SPAR Hungary is committed to contributing to a sustainable future. In its latest sustainability report, the retail organisation outlines five key focus areas: environmental awareness, social responsibility, staff appreciation, food safety and health promotion.

“Sustainability is the biggest issue and challenge of our modern age, with our future at stake. As a responsible company, we must focus on these questions. Our environmental awareness is emphasised in areas like energy efficiency, waste management or the conservation of natural resources. As part of our social responsibility, we support people in need and donate to animal welfare organisations and various social programmes. We also care about our employees who work hard for our mutual success. We will continue these initiatives in 2024 and remain committed to sustainability”, said SPAR Hungary’s President and CEO Gabriella Heiszler.

In 2019, SPAR Hungary unified its sustainability efforts under the theme “SPAR – for a sustainable future,” linking its priority areas to sustainable development. Core values – modern, customer-focused, and sustainably operating – define daily activities and organisational operations.

Environmental awareness

SPAR Hungary is committed to environmental awareness across its store network, logistics centres, food production facilities, and headquarters. The company focuses on energy efficiency, waste management, and conserving natural resources.

In 2023, SPAR Hungary reduced its total energy consumption by over 5.5% compared to the previous year. Additionally, waste volume decreased by more than 1,600 tonnes (5%) last year compared to 2022. By using reusable curtains for the roll containers for logistics, SPAR Hungary saves over 70 tonnes of packaging material annually. Partnering with Munch, SPAR Hungary also helps reduce food waste by offering discounted food packages to customers.

Product variety

SPAR Hungary places a strong emphasis on food safety, ensuring that only verified products from trusted sources are available instore. The company adheres to international quality management standards to guarantee the highest levels of food safety.

SPAR Hungary promotes healthy diets through its SPAR Lifestyle (SPAR Életmód) programme. The company continuously expands its product range to support healthier living, raises awareness about quality food, and takes into account people with dietary intolerances. SPAR Hungary promotes sports and a healthier lifestyle, exemplified by its sponsorship of the SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival.

Personnel development

As one of the largest employers in the country, SPAR Hungary highlights the importance of continuous professional training and fair remuneration for its employees. Last year, the company spent HUF 8.7 billion (approximately €22.15 million) on salary increases. Training hours per employee also increased by over 20% in 2023. For its exemplary and reliable care for employee working and living conditions, SPAR Hungary was awarded the title “Reliable Employer 2023/24” by the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK).

Charity support

SPAR Hungary very strongly supports communities and organisations dedicated to social welfare. In 2023, the company spent over HUF 200 million (over €508,960) on charitable causes. A partnership with the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service supports two annual fundraising campaigns. In May 2023, SPAR Hungary organised the “Paw in Trouble!” (Mancs a bajban!) pet food donation campaign, involving volunteers from over 30 animal welfare organisations, collecting large amounts of pet food.

Sustainable initiatives

SPAR Hungary implemented several initiatives in its toGo food bars to enhance environmental awareness, responsible waste management, and optimise energy usage. The company significantly reduced cooking oil consumption by switching to a more durable oil, reducing usage by over 1,300 litres from the previous year. 90% of the food on offer is now cooked using energy-efficient hot air fryers, with optimised frying capacity to further reduce energy and oil consumption.

SPAR Hungary introduced plastic-free packaging and compostable cutlery across their 37 restaurants. The company has improved refrigeration efficiency and now use energy-saving dishwashers to conserve water. Food waste is managed by donating usable leftovers to animal shelters. The retail organisation now uses locally produced paper plates, boxes, and cups, significantly lowering its ecological footprint.

SPAR Hungary’s 2023 sustainability report is available by using this link: www.sparafenntarthatojovoert.hu/jelentes

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.