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Food

Migros is committed to the responsible procurement of raw materials. In 2019, it focused on fruit and vegetables and animal products. It also improved the recipes of various products.

Raw materials from sustainable sources

Fruit & vegetables

In the reporting year, Cooperative Retailing decided that, starting in 2025, it will only sell Swiss fruit and vegetables from greenhouses heated with renewable energy.

Fruit & vegetables

Since 2019, Migros has been committed to sustainability in conventional strawberry cultivation. In a joint project with WWF Switzerland, measures were gradually implemented in Huelva (Spain) in the areas of efficient water management, responsible use of pesticides, biodiversity, soil protection and decent working conditions. This responsible cultivation protects the adjacent Coto de Doñana national park in particular.

In the reporting year, Cooperative Retailing decided that, starting in 2025, it will only sell Swiss fruit and vegetables from greenhouses heated with renewable energy. Most greenhouses are currently heated by oil or natural gas. In future, the aim is for each facility to use the best mix of renewable energy sources, based on its location. The main focus will be on heat pumps, wood-fired heaters, bio-fuel, geothermal energy and solar energy. The switch will reduce CO2 emissions by more than 70'000 tonnes.

In addition, experts from Migros audited the working conditions along the supply chain for canned tomatoes from Italy in 2019, to check for compliance with the requirements of GlobalGAP GRASP. The outcome of the interview with employees and local unions and the on-site document inspections was positive: no non-conformities were identified in either cultivation or processing, and Migros' requirements were implemented to a high standard.

Meat, dairy products and eggs

Since 2019, Migros has been selling chicken meat from Brazilian suppliers that is produced in accordance with Swiss animal welfare standards.

Meat, dairy products and eggs

Since 2019, Migros has been selling chicken meat from Brazilian suppliers that is produced in accordance with Swiss animal welfare standards. This gives the animals more space, daylight and fresh air. By the end of 2020, all chicken meat from Brazil sold by Migros will be produced in accordance with Swiss animal welfare standards.

Micarna opened a new parent stock park and a new hatchery for poultry, which both set new standards in animal welfare. Compared with similar facilities in Europe, the parent stock park gives the animals approximately 50% more space and access to winter gardens. In the hatchery, the chicks have access to food, light and water straight after hatching. Furthermore, they are moved on in the basket in which they hatched, which avoids sorting by hand and unnecessary stress. Thanks to investment in insulation, heat recovery and solar panels on the roof, the new hatchery is also energy-efficient and minimises greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2019, Migros Industry invested in the start-up Aleph Farms (Israel), which specialises in developing sustainably cultivated meat. It is thus investing in a promising technology that can produce meat in a resource-friendly way and without animal husbandry.

Nutrition

Migros is continuously improving its food, particularly in relation to a balanced diet. 

Recipe improvements

Migros is continuously improving its food, particularly in relation to a balanced diet. 

Recipe improvements

As part of the actionsanté initiative, Cooperative Retailing made a promise in the reporting year to reduce the added sugar content in 30 milk-based desserts by an average of 10% before the end of 2020.

Migros also signed the "Milan Declaration" of the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, with the aim of further reducing the amount of added sugar in yoghurt and breakfast cereals by 10% and 15% respectively before the end of 2024. With the Milan Declaration, Migros has also committed to defining salt and sugar reduction targets in other product groups this year.

Migros improved the recipes of 174 products in 2019. It has also started using fewer additives, including in its frozen range, convenience products and beverages.

Further topics

Non-food

In 2019, Migros made its range of garden products and ornamental plants more environmentally friendly. It also introduced plastic-free alternatives to its disposable tableware.

Figures & Development

In 2019, Migros further expanded its range of certified products. It also ensured socially acceptable working conditions along the supply chain and invested in supplier training.

Aid Fund & Donations

Social responsibility is an integral part of Migros' corporate culture. In 2019, Migros put more than CHF 6.2 million towards development aid projects and donations.

Food (pdf, 56.33 KB)