By committing to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and issuing a Sustainable Linked Bond, REWE Group has set itself ambitious climate targets. In order to achieve these, we are also committed to increasing the supply and demand of plant-based product ranges. Food that feeds future generations in a balanced and sustainable way requires production that conserves land and resources._{CO2 emissions} must be reduced and supply chains optimised. Among other things, we are focussing on alternative proteins - a long-term project that extends into various areas of the company: from purchasing and category management to Sustainability and Sales, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications. The overarching goal: with our holistic protein strategy, we want to sensitise people to a more conscious and balanced diet without patronising them or making sacrifices!

Together with REWE, we are already a leader in vegan products, while PENNY is setting standards in the discount segment. But for the nutritional turnaround to succeed, the political framework conditions must also be right. That is why we are calling for a national protein plan from the German government, targeted support programmes for farmers and start-ups, a fair VAT structure for plant-based products, simplified approval procedures for novel foods and a strengthening of public research and infrastructure.

As REWE Group, we promote a diverse, flavourful, ecological and socially responsible diet. We are driving the nutritional revolution with sustainable, innovative and high-quality food. Our aim is to offer a balanced mix of plant-based, alternative and animal protein sources. In doing so, we utilise our regional market structures and strategic partnerships to make supply chains more resilient and position local agriculture as a key player.

REWE Group is guided by the Planetary Health Diet: an international nutritional recommendation that aims to reduce the proportion of animal proteins in the diet and promote alternatives against the backdrop of a growing world population. We take this recommendation seriously and are consistently increasing the proportion of plant-based products in REWE and PENNY stores in Germany and at BILLA in Austria. For products where it makes sense and is possible, we are switching the list of ingredients to 100% plant-based. Our aim is to appeal not only to vegans, but also to flexitarians and consumers who like to try new things. We achieve this through attractive own brands such as 'Food For Future' at PENNY and 'REWE Bio + vegan'. We are continuously developing these in terms of flavour. We also advocate a standardised method for identifying the protein split and a corresponding labelling strategy in industry associations.

Through active memberships in associations such as BALPro e.V. and the standardised labelling of our vegan and vegetarian products, we facilitate access to a conscious diet. With purchase incentives via our bonus apps and digital flyers, as well as the development of the "Plant Base" community, we promote the exchange and acceptance of plant-based nutrition.the fact that we are intrinsically motivated to promote the plant-based market is demonstrated by our internal "REWE-voll-pflanzlich" community. Employees organise training courses on plant-based products and regular tastings of new products, but they also campaign for a wider range of vegan dishes in the canteens.

The expansion of plant-based foods can only be achieved through the combined expertise of all players along the value chain. We are in favour of a national protein strategy that strengthens the competitiveness of German agriculture. We want to continue to support politicians as a competent partner in the development of national nutrition strategies.

With a unique test market concept, flagship stores such as "REWE voll pflanzlich" and collaborations with start-ups from the food tech scene, we are driving the expansion of the plant-based offering.in particular, we want to support companies and technologies with high sustainability potential. Innovative product ranges such as alternative protein sources are the speciality of Clément Tischer, Head of FoodTech at REWE Group. The technologies we are pursuing can fundamentally transform the food industry and facilitate access to more environmentally friendly, resilient products.

One innovation that Clément Tischer is particularly enthusiastic about is Project Eaden. This start-up takes plant-based meat alternatives to a new level, both in terms of flavour and technology. The texture and bite of meat are authentically reproduced using a unique fibre technology. The start-up's first products have been available in REWE stores nationwide since the beginning of May.