METRO has published its 2025 Corporate Responsibility review, outlining progress across climate action, supplier governance, food waste reduction and community investment during the final stretch of its 2022–2026 plan.
The Canadian supermarket group said the report covers all operations for the 2025 fiscal year, with a stronger focus on data credibility, responsible procurement and social impact across its store and distribution network.
METRO is one of the country’s leading grocery operators, alongside other major players shaping the retail landscape, as outlined in our overview of the top grocery stores in Canada in 2025.
A key development in this year’s review is the introduction of limited external assurance for the group’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions. METRO said this step strengthens the reliability of its climate reporting as pressure grows on large supermarket groups to demonstrate measurable progress on emissions.
Supplier governance remains a central theme. In 2025, METRO assessed 69% of its purchases under its responsible procurement framework, with 91% meeting the expectations set out in its Supplier Code of Conduct. During the year, the company also updated the code and published its first standalone Human Rights Statement.
These actions build on earlier governance commitments, including METRO’s decision to formally sign on to the Grocery Code, reinforcing standards around fair dealing, transparency and supplier relations across the Canadian food supply chain.
Local sourcing also featured in the update. METRO reported enhanced in-store visibility for local products across its banners, positioning regional suppliers more prominently for shoppers in Québec and Ontario.
Food waste reduction delivered some of the most tangible outcomes. The retailer said more than 9.3 million kilograms of food recovered from stores and distribution centres were donated to community partners during the year. That volume is equivalent to 18.7 million meals and supports METRO’s broader objective of reducing food loss across operations.
On community investment, METRO reported total contributions of $17.2 million, combining funding from the company, employees, suppliers and customers. The year also saw the rollout of the METRO Shared Kitchens network, with five kitchens opened in Ontario and Québec to support organisations addressing food insecurity.
Environmental performance extended beyond emissions. METRO said its waste diversion rate increased by more than 6% across stores, distribution centres and production sites. The group also adopted a new target to increase the proportion of food rescued from waste by 30% by 2030, compared with 2024 levels.
In equity, diversity and inclusion, METRO received the Maurice-Pollack Award, recognising its ED&I efforts within the Canadian retail sector.
The company said the 2025 review reflects its intent to embed corporate responsibility as a core element of overall performance, rather than a standalone programme, as it enters the final year of its current plan.
Editor’s note: This article is based on METRO’s official 2025 Corporate Responsibility Review and company disclosures.
