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Ahold Delhaize releases first Human Rights Report

Global food retailer cites ‘responsibility to set the right example’

Russell Redman

June 19, 2020

3 Min Read
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Ahold Delhaize's Human Rights Report sets principles for how the food retailer interacts with customers, employees and vendor partners across its global markets and supply chain.Ahold Delhaize

Ahold Delhaize this week published its inaugural Human Rights Report, aimed at setting principles for how the food retailer interacts with customers, employees and vendor partners across its global markets and supply chain.

Described as an “important milestone,” the Human Rights Report shows the steps that Ahold Delhaize and its local retail brands are taking to protect human rights both within and outside the organization, as well as to raise transparency on high-priority human rights issues, the Zaandam, Netherlands-based company said. The compact, based on the UN Guiding Principles Reporting Framework, stems from a global human rights due-diligence process that began two years ago.

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“2020 is a historic year of unprecedented events arising from the COVID-19 outbreak and the worldwide protests in support of racial justice and equality. These events once again make us realize that, as a global retailer, we play a pivotal role in society,” Ahold Delhaize CEO Frans Muller (left) said in a statement. “We have a big responsibility to set the right example and help dismantle structures that systematically disadvantage some and advantage others.”

In assessing its human rights management policies, processes and governance, Ahold Delhaize has identified six human rights issues — health and safety, compensation, discrimination and harassment, freedom of association, women’s rights and forced labor — as initial priorities. Those will be followed by another six relevant issues, including affordable and healthy food, working conditions, privacy, water and sanitation, children’s rights and child labor.

Related:Ahold Delhaize Q1 ‘unlike any we have ever seen before,’ CEO Frans Muller says

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Ahold Delhaize has named six areas of human rights — health and safety, compensation, discrimination and harassment, freedom of association, women’s rights and forced labor — as initial priorities.

Ahold Delhaize said it’s also bolstering its governance to ensure human rights are embedded within its corporate strategy and the business activities of its local brands. In addition, priority issues will be evaluated to understand how they are impacting local markets and where action can be taken when needed, the company added.

Building on its Code of Ethics, Ahold Delhaize published its Position on Human Rights in 2017. Then in 2018, the company started conducting human rights due diligence with a cross-functional working group overseen by its CEO, chief human resources officer and chief legal officer, which led to the first Human Rights Report.

“I am pleased to see we are making progress in our human rights policies. But we’re not there yet, and more work must be done,” according to Muller. “Our commitment to respect human rights and address the many challenges related to that commitment cannot be fulfilled alone. It requires collaboration and partnership both across the food chain and in our communities.”

Related:Upcoming Ahold Delhaize U.S. cold facilities to be automated by Dematic

Ahold Delhaize said it will continue reporting publicly on its human rights commitments in its annual Report, to external stakeholders and against relevant benchmarks. The company, too, plans to issue a followup human rights report to provide an update on its progress.

“As one of the world’s largest retailers, people are at the center of everything we do. Today, maybe more than ever, people want to feel engaged in their work and know that it has a purpose,” Muller stated in the report. “Our best talent growth driver focuses on fostering a healthy and diverse working environment where people can develop both professionally and personally. Our brands are dedicated to being good employers, providing enriching career opportunities and treating associates with appreciation and respect.”

In the United States, Ahold Delhaize operates 1,971 stores under the banners Stop & Shop, Giant Food, Giant/Martin’s, Food Lion and Hannaford, as well as online grocery brand Peapod. Globally, the company has 7,002 stores in the U.S., the Netherlands, Belgium, and Central and Southeastern Europe.

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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