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Albertsons unveils ‘Recipe for Change’ ESG platform

Supermarket giant eyes ‘even greater impact,’ sustainability chief Suzanne Long says

Russell Redman

April 21, 2022

3 Min Read
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Albertsons' Recipe for Change plan sets long-term goals and strategies focused on four 'pillars' designated as 'Planet, People, Product and Community.'Albertsons

Albertsons Cos. has embarked on a new corporate sustainability and responsibility strategy with the launch of an environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework dubbed “Recipe for Change.”

Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons said yesterday that the Recipe for Change plan sets long-term goals and strategies focused on maximizing the company’s impact across four “pillars” designated as “Planet, People, Product and Community.”

Leading the execution of Albertsons’ ESG game plan and sustainability agenda will be Suzanne Long, who has served as the supermarket giant’s chief sustainability and transformation officer since last September and been overseeing its ESG efforts since late 2020. Albertsons noted that Long has led a variety of major strategic initiatives at Albertsons and has more than 25 years of experience in retail and consulting, including nearly 15 years at Albertsons Cos./Albertsons Inc. and Supervalu.

“Albertsons Cos. has made substantial progress driving sustainability practices in our operations, including reducing energy and fuel consumption, implementing recycling programs, and fighting food insecurity in our local neighborhoods,” Long said in a statement. “Recipe for Change is about broadening our existing commitments so we can have an even greater impact.”

Related:Albertsons upholds ‘top tier’ performance in strong fiscal 2021 finish

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The “Planet” pillar in the new ESG platform focuses on fighting climate change by reducing carbon emissions through science-based targets. By 2030, Albertsons aims to cut carbon emissions from company operations by 47% and lower downstream carbon emissions from the use of sold goods by about 27%. The grocer also is working to engage its top suppliers to set science-based carbon reduction targets by 2026 as well as to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in company operations by 2040.

Under the “Product” segment of the ESG plan, Albertsons aims to eliminate food waste, cut down on plastic usage and expedite its transition to a more circular economy. For example, the retailer said it’s targeting zero food waste going to landfills by 2030 and plans to leverage global partnerships and platforms to report on and achieve the company’s “Plastics & Packaging Pledge” goals. The latter include all Own Brands (private label) product packaging with standardized recycling communications by the end of this year and, by 2025, all Own Brands packaging to be 100% recyclable, reusable or industrially compostable and include 20% recycled content.

“As a long-standing neighborhood grocer, we have an ongoing commitment to leverage our resources and expertise to support the communities we serve and the planet we share,” stated Vivek Sankaran, CEO of Albertsons Cos. “We are unveiling ambitious and measurable goals that will challenge us to be even more deliberate and creative about how we lead positive change.”

Related:Albertsons expands affordable access to fresh food and wellness products

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By 2030, Albertsons aims to enable the donation of 1 billion meals.

On the “Community” side of the ESG strategy, Albertsons reaffirmed its commitment to reduce consumer food insecurity at a local level. To that end, the grocer aims to enable the donation of 1 billion meals by 2030 and drive programs and partnerships to alleviate hunger in the communities it serves.

The “People” pillar, meanwhile, will address diversity, equity and inclusion in Albertsons’ efforts to cultivate a diverse workforce and provide equal opportunity for all associates. On that front, the company said it will foster diverse representation within its management ranks, promote an inclusive culture that embraces differences and drives innovation to spur growth, and ensure all associates have equal access to opportunities and resources.

Albertsons added that it will provide updates on and share its progress with Recipe for Change in its annual ESG impact report this summer.

Overall, Albertsons operates 2,276 retail stores, including 1,722 pharmacies, in 34 states and the District of Columbia under such banners as Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lovers Market, as well as 402 fuel centers, 22 distribution centers and 20 manufacturing plants.

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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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