SPAR Hungary highlights commitment to social responsibility

March 12, 2024 IN THE CATEGORY: Community, Environment, Health, People, Responsible retailing

SPAR Hungary highlights its continued commitment to social responsibility, emphasising environmental sustainability, employee and customer well-being, supporting small local family-owned businesses, and aiding disadvantaged groups. In 2023, the company allocated over 200 million HUF for charitable initiatives.

Supporting students and children in need

During the third edition of the “Joy to Give!” campaign, INTERSPAR customers provided over 62,000 school supplies and nearly 2.2 million HUF in donation cards for 1,600 needy pupils. SPAR Hungary donated an additional 1 million HUF.

Additionally SPAR Hungary, in partnership with Intersnack, contributed 4.6 million HUF to the Heim Pál National Paediatric Institute. The funds will be used to improve departments, acquire surgical equipment, and reduce waiting times for children in need of surgery.

Any saved food matters

SPAR Hungary’s collaboration with a local company allowed shoppers to rescue soon-to-expire food through an app. The solution is now available in all SPAR and INTERSPAR stores after a successful six-month pilot, with unsold items donated to those in need in partnership with the Charity Service of the Hungarian Order of Malta.

Helping four-legged companions

In 2023, SPAR Hungary’s annual support for animal shelters in 33 stores included donations of dog and cat food, both canned and dry. The fourth edition of the “Paw in Trouble!” campaign contributed a variety of pet supplies for cats and dogs in need.

Planting fruit trees for carbon footprint reduction

SPAR Hungary reduces its carbon footprint at the Budapest Wine Festival by planting trees, offsetting emissions, and supporting environmental initiatives. The company sources locally, prepares meals on-site to cut packaging and transportation, and implements waste reduction. In total, 8.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions are offset by planting 392 saplings, contributing to biodiversity.

Empowering small businesses / Expanding regional markets

SPAR Hungary supports small businesses through the Hungaricool competition, with 179 enterprises entering 301 products in 2023. The nine winning brands and 37 new products create jobs and foster entrepreneurship. The Regional Treasures programme, started in 2021, expands market access for small domestic producers in Budapest and six regional cities.

Source: SPAR Hungary

Read more about SPAR Hungary


About SPAR Hungary

The first SPAR Supermarket opened in Hungary in 1992, following the acquisition by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG) of a majority stake in General Kereskedelmi Rt. SPAR Hungary is one of the country’s largest employers, with a network of company-owned and independently run stores operating nationwide.

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