Sobeys employees enjoying together Sobeys employees enjoying together

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.

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Leader message
Leader message

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

People

We’re focused on growing and empowering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce to enable our customers and communities to thrive.

Planet

Planet

We’re reducing our impacts and taking action on climate change to do OurPart™ to protect our planet for future generations.

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.

People growing
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
90%

of Directors and above set DE&I performance and accountability goals

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Achieved Phase 1 Progressive Aboriginal Relations certification from Canadian Council for Aboriginal Businesses

Progressive aboriginal relations
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
78%+

leaders in offices, corporate stores and distribution centres completed Speak Freely training

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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
~$19M

Close to $19M donated to support healthy bodies and minds in our communities (~$7M in corporate donations and ~$12M raised)

A group of people clicking the picture together with holding some props in their hand
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
~$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.

Climate Action

Near-term Scope 1 and 2 targets validated by Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

Planet impact
Longos Climate action
Climate Action

15% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 targets compared to 2019 baseline – on track to achieve near-term targets

Climate Action
75%

of suppliers by spend engaged on CDP Supply Chain program.

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FOOD WASTE

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)

Climate Action
Climate Action

Inaugural TCFD-aligned report published


Products

We’re doing OurPartTM by delivering sustainable and ethical product choices for our customers.

Products delivering
An image showing fresh Seafood tilapia fillets pieces
ETHICAL & SUSTAINABLE SOURCING

Seafood Metrics program launched, improving traceability

ETHICAL & SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
77%

of palm oil in products certified sustainable

In this image, two women are getting their pictures taken with smiling faces.
SUPPLIER PARTNERSHIPS
390+

women entrepreneurs supported in fiscal 2023 (Shown: Jamie Lee and Isabelle Lam of Remix Snacks)

Pattern Pattern

Empire is a proudly Canadian company, with 116 years of experience in the food retail business.

OurPart

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.