Żabka Group summarizes ESG achievements in their Responsibility Strategy for 2022

In its comprehensive Responsibility Strategy (ESG), Grupa Żabka demonstrates its commitment to creating a more sustainable lifestyle for everyone, while minimizing its environmental impact throughout the value chain. The activities of the Group have a real impact on the development of the Polish economy – in 2022, the total amount of added value generated by the Żabka Group and its franchisees amounted to as much as PLN 7 billion, which is 31% more than in 2021.

A summary of the actions taken by Żabka Group can be found in the recently published fifth Responsibility Report title “Wygodnie i Odpowiedzialnie” (Convenient and Responsible). The publication contains many examples that illustrate the activities undertaken by the Group in 2022.

– Our Responsibility Strategy is closely integrated with the business strategy, and our main goal is to strive to make everyday choices of our customers simpler and more convenient, and at the same time more friendly to the environment. So we take many actions to positively influence our surroundings and be part of a real change for the better. We support local entrepreneurship and established cooperation with cities, such as Bydgoszcz, where we tested our circular economy system. In addition, we opened the first store in Poland that combines technology with more environmentally friendly solutions – Żabka Eko Smart. We have also received the EQUAL-SALARY certificate, and according to the Gallup Institute, we are among the 23% of the best companies in the world that create one of the most engaging workplaces. In accordance with our strategic commitment, we increase our transparency by regularly undergoing external reviews and verifications in the ESG area – says Anna Grabowska, Vice President of the Management Board for Consumer Strategies of Grupa Żabka.

Żabka Group is a strong contributor to the economy and society

Żabka is the most dynamically developing modern convenience chain in Central and Eastern Europe – it includes over 9,000 stores run by over 8,000 franchisees. Żabka is also Europe’s largest chain of autonomous stores – with about 50 Żabka Nano stores. The Group also includes Maczfit, Dietly, delio and Żabka Jush. The scope and scale of operations of the Żabka Group and its franchisees has a significant impact on the Polish economy, as evidenced by the amount of added value (VA), which for 2022 amounted to PLN 7 billion (compared to PLN 5.3 billion in 2021). This number is equal to the amount that would be enough to finance the renovation of approximately 12,700 km of national roads.

The Żabka Group and the franchisees cooperating with it also influence the labor market, maintaining over 56,400 jobs last year – 24% more than in 2021 (45,400) and as much as 55% more than in 2020. (36,500). This positive employment impact is felt in all sectors of the Polish economy. The total number of jobs maintained last year is approximately equal to the total number of inhabitants of Swarzędz and Jarocin (Wielkopolskie County).

Żabka increased sales of private labels promoting sustainable lifestyle

In 2020, Żabka committed to doubling the sales of own-brand products by 2025 that promote a sustainable lifestyle. Thanks to the actions taken, such as e.g. program of reformulation, promotion of a plant-based diet, elimination of palm oil from private label products and branded products marked with the RSPO certificate, Żabka achieved this goal two years ahead of schedule. Therefore, in 2022, the chain redefined its approach to good nutrition and identified four aspects that it wants to focus on in the coming years. The new assumptions include the promotion of products that have received a high Nutri-Score, products of plant origin, with the so-called clean label or health or food markings in accordance with EU guidelines.

In 2022, a significant step forward, aimed at helping customers make the right purchasing decisions, was also marking 100% of private label products with the Nutri-Score system. Nearly half (45%) of Żabka’s own brand products received a high rating and this percentage is still increasing. In addition, the yellow versions of the Szamamm own brand ready meals provide as much as 2/5 of the recommended daily dose of vegetables.

Żabka cooperates with cities

Żabka not only supports local entrepreneurship, but also establishes cooperation with cities. As part of the “Zielona Odnowa” (Green Regeneration) project, implemented in cooperation with the City of Bydgoszcz, residents can return disposable beverage packaging in all Żabka stores, of which there are over 120 in the city. The collected raw material is used to create new packaging, thanks to which less waste ends up in landfills. The aim of this pilot project is also to build environmental awareness among customers and to get them into the habit of returning plastic and metal beverage containers in the same way as glass bottles are currently being returned. It is, among others, thanks to initiatives of this type that in 2022 Żabka achieved plastic neutrality for private label products. At the same time, the chain is already very close to achieving another goal – by the end of 2025, it wants 100% of its private label packaging to come from and be recyclable. In 2022, the company has already achieved this goal in 94%.

Żabka Eko Smart, i.e. a laboratory of environmentally friendly innovations

In 2022, Żabka opened its first Eko Smart store in Poznań, which is a laboratory of innovative and environmentally friendly solutions, enriched with solutions that facilitate the work of franchisees and their employees. One of the world’s first installations based on perovskite cells was used in Żabka Eko Smart – price displays were created using this groundbreaking technology. In addition blinds were installed that produce electricity. The facility was equipped with systems for remote management of lighting and devices in the store (Smart Shop Control) and tiles made of coffee grounds and coffee husks were placed at the stand with a coffee machine. Lockable, insulated with hemp mats, refrigerators allow for great energy savings, as well as glycol-filled shelves in the freezer cabinet.

Żabka is one of the most engaging workplaces

The Żabka Group has been consistently building an organizational culture based on values for years, taking care of its employees and their development. It is a place where every employee is appreciated, respected and can fully realize their potential – regardless of who they are. The Group makes sure that all employees are equally remunerated for work of the same value and impact on the organization, which is confirmed by the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation, a Swiss foundation examining pay equality in companies, an equal pay certificate. Żabka Polska is the first Polish company with this distinction based on the UN guidelines and recognized by the European Commission. The certificate strengthens the company’s position among the best employers who not only talk about their commitment to equality, but also demonstrate it by real action.

Today, Żabka Group is also one of the most unique workplaces in the world – according to a study by the Gallup Institute, it is among the 23% of the best companies in the world that create one of the most engaging workplaces. The dynamic development of the company and expansion on a large scale is impossible without committed teams and strong leaders, which is why constantly increasing the level of employee involvement is one of the company’s strategic goals.

Responsibility Report for 2022

The „Wygodnie i Odpowiedzialnie” (Convenient and Responsible) report is the fifth Responsibility Report published by the company to date. The information contained in the publication summarizes the significant results and selected activities implemented by Żabka Group to support the implementation of the Responsibility Strategy in 2022. The information contained in the report has been grouped into 4 strategic pillars: Pillar 01 – Sustainable lifestyle, Pillar 02 – Positive impact on the environment, Pillar 03 – Responsible organization and Pillar 04 – Green planet. The effects of the activities were transparently presented and discussed in tables with results, and also presented in the context of selected activities undertaken by the Group in the area of sustainable development and responsible business.

The publication has been prepared in accordance with the latest non-financial reporting standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI Standards) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). At the same time, the report includes climate disclosures that implement the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and a value creation model based on the recommendations of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). In addition, the report includes information on reporting on activities aimed at implementing the 10 Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, in accordance with the Communication on Progress (CoP) guidelines, and the recommendations contained in the publication of the World Economic Forum – Measuring Stakeholder Capitalism: Towards Common Metrics and Consistent Reporting of Sustainable Value Creation and information about the organization’s contribution to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The report has once again been subjected to independent, external verification. The Żabka Group Responsibility Report for 2022 is available in electronic form here: Commitment to sustainable development | Żabka Group (zabkagroup.com).

Source: Żabka Group Press Office

Date of first publication: April 26, 2023.