Kroger will require its fresh produce suppliers to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices for all products they sell to the supermarket giant by 2028 or 2030, depending on the grower’s size. Medium- to large-sized growers will be expected to meet the goal by the end of 2028, while small growers will have until 2030 to comply. Encouraging growers to use less pesticides to help protect pollinator health is part of Kroger’s “Thriving Together” ESG strategy, which includes seafood sustainability and no-deforestation commitments.
“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 in a statement. “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 worked with the Sustainable Food Group, a branch of IPM Institute of North America, to develop the goal and roadmap to compliance. The retailer also consulted current best practices and interviewed suppliers to ensure the goal was both impactful and achievable.
While many companies have boosted their sustainability efforts in recent years, specific moves to protect pollinators have been relatively rare. Tanger Outlets added urban beehives at six U.S. locations in May 2021, and Sam’s Club added “pollinator advocacy” to its 2025 goals for its private label Members Mark products in April 2022. Whole Foods Market debuted a new “pollinator policy” for its produce and floral purchasing in December 2023.
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