The ICA idea is central to ICA Gruppen’s business and is based on cooperation combined with local adaptation. This includes a commitment to local issues and needs in the places where the company operates, in order to be as close to customers as possible, and contributing to positive development in the communities where ICA Gruppen is active. In both Sweden and the Baltic countries, demand for locally produced food is large and growing. ICA Sweden and Rimi Baltic are working in many ways to increase the number of locally produced food products in the range, as well as to support rural areas and contribute to keeping communities alive.
Examples of activities
Selling local products is a way for us to offer a diverse range of products while supporting small-scale production and local jobs. But it is also a way of spotlighting genuine culinary crafts and instinct for local foods. Local production can also contribute to a reduced need for transports and smaller environmental impact. Crop production and grazing livestock contribute to an open countryside of fields, meadows and pastures. Choosing varied Swedish foods helps keep Swedish rural communities vibrant and promotes biodiversity.
In both ICA Sweden and Rimi Baltic, numerous initiatives are being conducted in support of local food production and to facilitate the process for local suppliers. This work has been further intensified in recent years in response to the Covid 19 pandemic as well as Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Since 2014 ICA Sweden and the Swedish Federation of Farmers (LRF) have been working together to broaden the offering of Swedish products in stores and promote development and growth of rural communities in Sweden. This partnership involves active work with the range, and today 85% of the beef and nearly 90% of charcuterie products sold by ICA Sweden under its corporate brands are Swedish meat.
ICA has been involved in a partnership with the Swedish Red Cross since 1999 and participates in numerous initiatives throughout the year, among other things by donating revenues from sales of campaign products. The Red Cross works to strengthen the resilience of people and communities. This work is built upon the engagement of individuals in their local communities to meet the specific needs that exist locally.
In addition to securing the Group’s long-term need for the right properties at the right locations in Sweden for its operations, ICA Real Estate works to develop commercial areas and create meeting places where people can shop, interact and thrive. By taking an active role in urban development, ICA Real Estate helps create places that meet a range of customers’ service needs and in such way contribute to development of local communities.
To expand and broaden the locally produced range and increase sales of Swedish food, ICA Sweden has an order portal for the assortment from local vendors. The portal enables and facilitates business relationships between local vendors and individual ICA stores and is accessible for ICA retailers and vendors nationwide.