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70% OF ALDI SALES TO COME FROM HEALTHIER FOOD OPTIONS BY 2025

Retailer Unveils its First-Ever Sustainability Report in Ireland

ALDI Ireland, voted the most sustainable supermarket in the country according to the 2023 RepTrak Sustainability Index, is today announcing a significant milestone. The release of its inaugural sustainability report includes ambitious packaging targets and a pledge that 70% of its sales will come from healthier food options by 2025.

The ALDI Ireland Sustainability Report 2022 reflects ALDI’s commitment to sustainability, community support, and ethical practices through its Better Everyday strategy, reinforcing the retailer’s position as a frontrunner in responsible retail.

Reducing Food Waste

Since 2017, ALDI has been working hard to cut down on food waste, emphasising the business’s dedication to combatting this global issue while continuing to offer affordable, high-quality food to customers. ALDI’s sustainability report outlines the retailer’s impressive 12% reduction in food waste between 2017 and 2022, resulting in a substantial saving of 627 tonnes, the equivalent of more than 300 average family cars.

ALDI’s commitment to sustainability is also exemplified by its 100% renewable energy usage, donations of 2.6 million meals through its partnership with FoodCloud, and its active participation in Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme, Ireland’s pioneering food and drink sustainability programme.

Market Leading Pay for Colleagues

Recognised as a market leader for pay in the grocery sector, ALDI continues its commitment to fair wages, ensuring a supportive environment for its employees. ALDI this month became the first retailer in Ireland to adopt the new national Living Wage, as recommended by the Living Wage Technical Group, which ensures that all ALDI employees will earn a minimum of €14.80 per hour from 1^st of February 2024.

Community Support

The business’s sustainability principles extend to partnerships with suppliers, offering healthy choices to customers, and supporting local communities.

The company also promotes healthier lifestyles through initiatives like ALDI Play Rugby, in partnership with the IRFU, directly impacting over 117,000 children in 2022 and the Barnardos Big Active, a schools-focused campaign designed to help students of all ages and abilities to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing.

Commenting on the publication of ALDI Ireland’s Sustainability Report, Niall O’Connor, Group Managing Director at ALDI Ireland said: 

“What is really important to consumers today is affordable food that is also good for their health – that is why we are confirming today that 70% of our range of core line products will be healthier food options by the end of 2025.

“We’re proud to share the progress we’ve made on our sustainability journey. Reducing waste isn’t just an environmental effort; it’s a way to ensure high-quality, affordable, and healthy food continues to reach those that need it most.

“We’re not only about low prices at ALDI; we’re about making sustainability accessible and affordable for everyone. Our aim is to foster a greener, fairer, and healthier future.”

Reflecting on ALDI’s journey so far, Mr O’Connor, who also chairs ALDI’s International Sustainability Committee added:

“We are proud of the progress we’re making, and I’m pleased to share our progress in our first sustainability report. But we also know that it doesn’t stop there and that is why we’re looking to push ourselves even further.

“As we continue to expand our footprint and broaden our customer base, we are committed to doing so in a sustainable and responsible way.”

With a presence in every county in the Republic of Ireland and over 4,650 employees, ALDI remains dedicated to its mission of making sustainability affordable for all, shaping a Better Everyday for future generations. The full sustainability report can be accessed here.