July 2025 - BCSDH

In 2024, SPAR Hungary made significant progress in sustainable operations. Thanks to modernised technological solutions, the company reduced both its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from owned sources, while domestic suppliers accounted for more than 90% of its food product range. Customers also play an active role in reducing environmental impact through their conscious purchasing decisions that support energy-efficient operations.

SPAR’s energy consumption decreased by 4.8%, and its indirect carbon emissions from owned sources and purchased energy dropped by 9.5% compared to the previous year. In stores, LED lighting, modern refrigeration systems and optimised logistics processes contributed to more efficient operations. At SPAR’s own production facilities—such as the Regnum meat plants, and the SPAR enjoy. convenience factory—energy system upgrades were implemented, according to SPAR’s 2024 Sustainability Report.

“Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and the SPAR team strives to lead by example. Customers also reduce their ecological footprint by choosing returnable or their own packaging, or by opting for locally-sourced products,” said Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary. He added that effective cooperation with customers is clearly demonstrated by the fact that, via the Munch app, over 400,000 near-expiry discounted product packs were saved from going to waste in 2024.

SPAR Hungary continues to prioritise domestic suppliers: more than 90% of its food offering comes from local sources. Through the Regional Treasures programme, over 600 products from 131 suppliers are now available across different parts of the country—supporting short supply chains, reducing the environmental impact of transportation, and boosting the local economy.

SPAR also achieved notable internal results during 2024. The company’s logistics centres reduced waste generation by 73 tonnes over the year. Packaging optimisation led to the near-total replacement of single-use paper, plastic, and wooden storage containers. New technologies introduced in stores and logistics units resulted in a 47-tonne waste reduction, while the use of CHEP pallets further lowered environmental impact by 26 tonnes annually. Additionally, the delivery fleet was expanded with 30 new lorries, which, thanks to optimised route planning, now enable faster deliveries and measurable reductions in fuel consumption.

The SPAR sustainability strategy is available on the dedicated company website: www.sparafenntarthatojovoert.hu

Thanks to the joint efforts of SPAR Hungary and the National Animal Protection Foundation (Országos Állatvédőrség Alapítvány), thousands of shelter animals have once again received support this year. Alongside the “Paw in Trouble!” donation weekend held in May, SPAR’s year-round donation programme has yielded impressive results – showing that a genuine alliance is forming around animal protection.

At SPAR, animal welfare is a long-term commitment. For over a decade, the company has been supporting Hungarian shelters with food products that are no longer sold in shops but are still perfectly suitable for feeding animals.

Over the years of working together, a close partnership has developed between SPAR and the National Animal Protection Foundation. One of the most visible outcomes of this collaboration is the nationwide “Paw in Trouble!” pet food donation weekend, which was organised for the fifth time in May 2025 in INTERSPAR hypermarkets. Once again, customers demonstrated outstanding empathy and solidarity: over 8,600 kg of dry dog food, 5,700 tins and pouches of wet dog food, 1,600 kg of dry cat food, 12,000 tins and pouches of wet cat food, and 1,550 kg of cat litter were donated. In addition, a significant amount of pet accessories and hygiene products were collected for shelters. SPAR further contributed with a donation of 1 million forints, which was transferred directly to the National Animal Protection Foundation.

In addition to the May “Paw in Trouble!” weekend, numerous other fundraising campaigns were held throughout the year, allowing customers to support tens of thousands of shelter animals. In 2025 alone, donation drives held in SPAR stores collected 14,500 kg of dog food, 2,800 kg of cat food, nearly 10,000 tins of dog food, more than 18,000 tins of cat food, and 790 units of dog salami, along with numerous accessories and hygiene products – all thanks to customers’ generosity.

“At SPAR, we believe that a responsible company has not only an economic role but a community one as well – and this includes responsibility towards animals. We are proud that together with our customers, we can provide real, tangible help to the civil organisations working tirelessly for animals in need,” said Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR.

“One of the most important values of this partnership for us is that it gives visibility to small, often lesser-known animal protection organisations. As an umbrella organisation, the National Animal Protection Foundation provides these communities with the opportunity to reach out to customers and collect donations. For them, this support is not just help – it’s a true chance at survival,” explained Kata Schreiter, spokesperson for the National Animal Protection Foundation.

SPAR remains open to collaborations with civil animal welfare organisations year-round: many SPAR and INTERSPAR stores regularly host collection drives across the country. These opportunities are particularly valuable to local communities, as they allow shoppers to directly support nearby animal shelters. The shared goal of SPAR and the National Animal Protection Foundation is not only to provide short-term assistance but to offer long-term, sustainable solutions for shelters and the animals they care for.

A gyűjtések helyszínéről és időpontjáról a SPAR erre a célra létrehozott online felületén lehet tájékozódni: www.sparafenntarthatojovoert.hu/mancsabajban

4.8% lower energy consumption, 90% domestic food sourcing – SPAR’s new sustainability scorecard

United for thousands of paws – SPAR and the National Animal Protection Foundation join forces to help animals in need