TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Reducing food waste has become a critical environmental priority as retailers seek sustainable business practices across Asia. Carrefour Taiwan (家樂福) launched its transformation plan in 2018, establishing an Impact Store at NPO HUB TAIPEI (台北NPO聚落) in July 2019. The program aims to significantly reduce food waste while supporting local economies and social enterprises across the island.
Carrefour Taiwan also introduced "Starting with i" price tag slogans in 2023 to promote market transparency and sustainable product selection. "Through commercial market transparency and value transparency, quality products gain support while unsustainable products face pressure," Marilyn Su (蘇小真), Carrefour's Chief Sustainability Officer & Foundation Executive Chief, told TVBS News on Thursday (Oct. 30) at the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF25). The retailer leverages market mechanisms to drive sustainable transformation beyond traditional price-focused purchasing decisions.
Su emphasized that businesses must evolve into social enterprises during sustainability transformation, integrating social purpose into brand management. "All businesses should evolve into social enterprises, integrating social purpose, values, and mission into brand management," she stated. The Impact Store addresses local issues while contributing to regional development across Taiwan.
Carrefour Taiwan builds partnerships with social enterprises and smallholder farmers, extending beyond traditional purchasing relationships, with a genuine commitment to problem-solving. "My first priority is understanding their situation, then offering tailored advice based on each farmer's scale and needs," Su explained. The company views goods and services as a medium for addressing underlying social issues.