Responsibility

What does Ahold do to preserve the environment?

Our companies are committed to limiting the negative environmental impacts of our supermarket, foodservice and logistics operations. We are working hard to reduce waste and energy usage, to minimize the use of ozone-depleting substances and to make distribution of products to our stores and foodservice customers more efficient.

Our U.S. supermarkets, Albert Heijn and ICA, identify stores with unusually high energy consumption and perform detailed energy analyses and take corrective measures. We also aim to reduce negative environmental impacts associated with distribution through optimal truck utilization and safe and efficient driving.

What is Ahold's position on child labor?

The Ahold Business Principles document clearly states that child labor is not permitted in either our stores or our distribution centers and this is checked and controlled by the company. Ahold does business in many different countries with different prevailing labor practices. Wherever we operate, we seek to maintain high employment standards and to ensure fundamental labor rights.

What do Ahold companies do to advance urban revitalization?

Ahold companies are committed to the communities in which they operate, creating a mutually-beneficial upward economic spiral and creating long-term community improvements. Ahold's brands - including Giant, Tops and Stop & Shop in the U.S., and Albert Heijn in The Netherlands ?" take the lead in revitalizing inner cities by opening stores in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods previously lacking a full-service supermarket, while participating in neighborhood groups and local government to improve the overall environment.

You are involved in the e-business to business marketplace. When buying your products on the internet, how can you have the same assurances of traceability and origin that you have from your usual suppliers?

All suppliers with whom Ahold does business must adhere to our strict policies, and we must know theirs. Before we agree to trade, we first get to know a great deal about the supplier's activities to ensure we have the right products that meet our quality standards. All of Ahold's e-business suppliers are pre-selected, in other words, screened before they are allowed to bid. We therefore already know them, where our products come from and how they are made.

What is Ahold's view on genetically modified food?

Biotechnology is one of the most dynamic areas of science. It is also an issue of public debate in many parts of the world. Advocates of biotechnology in agriculture hope to reduce the use of environmentally harmful chemicals by 'embedding' crop protection abilities in plants' genetic make-up. Critics are concerned about the uncertainties surrounding human and ecological health.

Ahold has no principle objections to the responsible use of safe biotechnology where there are clear, demonstrable benefits to consumers. Products made with this technology must have the approval of the regulatory authorities, based on their safety and environmental impact. Ahold believes that consumers have a right to know where their food comes from and how it is made, and that they should be offered a free choice in what they buy. We therefore actively promote labeling of products made with the help of biotechnology.

How do Ahold companies contribute to the community?

Ahold's locally focused structure gives our brands maximum flexibility to respond to the needs of the communities where our customers and associates live. The presence of an Ahold store has a positive impact on a community both in furthering urban and economic development and providing jobs for local residents. Ahold's brands demonstrate their commitment to the community through direct participation in local events and by sponsoring charitable causes.

What is Ahold's position on animal testing?

The bulk of our private label health and beauty care items is to be found at Albert Heijn and Etos in The Netherlands and ICA in Sweden. Aside from a handful of toiletry products in the U.S., we are not aware of private label HBC products at our other operations around the world at this time. The Etos drug store chain has an explicit policy on no animal testing in HBC. In 2000, ICA surveyed its private label suppliers who reported that there has been no animal testing in the last five years. At Albert Heijn, a similar inquiry revealed no products with animal testing. Albert Heijn has no formal written policy on animal testing, but there is an unwritten policy to avoid it.

Do Ahold companies sell alcohol?

Yes. Of Ahold´s total revenue nearly 1% is generated through alcohol sales. Ahold is market leader in The Netherlands' in the wine market.

Do Ahold companies sell pornography?

Ahold companies do not sell pornography or related products.

Do any Ahold companies sell weapons?

Ahold companies do not sell any guns or weaponry.