Empire Company Limited & Sobeys Inc. 2023 Sustainable Business Report
At Empire, we take our growing and evolving sustainability commitments seriously. And we don’t just talk about it. We act. This report is an update on all the ways we are taking action to serve and nurture people—our customers, teammates, suppliers and communities. It’s about how we are working hard to do OurPart™ to help protect the planet. And it’s about our team’s drive to serve and develop products that are good for everyone across the supply chains that impact our business.
Leader Message
“This report is an update on the actions Empire continues to take to serve and nurture people – our customers, teammates, suppliers, and communities.”
People
We’re focused on growing and empowering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce to enable our customers and communities to thrive.
Planet
We’re reducing our impacts and taking action on climate change to do OurPart™ to protect our planet for future generations.
Products
We’re doing OurPart™ by delivering sustainable and ethical product choices for our customers.
Fiscal 2023 Sustainable Business Report Highlights
People
We’re focused on growing and empowering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce to enable our customers and communities to thrive.
90%
of Directors and above set DE&I performance and accountability goals
Achieved Phase 1 Progressive Aboriginal Relations certification from Canadian Council for Aboriginal Businesses
78%+
leaders in offices, corporate stores and distribution centres completed Speak Freely training
~$19M
Close to $19M donated to support healthy bodies and minds in our communities (~$7M in corporate donations and ~$12M raised)
~$19M
Close to $19M donated to support healthy bodies and minds in our communities (~$7M in corporate donations and ~$12M raised)
Planet
We’re reducing our impacts and taking action on climate change to do OurPartTM to protect our planet for future generations.
Near-term Scope 1 and 2 targets validated by Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
15% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 targets compared to 2019 baseline – on track to achieve near-term targets
75%
of suppliers by spend engaged on CDP Supply Chain program.
Close to 15M lbs of surplus food donated, gaining recognition from Second Harvest as Canada’s top food rescue partner for 2022 (amount based on Second Harvest’s fiscal year)
Inaugural TCFD-aligned report published
Products
We’re doing OurPartTM by delivering sustainable and ethical product choices for our customers.
Seafood Metrics program launched, improving traceability
77%
of palm oil in products certified sustainable
390+
women entrepreneurs supported in fiscal 2023 (Shown: Jamie Lee and Isabelle Lam of Remix Snacks)
Empire is a proudly Canadian company, with 116 years of experience in the food retail business.
As a family nurturing families, we want to ensure Canadians are taken care of today, tomorrow and in the future. By doing OurPart™ for the environment, we hope to inspire our customers to do theirs. Every step we take together—big or small—can make a difference.
