Etri Group, a Slovenian social enterprise partnered with a prominent global retailer Lidl to tackle food waste and promote sustainability. Through this partnership, Allium z.o.o. so.p., a member organization of the Etri Group, repurposes surplus food provided by Lidl into high-quality food products. This collaboration illustrates how mainstream enterprises can engage in social procurement to support social enterprises while generating both commercial and societal value.

Reducing Food Waste and Promoting Sustainability | Allium x Lidl

About Allium z.o.o. so.p.:

Allium is a social cooperative within the Etri Group, focusing on sustainable food production and creating employment opportunities for vulnerable individuals. Operating a Mini Factory, Allium processes surplus food from producers and retailers such as Lidl into ready-to-eat products. These products, including soups, stews, and bread dumplings, are sold under the GLASH brand and packaged in reusable glass jars, promoting a circular economy and waste reduction.

The Partnership:

Lidl provides surplus food to Allium, which transforms it into products such as GLASH soups, stews, and bread dumplings. These products are packaged in environmentally friendly containers, aligning with both Lidl’s and Allium’s sustainability goals. The partnership generated almost €100,000 in direct income for Allium and the Etri Group through product sales to Lidl. However, the broader impact of the collaboration extends beyond these financial results. The partnership enabled Allium to expand its operations, develop new product lines, and further its mission of providing meaningful employment to vulnerable individuals.

In addition to purchasing the repurposed products, Lidl also provided financial and logistical support to help Allium improve its infrastructure. This investment allowed Allium to develop innovative products such as CHIKA, a chickpea-based ice cream that, while not made from surplus food, aligns with the partners’ shared commitment to sustainability and food innovation.

Social Procurement and Community Engagement:

Lidl’s collaboration with Allium extends into its corporate supply chain, where it integrates Allium’s products and services into its catering and corporate events. This social procurement strategy strengthens Allium’s financial position and showcases Lidl’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. Lidl’s involvement in community initiatives, such as Hranozavest (Food Awareness) and the Slovenian Day Without Food Waste, further emphasizes its dedication to reducing food waste and promoting sustainable consumption practices.

Impact:

The collaboration between Lidl and Allium has generated multiple benefits:

Food Waste Reduction: By repurposing surplus food, the partnership contributes to global sustainability goals by significantly reducing the amount of food waste.

Job Creation: Allium’s Mini Factory provides employment opportunities for individuals from vulnerable backgrounds, fostering social inclusion.

Direct Financial Impact: The partnership generated almost €100,000 in direct income for Allium and the Etri Group, enhancing their ability to innovate and scale their operations.

Community Awareness: Lidl’s initiatives, such as Hranozavest, help raise public awareness about reducing food waste and encourage sustainable food choices.

Conclusion:

The partnership between Lidl and Allium within the Etri Group is a powerful example of how social procurement can create both commercial and societal value. Through this collaboration, Lidl not only reduces its environmental footprint but also plays a vital role in creating a more inclusive and sustainable society. The direct financial benefits of nearly €100,000, coupled with the broader social and environmental impacts, underscore the significance of this partnership.

At the heart of the partnership between Lidl and Allium within the Etri Group is a call to action

expressed through the translated poem “Awake Your Food Awareness” which

encapsulates the ethos of Hranozavest:

ZBUDI SVOJO HRANOZAVEST

Food Awareness is the path to live by,

A conscious choice for the planet and I.

It’s the moment you use leftovers with care,

Listening to your body, planning meals to share.

Food Awareness is a philosophy to uphold,

Encouraging a holistic approach, making us bold.

For less waste and a balanced life we strive,

With Food Awareness, we truly thrive.

Lenka Puh, Social entrepreneur

Quote Lidl

“We are proud of the Mini Factory, a shining example of social entrepreneurship and a model for the circular economy run with Lidl Slovenia's support. Employees from socially vulnerable groups create new value from surplus food innovatively by producing tasty and healthy meals for various consumers, including those from socially vulnerable groups. This prevents food waste and has a significant positive social impact, making the Mini Factory a real asset to the community.”