For over 90 years, the SPAR Brand has been uplifting and growing communities around the world, with the fir tree at the centre of our identity. As part of our focus as a responsible retailer, tree planting initiatives not only relate to the SPAR identity, but also play a pivotal role in environmental conservation and growth, and adding value to the communities we serve.

SPAR One Tree Planted campaign

In recognising SPAR’s 90-year anniversary in 2022, a global SPAR One Tree Planted initiative was launched in partnership with non-profit environmental charity One Tree Planted. SPAR country organisations worldwide work with that and similar organisations to plant trees, restore forests after fires and floods, create habitats for biodiversity, and make a positive social impact. To date, over 90,000 trees have been planted by SPAR country organisations as part of the drive to support communities.

SPAR China

SPAR China partner, SPAR Shandong, collaborated with Hengan Group and Kowloon City Shopping Plaza for a tree planting initiative in Kowloon City, Weihai. Over 3,000 volunteers joined the “Get Close to Nature, Feel the Softness” initiative. Many families participated by digging and cultivating soil, planting, and watering the seedlings. This highlights SPAR Shandong’s continuous dedication to environmental protection and community engagement for a better future.

SPAR Gran Canaria

In November this year, SPAR Gran Canaria, working with the Foresta Foundation, reforested an area of 4,000m² around the Alto del Pozo recreational and camping area. A total of 200 new trees comprising a wide variety were planted. The collaboration between SPAR Gran Canaria and the Foresta Foundation has been ongoing since 2007, with over 6,000 trees planted in that timespan.

SPAR Ireland

SPAR Ireland once again partnered with the Tree Council of Ireland to encourage primary school children to connect with nature and plant a tree on SPAR National Tree Day, which took place on Thursday, October 3. The campaign, themed “Trees are Magic- Draíocht na gCrann” called on children, teachers and parents to take the pledge and plant one of the 2,000 native Irish Hawthorn tree saplings that are free to primary schools.

DESPAR Italia

As part of the international One Tree Planted campaign, DESPAR Italia introduced the “Bosco Diffuso Despar” initiative in 2023, in collaboration with partner PlanBee. After planting over 1,400 trees last year, the retail organisation will plant a further 1,600 trees over the course of November and December this year during 7 different planting occasions. The first took place close to the DESPAR Italia headquarters in Bologna when 300 new trees were planted.

SPAR Zimbabwe

SPAR Zimbabwe, in collaboration with Roydon Secondary School, My Trees Trust, and the Forestry Commission, planted 13,000 trees as part of a reforestation initiative, built on the 2022 project which saw 10,000 trees planted at the school. This project supports global reforestation goals and aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Source: SPAR International, SPAR China, SPAR Gran Canaria, SPAR Ireland, DESPAR Italia, SPAR Zimbabwe