Kroger focuses on pollinator health in supply chain
The Kroger Co. will require all fresh produce suppliers to protect pollinators with their pest management practices.
Following in the footsteps of Whole Foods Market, which launched a similar pollinator policy in December 2023, Kroger will require all of its fresh produce suppliers to use integrated pest management (IPM) practices, which prioritiz preventative and biological pest control measures and reduces the need for chemical pesticides, for all products supplied to Kroger by 2028 or 2030, based on the grower's size.
Medium- to large-sized growers will be expected to meet the goal by the end of 2028, and small-sized growers by 2030. Protecting biodiversity is part of Kroger's community impact strategy, “Thriving Together.”
Kroger worked with the Sustainable Food Group, a branch of IPM Institute of North America, to develop the goal and roadmap to compliance. The company also consulted current best practices and interviewed suppliers as part of its development process.
Suppliers can comply by achieving one of the following certifications:
- Bee Better
- Biodynamic
- Certified Sustainably Grown
- Equitable Food Initiative
- Fair Trade International
- Fair Trade USA
- GLOBAL G.A.P.
- LEAF MARQUE
- MPS-ABC
- Rainforest Alliance
- Regenerative Organic
- Sustainable Food Group Sustainability Standard
- USDA Organic, or international equivalents
"We depend on a healthy and resilient agriculture supply chain to keep bringing fresh, affordable food to more of America," said Lisa Zwack, head of sustainability for Kroger. "This new goal reflects Kroger's evolving approach to sustainability and resource conservation, including setting clear expectations with growers to support the transition to more sustainable fresh food production."
Kroger says it will continue to expand its focus on sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and conservation. To take additional steps toward a more sustainable food system, the retailer will conduct a supply chain biodiversity risk assessment, pilot biodiversity metrics with row crop and specialty crop suppliers, and conduct targeted climate risk assessments within its supply chain.
"We are incredibly proud to have supported Kroger in the development of this policy, which will drive positive outcomes for biodiversity, including pollinator and broader agroecosystem health through adoption of robust Integrated Pest Management and other sustainable agriculture practices across fresh produce supply chains," said Ariel Larson, senior project manager at Sustainable Food Group.
Based in Cincinnati, Kroger operates 2,800 stores under a variety of banners across the U.S., including Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith's, King Soopers, Fry's, QFC, City Market, Owen's, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker's, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick 'n Save, Metro Market and Mariano's.