Nemlig Halves Food Waste as Denmark’s largest online grocery retailer commits to cutting waste by 50% by 2030 and phasing out fast-growing chickens from its assortment in 2026 under its new three-year strategy, “Transformér”.
The binding, time-based targets place responsibility and transparency at the centre of the company’s commercial model.
The move positions the online player at the forefront of sustainability standards in the Denmark supermarket sector.
Quick Facts
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Fast-growing chickens removed from assortment in 2026
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50% food waste reduction by 2030 vs. 2022 baseline
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60% of animal product revenue to meet documented welfare standards by 2030
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All fresh meat in permanent range to meet at least 1-heart welfare label by 2030
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Food waste rate in FY 2024/2025: 0.3% of revenue
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224 tonnes of surplus food donated in 2024/2025
Nemlig’s first major deadline is the removal of fast-growing chickens during 2026. These breeds are widely used in industrial production but have been linked to higher risks of leg disorders and respiratory issues.
The retailer says the phase-out will be carried out in cooperation with suppliers.
Beyond poultry, the company has set a broader welfare target. By 2030, at least 60% of total revenue from animal-based products — including meat, dairy and eggs — must come from items with documented welfare certification such as organic labels or recognised animal protection schemes.
In addition, all fresh meat cuts in the permanent assortment must carry at least Denmark’s 1-heart welfare label or equivalent by 2030.
Food Waste Target Tightens
Nemlig also committed to cutting food waste by 50% by 2030 compared with 2022 levels.
In its latest financial year (2024/2025), the retailer reported food waste equivalent to just 0.3% of total revenue — described as the lowest level in its history and below broader industry averages.
When products cannot be sold, the company says it prioritises donation. During 2024/2025, 224 tonnes of surplus food were redistributed through partnerships including Fødevarebanken, Wefood and JunkFood. That volume corresponds to more than half a million meals.
Nemlig says it will publish ongoing progress updates and increase transparency around both achievements and challenges.
Why This Matters
Online grocery is under increasing pressure to demonstrate measurable ESG performance, particularly in protein sourcing and waste reduction.
Time-bound targets — especially around poultry standards and certified welfare share — create operational implications across supply chains. Producers supplying the retailer must adjust breeding, certification, and documentation processes to maintain listings.
The food waste commitment is also structurally significant. Online models often operate with centralised warehouses rather than store-level stock rotation, making data-led waste management a competitive lever.
In a mature grocery market such as Denmark, where sustainability expectations are already high, binding welfare and waste targets can shift category norms.
Nemlig’s strategy links responsibility directly to core operations rather than separate CSR reporting.
The company says additional binding sustainability targets will be announced over time as the “Transformér” strategy progresses.
Editor’s Note: Based on company press release, 23 February 2026.
