hand. Better for both people and planet.

“Delhaize is extremely proud that our long-standing efforts in health and sustainability are once again recognized by a scientific institute like Sciensano,” says Xavier Piesvaux, CEO of Delhaize. We acknowledge that there’s still progress to be made, but these results motivate us even more to continue offering our customers an increasing number of healthy and sustainable products.”