Kroger Zeros In on Sustainability in New Report

Kroger, the largest grocery chain in the United States, has released its annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, highlighting its progress on its ESG strategy, Thriving Together.

The report details Kroger's commitments to expand access to affordable, fresh, and healthy food; responsibly stewarding natural resources by reducing emissions, waste, and food waste; and building more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food, health, and consumer goods systems.

Key Milestones

• Donated 3 billion meals to communities two years ahead of schedule, as part of its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste commitment.

• Increased the average wage for hourly store associates to over $18, bringing the rate to more than $23.50 per hour when comprehensive benefits are included—up 28.2% since 2018.

• Reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 15.2% from a 2018 baseline.

• Reduced total food waste generated in retail stores by nearly 9% in 2022 and by over 26% since 2017.

• Sourced 20.4M pounds of Fair Trade Certified™ ingredients for Our Brands® products, a 20.8% increase year-over-year.

• Exceeded roadmap milestone toward achieving a sustainable transition to a cage-free or higher-welfare egg supply to reach 70% cage-free by 2030 (2022 milestone: 33% vs. actual: 33.6%).

Kroger's ESG Strategy

Kroger's ESG strategy is focused on three key areas:

• People: Help billions live healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.

• Planet: Protect and restore natural resources for a brighter future.

• Systems: Build more responsible and inclusive global systems.

Kroger is committed to using its business to make a positive impact on the world. The company's ESG strategy is a roadmap for achieving this goal.

Looking Ahead

• Kroger is committed to continuing its progress toward its ESG goals. In 2023, the company plans to:

• Increase the number of meals donated to communities to 4 billion.

• Invest $1 billion in associate wages and training.

• Achieve a 20% reduction in GHG emissions from a 2018 baseline.

• Reduce total food waste generated in retail stores by 10% from a 2022 baseline.

• Achieve 100% Fair Trade Certified™ coffee for Our Brands® products.

• Reach 50% cage-free egg supply.

Kroger's ESG strategy is ambitious, but the company is confident that it can achieve its goals. Kroger is committed to being a good corporate citizen and making a positive impact on the world.

For more investor-related news

To view and compare company ESG Ratings and Sustainability Reports, visit our Company ESG Profiles page.

Source: PRNewswire