Kaufland Romania has published its latest Sustainability Report and the seventh at the local level, for the financial year 2023.

The report provides information about the supply chain of Kaufland stores, initiatives to reduce environmental impact and about projects with impact in the community, where the company has invested the largest budget so far.

“I am proud of the efforts and progress that Kaufland makes annually in the direction of sustainability, but also of the recognitions that reflect our commitment to supporting the communities we are part of. We have accelerated investments in programs dedicated to colleagues, in community support initiatives and in projects to reduce environmental impact, continuing to contribute to a fairer and more sustainable future together with our partners,” said Marco Hößl, CEO Kaufland Romania and the Republic of Moldova.

Suppliers and product portfolio:

• 2.8 billion euros, i.e. 79% of the company’s supplier expenses were directed to Romanian suppliers;

• in 2023, Kaufland Romania collaborated with approximately 2,500 local suppliers of products and services;

• almost 19,000 food products (85%) come from local suppliers;

• over 400 own-brand products that are lactose-free, gluten-free, for vegan or organic diets.

Kaufland Team:

• The total financial value of employee benefits in the reporting period was 35.3 million euros, an increase of 25% compared to 2022;

• The total number of employees with disabilities during 2023 was 593, which represents an increase of 2.24% compared to the previous year, facilitated by the A.C.C.E.S. Program, recently extended to the Republic of Moldova.

• At the end of the 2023 financial year, Kaufland had a total of 16,500 employees, of which 73.94% were women and 26.06% were men;

Community

• The total budget of investments with impact at the community level, through donations and sponsorships, exceeds 9.7 million euros, a record for the company;

• The company supported and implemented 114 education, environmental, social, cultural, sports and health projects.

• Kaufland entered into partnerships with 83 NGOs in the country and continued the 2 grant programs, “In good health” and “Start ONG”.

Environment – ​​food, materials and packaging

• Over 60 tons of food saved from waste in 2023, representing a 46% increase in quantity compared to the financial year 2022.

• The investment budget for the expansion and maintenance of the recycling vending machine network exceeded 7 million euros

• Kaufland installed the largest separate waste collection equipment in Romania in 2023, at the Kaufland Barbu Văcărescu store in Bucharest, following an investment of over 260,000 euros.

Environment – ​​energy and emissions

• In 2023, the company invested 6.7 million euros in equipping an additional 27 stores with 16,000 photovoltaic panels.

• Energy intensity decreased by 18.6%, marking the third consecutive year of energy consumption reduction.

• Kaufland invested over 2.5 million euros in charging stations for electric cars, reaching 131 stores with charging stations in 2023.