Europe roundup: sustainability and growth

In this instalment, our analysts for Europe offer their take on some of the region’s latest developments and initiatives. Here’s what you need to know about:

• Albert Heijn targets carbon-neutral greenhouse farming

• Żabka launches new tool for shopper analytics and customer engagement

• Selex reports 5.5% sales growth in 2025

• Biedronka unveils new format in Slovakia

Albert Heijn targets carbon-neutral greenhouse farming.

The Dutch retailer has teamed up with Eneco and Bakker Barendrecht to cut CO₂ emissions from greenhouse-grown fruit and vegetables by 70% by 2030 compared to 2018. The initiative includes implementing electric systems and a step-by-step ‘Green Plan’ to optimise energy use while maintaining product quality and affordability.

Dan Butler, Senior Insight Analyst’s view: retailers can achieve meaningful sustainability goals by forming strategic partnerships with energy providers and suppliers to modernise production processes. Providing growers with clear frameworks and practical guidance ensures adoption of sustainable practices without compromising affordability or supply reliability.

Żabka launches new tool for shopper analytics and customer engagement.

Leading Polish convenience retailer Żabka has teamed up with Stagwell, an advertising services specialist to create In-Pulse. In-Pulse is a new shopper analytics and engagement tool designed specifically for the Polish market. In-Pulse is a five-step solution that analyses real shopping behaviour, engages shoppers, tests products, drives targeted marketing, and predicts outcomes.

Anna Pańczyk Co-Creator of In-Pulse said, ‘Żabka and Stagwell show that the future of retail is not only sales, but above all the ability to effectively manage unique insights about the Polish market, shoppers and consumer behaviour.’

Bently Briggs, Insight Analyst’s view: the launch of In-Pulse demonstrates Żabka’s commitment to improving their offering, by enriching its understanding of what it is shoppers want. With the launch of In-Pulse and the milestone of 12,000 stores, Żabka is proving that innovation and expansion remain firmly on its agenda.

Selex reports 5.5% sales growth in 2025

The Italian market leader has reached sales of €22.2bn across its 18 members, up from €21.1bn in 2024. The success has been attributed to its strong private label offering, which saw year-on-year growth of 7%. The retailing group forecasts additional growth of 4.5% in 2026, reaching turnover of €23.2bn. Next year will see close to €600m invested in its estate, with 60 new openings and almost 100 refurbishments.

Michela Pearson, Senior Insight Analyst’s view:  Selex has seen strong growth in recent years, which has seen it unseat Conad as market leader. The strong investment in its network and private label offering will continue to support growth ambitions, as well as the newly introduced Selex Media retail media ecosystem.

For more details on Selex’s and other leading retailer strategies, read the latest Italy Country Presentation.

Biedronka unveils new format in Slovakia

Biedronka has launched a unique hybrid retail format in Slovakia, combining discount food groceries with a significant selection of health and beauty products, specifically targeting gaps in rural drugstore offerings. This flagship store seeks to differentiate itself from traditional discounters by offering a more appealing, supermarket-like atmosphere with a focus on value, local sourcing, and efficient operations through technology.

Dan Butler, Senior Insight Analyst’s view:  this move positions Biedronka as a major disruptive force in the Slovak retail market, challenging both existing grocery supermarkets and fragmented drugstore chains by drawing shoppers who value convenience and competitive pricing. The strategy suggests that future retail success, especially in smaller or rural markets, may depend on hybrid formats that combine the efficiency of discounting with the expanded product range and improved ambiance of supermarket stores.