Supermarkets steer protein transition in the food sector

Dutch supermarkets hold a distinctive position within Europe when it comes to climate policy and the protein transition. The Superlist Environment Europe 2026 shows that Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Lidl Nederland report extensively on emissions and apply concrete targets for plant-based proteins. At the same time, the report shows that actual emission reductions remain limited. This creates a tension that directly affects the Dutch food industry.

Transparency and climate plans lead the way

Albert Heijn and Lidl Nederland are among seven European supermarkets with a published, detailed climate roadmap. These roadmaps include measures primarily aimed at reducing Scope 3 emissions. Jumbo has set reduction targets, but has not yet published a full roadmap. All three report their emissions annually and distinguish between Scope 1, 2 and 3.

Albert Heijn stands out as the first supermarket to report methane emissions separately and to set a reduction target for them. According to the report, this is relevant because methane plays an important role in agriculture-related emissions.

Protein ratio explicitly embedded in policy

All Dutch supermarkets included in the study have incorporated the protein transition into their climate plans. Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Lidl Nederland apply a target of 60 percent plant-based and 40 percent animal-based proteins by 2030. In addition, they have set an interim target of 50 percent plant-based by 2025. These targets are aligned with the Planetary Health Diet.

The supermarkets report their protein ratio based on total sales volumes. According to the report, they have been testing various measures since 2022 to stimulate sales of plant-based products, including pricing measures and changes to store layout.

Emission reductions lag behind

Despite the ambitions, the report shows that total greenhouse gas emissions from Dutch supermarkets do not yet display a structurally downward trend. Jumbo is the only supermarket reporting a demonstrable reduction in total emissions since measurements began. At Albert Heijn and Lidl Nederland, fluctuations in Scope 3 emissions result in a mixed picture.

All three supermarkets indicate that they provide financial support to suppliers to encourage sustainability, including premiums, funds and pilot projects. According to the report, this support is necessary because the majority of emissions occur outside direct business operations.

Thequestionmark.org