The materiality analysis was conducted for the first time in 2008 and is revised every year. During 2022 a more comprehensive update of the materiality analysis was conducted and included an overview of sustainability issues included, as well as of the internal process. The companies in ICA Gruppen operate in different sectors and different markets. Each of the companies therefore identifies its material issues based on the company’s influence on the issue and its stakeholders’ assessment of its importance. The company-specific analyses are then summed up in ICA Gruppen’s materiality analysis, which aims to provide strategic direction to group-wide sustainability priorities and reporting. ICA Gruppen’s updated analysis shows that the climate issue continues to be in strong focus together with the products and services that the Group offers and the quality assurance of these, as well as inclusion and diversity issues in relation to ICA Gruppen’s employees. Issues further out in the value chain are also considered to be important, but ICA Gruppen’s ability to directly influence them is smaller, and stakeholders’ expectations are somewhat lower.

ICA Gruppen’s material sustainability issues

Quality assurance
Quality system that guarantees compliance with rules and policies in product development and production.

Climate
Climate impact from the Group's own operations (stores, pharmacies, offices, warehouses and transports) and from the value chain in line with the definitions in the GHG protocol.

Sustainable products and services
Offer and market sustainable products and services with lower climate impact, e.g., products with a sustainability label, food with lower climate impact, sustainable funds, etc.

Healthy products and services
Active marketing of products and services with known positive effects on health, such as fruits and vegetables, products that follow nutritional recommendations (e.g., those with the Swedish Food Agency's Keyhole symbol), and an allergy-adapted assortment (e.g., fragrance-free).

National and local assortment
Offer and market products manufactured in the same country as and/or close to stores and pharmacies.

Traceability and transparency
The ability to trace the origin and impact of the products ICA Gruppen offers, and make this information available to stakeholders.

Energy
Consumption and production of energy for the Group's own operations.

Health criticised ingredients/products
Responsible use and marketing of products with known negative effects on people’s health, such as sugar, salt, trans fats, tobacco and alcohol.

Enabling healthy choices/lifestyle
Guidance, inspiration and initiatives that promote a healthy lifestyle, e.g., healthy eating habits and exercise.

Enabling sustainable choices/lifestyle
Guidance, inspiration and initiatives that promote a sustainable lifestyle, e.g., healthy eating habits.

Sustainable marketplaces
The impact of store properties/marketplaces on local ecosystems and communities, e.g., through transport systems, restoring biodiversity, and safety and security.

Local community initiatives
Partnering initiatives with the local community, sponsorship, and other initiatives with a positive impact on the local community, e.g., labour market initiatives.

Human rights
Promote social responsibility in the value chain, and prevent and remedy human rights violations, e.g., through the Code of Conduct, supplier criteria and a risk-based due diligence process.

Food waste
Food waste within ICA Gruppen's own operations (stores, warehouses) and in the value chain.

Chemicals
Use of criticised chemicals/harmful substances in ICA Gruppen’s products or in the production of them, e.g. PFAS, PVC, harmful pesticides.

Biodiversity
Impacts on biodiversity in the value chain, e.g., through deforestation, land use, pesticides, etc.

Animal welfare
Animal welfare in food production as well as the manufacturing of other products.

Antibiotic resistance
Animal welfare and prescription policies that promote healthy use of antibiotics to treat humans and animals.

Water
Impact on water use in the value chain, e.g., through farming methods, textile production, etc.

Gender balance
In ICA (incl. stores), all employees have the same opportunities to develop and to be promoted, regardless of gender.

Inclusive culture
In ICA Gruppen, all employees feel respected, valuable, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. It is about the right to be yourself, to be authentic.

Swedish/foreign background
In ICA Gruppen in Sweden, all employees have the same opportunities to develop and to be promoted, regardless of national background.

Competence-based recruitment
All recruitment and promotion in ICA Gruppen is based on competence.