During October, all DESPAR, EUROSPAR and INTERSPAR stores promoted Italian heritage as part of a partnership with FAI – Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano and its campaign ‘Remember to save Italy’. The non-profit foundation was founded in 1975 and aims to protect and highlight Italian historical, artistic and landscape heritage. This partnership is a new addition to DESPAR Italia’s corporate social responsibility programme.

Through supporting this campaign, awareness of the three aspects of heritage was under the spotlight. Operating on a similar basis to the British National Trust, the FAI promotes education, passion, knowledge-sharing and enjoyment of the environment, the landscape, the historical and artistic heritage of the country. As part of the ‘Remember to save Italy’ campaign, FAI Autumn Days were held on 15 and 16 October. Italians were encouraged to discover 700 wonders which are part of the country’s heritage, located in over 350 cities.

On the occasion of a press conference to announce the partnership, the Managing Director of DESPAR Italia, Filippo Fabbri, said: “We have contributed to this worthy national cause and are encouraging our customers to also support it. In this way, we demonstrate to our colleagues and customers how close DESPAR is to our heritage in each region. We are pleased to support the work of FAI which through initiatives such as Autumn Days creates awareness of our country’s hidden treasures, fostering a cohesive and participatory community. Our stores are also integral to people’s lives, offering quality, service and convenience, to the communities they serve.”

Creating awareness

DESPAR stores nationwide displayed informative and personalised posters detailing the FAI assets present in the region throughout the month of October. For a minimum donation of €2, a customer received a card from FAI which is valid for 12 months. Using this card, customers will be able to visit the FAI heritage site of their choice at no cost.

Source: DESPAR Italia

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About SPAR Italy

SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, was first granted the SPAR Brand’s licence in 1959. The first store opened in 1960, making SPAR the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in the country. In addition, SPAR Italy licenses regional partners, all of whom work together to grow the brand across the country.

The DESPAR consortium operates stores under three formats: DESPAR neighbourhood supermarkets, EUROSPAR Supermarkets, and INTERSPAR Hypermarkets. Many of the larger format stores are company-owned, reflecting the scale of investment required. The independently owned neighbourhood supermarkets are a vital part of the organisation’s strategy to bring a high-quality, tailored grocery offering to communities.