SEG Partners with Local Animal Rescues, Shelters for National Pet Month
Southeastern Grocers is raising support for local animal rescues and shelters through its Community Bag program in honor of National Pet Month.
In May, National Pet Month, customers can purchase a new reusable community bag for $2.99 in all Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores to help local homeless animals while also benefiting the environment by reducing the use of paper and plastic bags. SEG is partnering with nearly 400 animal shelters and rescues across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi for its Pet Month Community Bag program. For every community bag purchased, $1 will be directed to each store’s partner animal shelter organization.
SEG is the parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores.
“At Southeastern Grocers, we are dedicated to supporting causes that are important to our customers and associates, and we know our communities are big animal lovers,” said Raymond Rhee, chief people officer .”With the purchase of a community bag during the month of May, our customers can help our furry, four-legged friends in need of a forever home and reduce the use of single-use plastic bags to nurture a healthier, more sustainable planet. Together, we can make the world a better place for humans and animals alike.”
The durable and bright reusable bags are made from recycled materials and can be found at the register or near the entrance of each Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie store. Since its inception in February 2019, SEG’s Community Bag program has supported more than 7,300 nonprofit organizations and saved more than 11.6 million single-use plastic bags1 from being used.
Additionally, SEG will donate $15,000 in own brand Whiskers & Tails pet food and supplies to support local pet animal shelters and rescues, including Jacksonville Humane Society, Greater Birmingham Humane Society and Lee County Domestic Animal Services. These organizations help to provide vital pet aid to families in need and help keep pets happy and at home. Whiskers & Tails offers a variety of nutritionally balanced wet and dry food, treats and supplies for cats and dogs for a 20% average savings compared to national brand equivalents. Whiskers & Tails products are exclusively available in Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores for pet parents to save.
For updates in the grocer and specialty foods industries, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Beyoncé Headlines Investors in $31M Fundraising for Lemon Perfect Enhanced Water
Lemon Perfect, a fast-rising hydrating lemon water brand in the enhanced water category, raised $31 million in Series A funding from an influential network of investors across food and beverage, media, music, sports and entertainment headlined by internationally celebrated award-winning artist and entrepreneur Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Lemon Perfect Founder and CEO Yanni Hufnagel says the company will use the funding to help scale the brand to more than 40,000 points of distribution by the end of 2022.
“Lemon Perfect is quickly taking significant market share from the leading brands in the enhanced water category by offering a better-for-you, better-tasting product that’s resonating broadly with the American consumer,” Hufnagel said. “We are honored and humbled that Beyoncé has become a part of the Lemon Perfect family. She is a worldwide icon whose talent, character, and positivity are unsurpassed. Her investment and the energy it sparks will accelerate Lemon Perfect’s rise toward its goal of becoming the number one brand in the multibillion-dollar enhanced water category by market share.”
“I don’t typically enjoy drinks without added sugar, but Lemon Perfect is delicious,” said Knowles-Carter. “It was an easy decision to invest in something that not only tastes great and is healthy, but also, and most importantly, allows choosing a healthier lifestyle to be affordable and accessible to everyone.”
In 2021, Lemon Perfect quadrupled revenue, and the company projects greater than 100% revenue growth in 2022.
“Lemon Perfect has found product-market fit in a hyper-competitive category, and we are thrilled to support their growth,” said Phillip Sarofim, Trousdale Ventures founder and CEO. “We believe they can disrupt an American beverage ecosystem still dominated by high-calorie, high-sugar options and democratize drinkable wellness.”
The financing brings Lemon Perfect’s total funding to $42.2 million and total valuation to over $100 million in fewer than three years from the company’s selling its first bottle.
Subscribe now to Gourmet News for updates in the specialty food industry.
Albertsons Sets ESG Goals, Long-Term Sustainability Strategies
Albertsons Companies has launched long-term sustainability goals and strategies focused on maximizing the company’s positive impact across four pillars: Planet, People, Product and Community. The company’s Environmental, Social and Governance framework, called “Recipe for Change,” further solidifies Albertsons Cos.’ commitment to using its national presence and resources to drive meaningful, proactive change.
“As a long-standing neighborhood grocer, we have an ongoing commitment to leverage our resources and expertise to support the communities we serve and the planet we share,” said CEO Vivek Sankaran. “Today, we are unveiling ambitious and measurable goals that will challenge us to be even more deliberate and creative about how we lead positive change.”
Chief Sustainability and Transformation Officer Suzanne Long will oversee execution of Albertsons Cos.’ ESG strategy and sustainability agenda. Long has been in retail and consulting for more than 25 years and has led a variety of major strategic initiatives at Albertsons Cos. Long has been leading the company’s ESG efforts since late 2020.
“Albertsons Cos. has made substantial progress driving sustainability practices in our operations, including reducing energy and fuel consumption, implementing recycling programs, and fighting food insecurity in our local neighborhoods,” said Long. “Recipe for Change is about broadening our existing commitments so we can have an even greater impact.”
The company’s new ESG platform includes the following priorities and goals:
PLANET –
Climate Action: Albertsons Cos. is committed to fighting climate change by reducing carbon emissions through science-based targets.
- Achieve Science Based Targets initiative approved carbon emissions reduction goals by 2030.
- Reduce carbon emissions from company operations by 47%.
- Reduce downstream carbon emissions from the use of sold goods by approximately 27%.
- Engage top suppliers to set science-based carbon reduction targets by 2026.
- Achieve Net Zero emissions in company operations by 2040.
PEOPLE –
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Albertsons Cos. is committed to cultivating a diverse workforce and providing equal opportunity for all associates.
- Increase diverse representation within our management to reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve.
- Foster an inclusive culture that embraces differences and drives innovation to accelerate growth.
- Ensure all associates have equal access to opportunities and resources.
PRODUCT –
Waste Reduction & Circularity: Albertsons Cos. is committed to eliminating food waste, reducing the use of plastic, and accelerating our transition to a more circular economy.
- Zero food waste going to landfill by 2030.
- Leverage global partnerships and platforms to report on and achieve the company’s Plastics & Packaging Pledge goals, including:
- By 2025, all Own Brands product packaging will be 100% recyclable, reusable, or industrially compostable.
- By 2025, Own Brands plastic packaging will include 20% recycled content.
- By 2022, Own Brands packaging will include standardized recycling communications.
COMMUNITY –
Nourishing Neighbors: Albertsons Cos. is committed to reducing food insecurity at a local level, so all its neighbors thrive.
- Enable the donation of one billion meals by 2030.
- Champion innovative programs and partnerships to help break the cycle of hunger in the communities we serve.
Albertsons Cos. will share updates and progress against its priorities in its annual ESG impact report this summer.
