SPAR Strategy 2 Sustain

SPAR Austria’s latest donation of €65,000 to SOS Children’s Village
INTERSPAR has been a partner of SOS Children’s Village since 2004 which helps families in need by providing emergency housing for children. In 2012, INTERSPAR will sponsor eleven houses – one in each of the SOS Children Villages in Austria.
Gwyneth Paltrow introduces SPAR Veggie
SPAR Austria with the help of Gwyneth Paltrow have launched a new vegetarian private label range. SPAR Veggie is not only aimed at vegetarians but also those who choose plant-based food for the sake of the environment and the climate.

More than 80% of the entire SPAR Veggie range is produced in Austria and more than 70% comes from certified organic agriculture.
Helping children enjoy the party
SPAR Zimbabwe has been helping put a smile on the faces of vulnerable children and the physically challenged. They have donated food and groceries to a range of events organised by charities and good causes.
100% sustainably produced coffee
SPAR Netherlands coffee is 100% sustainably produced and sourced from sustainably-certificated farming organisations. In addition, a donation is made to a project in Zambia for every kg sold.
Innovation Award for training
SPAR China has been recognised for its highly innovative Online Training Academy for retail employees with a prestigious award from the China Chainstore and Franchise Association.

Our Climate

Within SPAR we are constantly doing our best to minimise our impact on the environment. By reducing our CO₂ footprint and implementing initiatives to reduce the impact of our business on the environment, we can make a difference. Throughout the supply chain, from warehouse to packaging disposal, recycing waste paper is becoming part of daily life.

These initiatives include the introduction of re-useable shopping bags, becoming more efficient with transport methods and the monitoring through to the reduction of energy use and carbon emissions in our buildings.

Our Community

We at SPAR are rooted in our local communities and we strive to play a very active role in supporting them.

Sponsoring local and international sports events, raising money for good causes and SPAR employees volunteering themselves to work on community projects are but a few.

We also provide employment for local residents and support the work of local producers and artisans bringing their goods to the local market.

Our Product

We offer quality SPAR own brand and private label products from all over the world, in response to the needs of our customers. As a retailer we focus very strongly on acting responsibly with regards to the products we sell.

Sustainability issues are taken into account when we source products e.g. sustainable fishing, or environmentally friendly sourcing of paper products. We are currently working hard to deepen the range of organic and natural products available instore and in particular focusing on Fairtrade products.

We place a special focus on local quality products and work closely with growers to improve the quality of produce and respond to consumer concern regarding the use of pesticides.

Our People

The importance of delivering outstanding service in all parts of our business is well understood.

We actively run international training programmes focused on developing our employees and ensuring that they have the necessary skills and knowledge required. Additionally SPAR countries have their own unique training schemes to cater to the local market, based on the philosophy of SPAR.

Online learning is also popular as a tool to keep our employees informed and up-to-date on a wide range of topics, and is constantly being developed to help staff in their work.