Embedding Sustainability into the Heart of a Global Business

One of the world’s largest and most successful grocery retailers, partnered with Gallagher Communications Practice (Gallagher) to deliver the initiative - a transformative program designed to embed sustainability into the core of its global operations. With over 200,000 employees across 11 markets, the client recognised that achieving its ambitious sustainability goals required not only operational changes but also a cultural transformation driven by its people.

Gallagher played a pivotal role in creating and implementing a comprehensive communication and engagement strategy that aligned with the workforce with its Purpose: to deliver great quality at the lowest prices while maximising its positive impact on people and the planet. This strategy included leadership alignment, a global champions network, and a leader-led cascade approach to ensure buy-in from employees at all levels.

The initiative integrated the client’s Global Sustainability Strategy (GSS) into every aspect of its business model, focusing on six key dimensions: human rights, climate, agriculture, sustainable products, circularity, and healthy nutrition. By fostering collaboration, empowering leaders, and embedding sustainable practices into its culture, the client and Gallagher successfully built a movement that united employees around a shared vision for a more sustainable future.

The results have been transformative: they have reduced its carbon footprint, improved supply chain transparency, and increased employee engagement, all while maintaining its competitive advantage. The initiative demonstrates how a strategic partnership and a focus on sustainability can drive meaningful and measurable change on a global scale.