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NEWS
4 OCTOBER 2024 ASIAN TRADER 7
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NEWS
With the retail landscape
continuing to evolve, perhaps
no challenge is as pressing as the
need for sustainability. As
independent retailers, we have a
unique opportunity – and
responsibility – to lead the
charge in creating a sustainable
and circular economy.
Sustainability in retail goes
far beyond simply of ering
eco-friendly products. It’s about
reimagining our business
model, from sourcing and
packaging to energy use and
waste management. The
circular economy takes this a
step further, aiming to elimi-
nate waste and maximise
resource use through continu-
ous reuse, repair, and recycling.
Consumer attitudes towards
sustainability are evolving.
Many are now actively trying to
reduce their environmental
impact and increasingly expect
the same from brands. Research
suggests a signifi cant portion of
consumers are infl uenced by
businesses with sustainability
credentials. This shift in
behaviour represents a
signifi cant opportunity for
independent retailers who
embrace sustainable practices.
While exact fi gures may
vary, the overall trend is clear.
Sustainability is becoming a key
factor in consumer deci-
sion-making.
Sustainability often goes
hand-in-hand with ef ciency
and cost savings. By reducing
waste, minimising packaging,
and optimising energy use,
retailers can signifi cantly cut
operational costs. For instance,
switching to LED lighting or
installing solar panels can lead
to substantial savings on energy
bills over time.
But perhaps most impor-
tantly, as independent retailers
deeply rooted in our local
communities, we have a
responsibility to be good
stewards of our environment.
So, how can independent
retailers start their sustainabili-
ty journey? Here are a few
practical steps:
1. Of er eco-friendly products.
Look for suppliers who
prioritise sustainability in their
manufacturing processes.
2. Minimise packaging. Opt for
minimal, recyclable, or biode-
gradable packaging options.
3. Implement a recycling
programme. Make it easy for
customers to recycle or return
products at the end of their
lifecycle.
4. Reduce energy consumption.
Switch to energy-ef cient
lighting and appliances and
consider renewable energy
sources.
5. Educate customers. Share
information about your
sustainability ef orts and how
customers can participate.
6. Join initiatives like #Beat-
TheReceipt. Commit to making
paper receipts optional,
reducing paper waste.
At Bira, we’ve developed a
Sustainability Policy to guide
our own practices and of er
resources to help retailers
implement sustainable
strategies. We’re also proud
sponsors of The Sustainable
Business Podcast.
Sustainability isn’t just about
being environmentally
responsible – it’s about
future-proofi ng your business.
As regulations tighten and
consumer expectations evolve,
sustainable practices will
become increasingly crucial for
business success.
The journey towards
sustainability may seem
daunting, but remember, every
small step counts. Start with
what you can manage today, and
gradually build on your ef orts:
our collective actions can make
a signifi cant impact.
As we look to the future of
independent retail, let’s
commit to being at the forefront
of sustainable business
practices. By doing so, we’re not
just ensuring the longevity of
our own businesses but
contributing to a healthier
planet for future generations.
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre talks all things sustainability and who
retailers need to embrace change for the good
Embracing sustainability - a crucial
step for independent retailers
Valeo Foods Group acquires
Valeo Foods Group acquires
European snack maker
European snack maker
Valeo, which owns brands such as
Rowse Honey, Kettle Crisps, and
Barratt, has acquired I.D.C. Holding,
an independent producer of wafers,
biscuits, confectionery and
chocolate in Central and Eastern
Europe.
Valeo noted that the company
was a “natural fi t” with its sweet
snacking platform and would form
the cornerstone for its operations in
the Eastern European market. I.D.C.
produces some of the most
recognisable sweet snack brands
across Slovakia, Czech, Poland and
Hungary, including Horalky, Mila and
Lina. In 2023, the business generat-
ed sales of almost €200m.
Asda workers stage
Asda workers stage
protest over equal pay
protest over equal pay
Asda staf held demonstrations to
start an equal pay claim involving
over 60,000 staf .
In Manchester, dozens of workers
demonstrated outside the Civil
Justice Centre, where the case
began. In Brighton, Asda staf
protested at the TUC congress,
where delegates debated GMB’s
motion on equal pay.
The case centres on the fact the
mostly female retail workforce
earns £3.74 per hour less than the
male warehouse workforce.
The GMB said it was the biggest
case ever in the private sector, with
the tribunal hearing expected to last
three months.
Sisters sells European
Sisters sells European
poultry arm
poultry arm
Poultry giant Ranjit Singh Boparan’s
private of ce will take over Boparan
Holdings Limited’s European
Poultry business in a deal worth
more than €200 million.
Boparan said the transaction will
benefi t both Boparan Holdings,
which owns 2 Sisters Food Group,
and the Boparan Private Of ce as it
creates a “stronger, more agile
group of businesses” and provides a
platform for an “unprecedented
level of internal investment”.
The deal is expected to strength-
en 2 Sisters Food Group’s balance
sheet, reducing debt to the lowest
point in over a decade.
By Andrew
Goodacre, CEO
of Bira (British
Independent
Retailers
Association)
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