This edition of our roundup on Europe brings together:

• S Group’s biodiversity footprint model

• Schwarz Group’s strengthened net-zero strategy and commitments

• Żabka’s strong results and international growth

• føtex’s collaboration to support healthier choices.

Schwarz Group’s net-zero strategy and targets validated by SBTi

Schwarz Group, parent company of Lidl and Kaufland in Germany, has had its 2050 net-zero strategy and targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. The retail group plans to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% compared to 2019 levels and has set targets for its Scope 3 emissions, including major reductions in agricultural, energy, industrial and fuel emissions. With around 98% of its footprint linked to supply chain activity, the group stressed that sustainability is essential for competitiveness and resilience. Schwarz Group also aims to encourage 1,000 partner companies to commit to their own SBTi-aligned targets by the end of 2026.

Supply Chain Analyst, Soline Duriez’s view: SBTi validation gives added credibility to Schwarz Group’s climate and net-zero strategy. With scrutiny of corporate sustainability claims intensifying, clear and measurable targets help reinforce the groups’ transparency and accountability.

S Group develops open tool for environmental footprint calculation

In Finland, S Group has partnered with the University of Jyväskylä and Sitra to launch BIOVALENT, an open-access tool designed to help businesses calculate and manage their environmental footprint, with a focus on biodiversity. Built using procurement and sales data from S Group, the model highlights where biodiversity impacts occur across global supply chains. It highlights that food and drink account for more than three‑quarters of the retailer’s footprint. The initiative aims to give companies clearer visibility of risks arising in the product chain, support more informed decision-making, and accelerate shifts such as expanding plant‑based ranges and favouring local sourcing.

Senior Insight Analyst, Rachel Sibson’s view: Biodiversity is rising up the sustainability agenda in Europe. While carbon reporting is well established, biodiversity measurement is less mature. As environmental regulation tightens and supply chain risks increase, we expect more retailers to invest in similar methodologies, creating new expectations around transparency and data sharing.

Żabka Group report impressive 2025 results

Żabka Group continues to go from strength to strength, with the convenience retailer delivering strong results in 2025. Consolidated sales rose 14.2% to PLN 31.1 bn (USD 8.8bn), supported by 5.3% like‑for‑like growth in Poland. Żabka also accelerated expansion, opening 1,394 stores, surpassing their target of 1300 new stores in 2025. 118 of these stores were opened in Romania, taking their total to 12,339 sites.

Insight Analyst, Bently Briggs’s View: Żabka’s performance in Poland continues to be impressive, but it’s the expansion in Romania that really captures the eye. Romania is the second-fastest-growing European market, and we predict the Polish convenience retailer will open 1,000 Romanian stores in the next five years. The question now is how far the retailer can translate this opportunity into sustained growth.

Føtex partners with Danish Heart Association

The Danish retailer has entered into the partnership to inspire healthier eating in the market. There will be a joint campaign called "Together we act with our hearts", which will provide inspiration, knowledge, and encouragement towards healthier options to shoppers. This initiative also has community benefits, with shoppers being enabled to make donations to the association.

Senior Insight Analyst, Michela Pearson’s view: Health is important to Danish shoppers, and education around making healthier choices already features in føtex stores. The move to partner with the association is a strong one from the retailer,  and will resonate with shoppers on a health mission.

Retailers around the world are increasingly focusing on helping shopper lead healthier lifestyles. Interested in more? IGD Global Health Trends will be published on Friday. In the meantime, visit our dedicated Health hub.

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