SPAR Italy and its regional operators have initiated a host of responsible retailing projects in September, including a significant environmental cleanup campaign, and shopping voucher donations. Recognition for sustainability efforts of regional operator Aspiag Service led to them receiving the title of Sustainability Leader in a survey of 1,200 companies.

DESPAR Northeast, Lombardy and Emilia Romagna

Aspiag Service ranked as ‘Sustainability Leader’

The financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore and research firm Statista have recognised SPAR Italy partner Aspiag Service as Sustainability Leader in a sustainability guide ranking the top 150 Italian companies in terms of CSR commitments. More than 1,200 companies were assessed based on their engagement with their staff, local communities, the environment, and other CSR domains.

Rotary Club raises more than €75,000 

Aspiag Service has added 10% to a €75,000 donation raised by the Rotary Clubs of Bolzano, Merano, and Bressanone in Northeast Italy. The donation will be used to support underprivileged households. The funds have been converted into shopping vouchers, which are being distributed to vulnerable households by local charities. These vouchers, worth different amounts, can be redeemed at local SPAR stores, ensuring quality groceries for these families.

Source: Aspiag Service

DESPAR Centre-South Italy

DESPAR joins 2021 Clean Up the World

From 24 to 26 September, SPAR Centre-South Italy (Maiora) took part in the Clean Up the World initiative. Groups of  SPAR team members and customers cleaned coastal and urban areas in 20 municipalities in Southern Italy. The SPAR regional partner also took part in the initiative last year. The environmental cleanup was held in partnership with Legambiente, Italy’s largest environmental protection organisation.

View a video on Maiora’s 2020 environmental cleanup campaign.

Source: Maiora

DESPAR Northwest

SPAR donates goods for family homes in Genoa

In September, DESPAR Northwest donated food and other products to the Gaslini Children’s Hospital family homes in Genoa. These homes provide accommodation to the families of children receiving treatment at the hospital. The SPAR Partner joined an initiative of an independent SPAR retailer and donated the goods with Noi per voi (‘We for Us’), a charity that supports young patients’ families. These practical donations will help families who are staying away from home feel welcome and supported.

Source: DESPAR Nordovest

Read more news about SPAR in Italy

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. With it, SPAR became 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 Partners operate 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. While the company achieves most of its turnover through these larger format stores, the independently owned neighbourhood supermarkets remain vital.