In the Southeast of the Gran Canaria, an environmental awareness campaign targeting organic waste recycling is being supported by local SPAR Supermarkets. Three municipalities are driving a project to increase the collection of organic waste from fresh products. SPAR Gran Canaria has added support for this initiative to complement its food waste reduction programme.

The organic waste is collected in brown containers labelled ‘organic waste’ and is transformed into high-quality agricultural fertilizer. This material will assist in soil quality recovery on the island when used in agriculture and gardening. Reducing food waste, improving recycling, and reducing the carbon footprint are all objectives included in Sustainable Development 12 as established by the UN.

Supporting expanded local programme

The collection of organic household waste has been in place since 2019, open to 1,800 homes in 31 neighbourhoods in the Southeast. In recent months, the programme was extended to companies and entities which produce organic waste, including the restaurant sector, food retailers and education institutions. The roll-out included giving training and advice, providing special containers, and implementing a door-to-door collection service. The local SPAR Supermarkets were pleased to join this initiative which contributes to a more sustainable Gran Canaria.

Other food waste reduction initiatives

In addition to this new initiative, SPAR Gran Canaria donates products to Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) which have short expiry dates, which ensures they are consumed. Other examples of how the retailer drives food waste reduction are responsible procurement policies, targeted instore promotions, good storage of fresh goods, and transportation policies aimed at preventing product deterioration.

Source: SPAR Gran Canaria

Read more about SPAR in Spain.

About SPAR Spain

SPAR Spain was founded in 1959 when a group of wholesalers who wished to join an international organisation came together. As a result, the brand became the first voluntary trading chain to be established in Spain. 

The head office is in Barcelona. It provides buying, marketing, communications, and brand support to the 13 regional partners. Together, the SPAR operators actively continue the expansion of the brand across the country.