As a responsible retailer, SPAR’s global tree planting efforts not only reflect our values but also play a vital role in protecting the environment and fostering community growth. On the International Day of Forests, we take the opportunity to showcase several tree planting initiatives carried out by SPAR country organisations in Zimbabwe, Gran Canaria, Hungary, Italy and China.

SPAR Zimbabwe

SPAR Zimbabwe continues to strengthen its environmental sustainability efforts through impactful tree‑planting initiatives carried out in partnership with MyTrees and local bank CABS. Following on from the planting of 2,000 trees across Harare in 2024, the company donated 1,200 indigenous trees to junior council members across 25 wards in December 2025, ensuring that each community could take part in restoring and protecting local ecosystems. A further 500 trees were planted together with students and teachers at Marlborough High School, helping to green the area and inspire future generations to care for their environment. By promoting the planting of local species, including the Zimbabwean Forestry Commission 2025 Tree of the Year, the Sausage Tree, which grows to between 20 and 40 metres, SPAR Zimbabwe reinforces its commitment to biodiversity, climate resilience, and community engagement.

SPAR Gran Canaria

As a long-standing patron of the Foresta Foundation since 2007, SPAR Gran Canaria continues to support the reforestation and conservation of the island’s natural landscapes. In 2024, the company planted more than 200 indigenous trees in partnership with the foundation, contributing to an estimated two tonnes of CO₂ absorption annually over the next 30 years. Employees and their family members actively participated in these activities, reinforcing SPAR Gran Canaria’s commitment to environmental stewardship while strengthening awareness of biodiversity and community engagement across the SPAR network. Over the past 18 years, this collaboration has supported successful reforestation projects in multiple locations across Gran Canaria, showcasing SPAR’s long-term dedication to sustainability.

SPAR Hungary

SPAR Hungary continues to organise its major corporate events in a carbon-conscious manner, voluntarily offsetting emissions by planting 304 native fruit trees. This initiative, assessed by an independent expert, ensures environmental balance and supports the five-year carbon offsetting programme. The trees, sourced from Gyula Kovács’s ‘Tündérkert’ orchard in Zala County, will be planted in the gardens of schools and non-profit organisations with the involvement of GreenDependent. Beyond offsetting emissions, the tree planting contributes to biodiversity, education, and the preservation of traditional Hungarian fruit varieties.

DESPAR Italia

In 2025, DESPAR Italia continued its environmental commitment through the “Bosco Diffuso DESPAR” project, which involves planting new trees across Italy. This initiative, carried out by the six member companies of the Consortium, aimed at planting trees to help prevent and regenerate areas affected by environmental disasters, making forestation a strategic action against climate risks. With 1,500 new trees planted in 2025, the total number of trees in the “Bosco Diffuso DESPAR” project reached 4,500 nationwide. It is carried out with PlanBee and local non-profit organisations, involving schools and associations in tree planting activities to promote environmental regeneration and ecological education.

SPAR China

In 2025, SPAR Shandong, part of Jiajiayue Holding Group operating in the North of China, took part in the annual tree planting initiative in Weihai. The tree planting initiative has taken place each year on Arbor Day since 2015, with SPAR Shandong, Hengan Group and Kowloon City Shopping Plaza collaborating. In the last 10 years, more than 50,000 people have taken part in the initiative, with 64,000 trees planted. Around 200 families with their children participated in the 2025 event, when more than 800 black pine trees were planted. With help from local staff, parents and children could cultivate the soil and plant the trees. Families could also bring wish cards to attach to the trees.

Sources: SPAR Zimbabwe, SPAR Gran Canaria, SPAR Hungary, DESPAR Italia, SPAR China