ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Several areas of advancement are being spotlighted by Ahold Delhaize, which recently released its Annual Report for 2023.

“The theme of this report is ‘local matters’—and, in 2023, we proved that once again,” commented Frans Muller, Chief Executive Officer. “Our brands remain intensely focused on our aim to ensure that customers and communities have access to affordable, sustainable, and healthy products. And at the same time, we are committed to playing our part as an industry leader to ensure we can build a more sustainable value chain that is healthier for the planet.”

The insightful annual release features a Strategic Report, Governance and Performance sections, and includes key stories featuring the impact of its local brands, a press release explained. Within the report, the company outlines pivotal developments to its Leading Together strategy, emphasizing growth drivers of e-commerce and digitalization, operational excellence, health and sustainability, and talent cultivation.

Some key highlights from the report include:

• Met all of the key financial goals for the year; invested €2.4 billion in areas such as store remodels and Home Shop Centers, including innovations and improvements to support its ESG agenda and modernize its infrastructure
• Significantly exceeded its original Save for Our Customers goal, generating over €1.25 billion in cost savings
• Made significant progress in the area of health and sustainability
• Expanded its ESG section with more details, including a new overview of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how the retailer is striving to help fulfill them

The full report—including messages from the company’s CEO and CFO—can be accessed here.

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MIAMI, FL - Continental Fresh has long been championing its Water For All program and now has another partner in the game to help spread the message. Vanguard International is piloting a program to build awareness of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives through Continental Fresh’s Water For All licensed brand. This branding will be featured on Vanguard’s table grape program this spring.

“It has long been my dream to grow the joy and benefits of the Water For All program through partnerships with like-minded companies and customers,” said Albert Perez, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Fresh, and creator of the Water For All program. “This partnership with Vanguard Group International is a clear message to buyers and consumers that we are companies that are in business to make a difference. Profit and purpose can be equal drivers of success.”

According to a press release, starting this week, every Water For All branded box of Vanguard Group International table grapes will contribute a percent of its proceeds to BLUE Missions, further supporting their critical work in Latin America.

“Producers are continuously faced with water issues. They are able to connect philosophically and economically with the solution that Continental Fresh’s Water For All program provides,” shared Dirk Winkelmann, Chief Commercial Officer of Vanguard Group International.

Vanguard is on the verge of receiving its first containers of Water For All branded table grapes for distribution to its U.S. retail and wholesale customers.

“For over three decades, Vanguard has developed and continues to nurture enduring relationships with growers, distributors, retailers, and others collectively committed to bringing the finest produce on earth to markets worldwide," added Winkelmann. "Through the Water For All branded program, we are expanding on this commitment and providing our customers, especially retailers, an avenue to connect with their consumers on multiple levels, including demonstrating their support of CSR initiatives.”

For more information on the program, click here.

AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you abreast of the latest in the produce industry.