In focus: Grocery

Associated British Food's grocery brands can be found in almost every aisle of the supermarket. From bread and noodles to cooking sauces and breakfast cereals. Around the world our grocery businesses have developed strategies for using resources efficiently and minimising their impact on the environment.

In the UK, Allied Bakeries’ sustainability agenda is at the heart of their business. In June 2009, Kingsmill became the first, and so far the only, UK bread brand to be allowed to carry the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Reduction Label on its packaging, committing us to an ongoing reduction in our carbon footprint. Another industry first is the introduction of bread bags made from 100% recycled virgin waste on some products, and the ‘Little Big Loaf’ is the only loaf with full-size slices, just fewer of them; reducing waste in households that eat less bread.

Also in the UK, a review of packaging at AB World Foods revealed a significant opportunity to optimise glass used in packaging for the Patak’s and Blue Dragon sauce brands. A new design was introduced which led to the achievement of a 12% reduction in glass weight per jar and a saving of 500 tonnes of glass a year.

The Jordans, Allinson and Burgen brands are the only breakfast cereal and bread brands certified by Conservation Grade®, a scheme that encourages farmers to plant wildlife habitats on their land alongside commercial crops.

In Australia, water conservation is a key aspect of the George Weston Foods sustainability programme. Actions are in place to reduce water consumed within production support, boilers, cooling towers, washing and cleaning by 325 million litres.

Wherever they are in the world, ABF’s Grocery businesses are using resources efficiently and effectively and creating brands that stand out for their environmental commitment. Not only does this make good commercial sense, it fits with our wider belief in responsible business management for the long term.