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CDP 2025 - CLIMATE
The global demand for agricultural commodities is one of the main causes of pressure on forests, leading to deforestation – a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Recognising the impact our activities can have on forests, and how much we rely on them, we responsibly manage the use of the main commodities associated with deforestation and conversion of ecosystems with High Conservation Value (HCV) – palm oil, paper and timbre, soy, and beef – both in our products and in the packaging of our Private Brands and perishables.
Increasing agricultural productivity while adopting good practices and converting degraded areas are measures that help ensure compliance with the global targets for reducing greenhouse gases and regenerating biodiversity.
Since 2014, we have been mapping ingredients linked to deforestation and the conversion of ecosystems with High Conservation Value in our Private Brand and perishable products. We work closely with our suppliers to collect information on the origin and sustainability certification of these ingredients. This approach reflects our broader strategy to promote responsible sourcing and reduce the environmental impact of our supply chains.
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CDP 2025 - CLIMATE
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CDP 2025 - WATER
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CDP 2025 – FORESTS
We have been members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RPSO) since 2017 and the Roundtable on Responsible Soy (RTRS) since 2019. These initiatives promote sustainable practices in palm oil and soy production.
In 2019, we joined the Forest Positive Coalition of Action (FPCoA) of The Consumer Goods Forum. We have committed to responsibly manage the incorporation of the main commodities associated with deforestation in our Private Brands and perishables products and packaging. Through this coalition, we support both collective and individual efforts to eliminate deforestation and the conversion of forests in these supply chains, while promoting sustainable forest management, conservation, restoration and respect for human rights.
When we use palm oil, we progressively ensure that its origin comes from responsible sources. Since 2019, 100% of the palm oil present in our Private Brand and perishable products in Portugal and Poland has been RSPO certified. In 2025, around 90% of the palm oil used in Ara’s Private Brand and perishable products came from Colombia, with 41% of that volume certified by the RSPO.
We are improving the traceability of the soybean used in animal feed, particularly in the poultry and pork categories, where most of the soybean in our supply chain is used. In 2025, we were able to trace the origin of 97% of the soy used in our supply chains.
As a food retailer, we do not purchase packaging directly, which makes traceability of these materials more challenging. However, we work with our suppliers to increase the traceability of virgin paper and wood fibres. In 2025, 94% of the virgin fibres in our Private Brand products and 83% of those used in packaging held sustainability certification.
Our goal is to increase the traceability of beef in order to identify its origin and ensure it is sustainable, especially in countries with deforestation risk. In 2025, we traced all beef used in our Private Brand and perishable products back to at least the country of origin – only 4% came from countries with some level of risk.
