August 6 /CSRwire/ - Delhaize Group (DG) has just published its Corporate Responsibility (CR) Report 2008. Introduced by President & CEO (Pierre-Olivier Beckers) as Naturally Caring, this is the second CR Report for the Group. Not only does it assess where the Group stands in terms of CR, but actually commits to specific targets for the future.

Delhaize Group's Operating Companies have consistently been involved with CR ever since they were created. DG has now embraced CR as one of the three pillars of its strategy, alongside generating profitable revenue growth and pursuing best-in-class execution.

Up till 2007, each Operating Company within the Group carried out its own CR activities, and DG has identified this important topic as one that should be tackled at group level, enabling each Operating Company to learn from one another and take a firm stand on "operating as a best-in-class corporate citizen". Following the initial benchmarking work that took place during the last two years, DG can now announce a CR group strategy with clear measurements that have enabled to set specific targets and the appropriate tools to achieve these ambitious objectives.

DG's CR strategy focuses on three main themes (products, people and planet) and five focus areas: food safety, health and wellness, associate development, energy conservation and responsible sourcing. CR does not only define DG's businesses, it also unites its 141 000 associates and contributes directly to the Group's financial health.

DG's CR Report 2008 highlights the main achievements, clearly states where the Group stands and performs in terms of its five focus areas and commits to specific targets and objectives from 2009 to 2020 and beyond! Here are a few examples of their achievements and commitments:

Food Safety:
More than 95% of the Group's stores were audited by outside companies for food safety and 87% of the store associates received food safety training over the past 3 years. The objective is to measure 100% of the private brands suppliers for food safety compliance by the end of 2010.

Health & Wellness:
Hannaford and Food Lion were voted two of the 10 healthiest grocery chains in the U.S.
38% of DG’s food sales derived from fresh products. The target for 2009 is to communicate about health and wellness, particularly in the areas of affordability and disease control.

Associate Development:
A Group-wide associate engagement survey was conducted across a group of 5 000 associates worldwide. This survey has provided DG with a Group image of where it stands in terms of their associates’ engagement with their company.

63% of DG's associates received performance reviews in 2008. The Group's objective is to ensure that all associates go through an annual and documented personal performance review in 2009.

Energy Conservation:
Delhaize Group's carbon footprint has now been measured and indentified by facility type and by source. This provides DG with a tool to plan and act on the main carbon emissions for their entire Group. The objective is to utilize and learn from this report to develop a strategic plan and to set goals for each operating company.

Responsible Sourcing:
Seafood buying practices were monitored at Hannaford, Food Lion and Delhaize Belgium. In 2009, Delhaize Group aims to continue its work with Non-Governmental Organizations to develop a sustainable sea food strategy.

To access the report in full, please consult the homepage of the Group's website at http://www.delhaizegroup.com. If you would like to send feedback or request a copy of the report, please contact corporate.responsibility@delhaizegroup.com.

Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in seven countries on three continents. At the end of the first quarter of 2009, Delhaize Group's sales network consisted of 2 670 stores. In 2008, Delhaize Group posted EUR 19 billion (USD 28 billion) in revenues and EUR 467 million (USD 687 million) in net profit (Group share). At the end of 2008, Delhaize Group employed approximately 141 000 people. Delhaize Group is listed on Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).

Delhaize Group

Delhaize Group

Delhaize Group is a Belgian international food retailer present in seven countries on three continents. At the end of 2014, Delhaize Group’s sales network consisted of 3 402 stores. In 2014, Delhaize Group recorded €21.4 billion ($28.4 billion) in revenues and €89 million ($118 million) net profit (Group share). At the end of 2014, Delhaize Group employed approximately 150 000 people. Delhaize Group’s stock is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels (DELB) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEG).

Delhaize Group publishes an annual Sustainability Progress Report available. The 2014 report is available online .

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