REWE Group in Austria is actively committed to resource-saving product range design and the promotion of sustainable products. In order to give consumers orientation when shopping at the BILLA, BILLA PLUS, ADEG, PENNY and Sutterlüty stores, REWE Group relies on transparent guidelines in the product area. A long-standing partner that implements these high requirements credibly and effectively is FAIRTRADE. REWE has been putting fairly traded products on the shelves for 20 years and today has one of the largest FAIRTRADE product ranges in Austria. Marcel Haraszti, Member of the Management Board of REWE International AG, emphasizes the importance of this long-standing partnership: "For two decades we have been working with FAIRTRADE for a fairer world. The cooperation has shown us that resource-saving trade is possible and that together we can have a positive impact on the lives of those who produce. We are proud of what we have achieved and look forward to setting further milestones for a sustainable future in the years to come."
Complete switch of private label chocolate products by the end of the year
The next step in the changes at retail is the conversion of all private label chocolate items by the end of 2023. Since 2020, REWE Group in Austria has been continuously converting all chocolate bars and chocolate bars, pralines, Easter and Christmas confectionery, instant cocoa and nut-nougat spreads of its private labels to the FAIRTRADE cocoa program - progress is at 80 percent. In the future, therefore, all private label chocolate products will carry the FAIRTRADE seal or the FAIRTRADE cocoa program. "By converting our own-brand items, we can guarantee our customers that they are making a fair decision when they buy chocolate from us," says Marcel Haraszti. After the conversion of the chocolate products, the next step will be to extend the range to baked goods and confectionery.
Austria leads in terms of trust in the FAIRTRADE brand
According to the "FAIRTRADE Consumer Insights 2023" study, in which 11,150 respondents from twelve countries took part, Austria is the world leader in terms of awareness of and trust in the FAIRTRADE seal. 95 percent of Austrians:inside are familiar with the FAIRTRADE seal and 88 percent trust the FAIRTRADE seal, putting Austria in first place in both cases. Every year, REWE Group sells more than 16 million FAIRTRADE products in Austria through BILLA, PENNY, BIPA and ADEG, primarily in the product groups of fruit, rice, coffee, sugar, honey, fruit juices and flowers. Own and exclusive brands generate almost 714,000 euros in FAIRTRADE premiums each year, which benefit producers in emerging and developing countries. A total of almost 900 articles are listed with the FAIRTRADE seal, including over 100 private label articles.