In 1941, Migros founder Gottlieb Duttweiler converted his incorporated company into a cooperative. He thereby created a company that, with more than two million members today, is firmly anchored in Swiss society.

Migros Culture Percentage – unique in the world

Migros’ statutes lay down that, besides supplying low-cost goods and services, another equally important business goal is to bring culture and cultural activities closer to the population. This being the case, more than 50 years ago Migros created the Migros Culture Percentage – a commitment unique anywhere in the world. In 2009 114 million francs were distributed for this purpose, and in over 50 years the total has exceeded 3 billion francs.

Environmental and social responsibility

Migros also assumes responsibility for its employees and the environment. As far back as 30 years ago, the M-Sano programme set standards for responsible farming using fewer pesticides. Since then, many other labels guaranteeing environmental and social responsibility have been adopted. In 2003 Migros explicitly committed itself in its Environmental and Social Policy to give balanced consideration to the economy, environment and society. In addition, sustainability has been anchored as a core principle in the Group Strategy for the past two years.

Sustainability is comprehensive

Migros believes sustainable development requires more than just fulfilling social demands, calling also, for example, for more environmental friendliness. Sustainability is an all-encompassing concept for ensuring ongoing corporate success. Investment in environmental protection and social matters, while involving short-term costs, pay off in the long term by enabling savings in resources, encouraging product innovations and creating secure jobs throughout Switzerland. Growth solely focussed on economics has no future.

Strong partnerships

To ensure broad-based social involvement, Migros works with a number of partners. In 2009, Migros entered into a strategic partnership with the WWF, and in 2006 it joined Global Compact – a United Nations initiative for a more just and sustainable world economy.

Development of management tools

Over the past few years, Migros has continuously improved its management instruments in relation to sustainability. It has defined parameters for the group, business units and support organisations to enable not only economic but also social and environmental performance to be monitored.
As part of the strategy process, these parameters are recorded annually and compared in the monitoring system, called the “Group Cockpit”, with defined target values. As a result, trends with respect to turnover growth, customer satisfaction, energy efficiency and CO2-emissions become tangible and aid the Executive Board with decision-making, ensuring that balanced consideration is given to commercial, environmental and social aspects.