EDEKA Expands Water Stewardship Projects with three new initiatives in Spain, South Africa, and Peru. The retailer is addressing rising water risks in major farming regions that supply fruit and vegetables to its stores.
Strengthening sustainable water use
As a member of the Alliance for Water Stewardship and a long-term partner of WWF Germany, EDEKA has been active in water conservation for years. The new projects expand its role in tackling drought, groundwater loss, and other critical risks in agriculture.
The programs are designed at river basin level, involving farmers, authorities, and local organizations. The aim is to secure more efficient water use across supply chains while supporting biodiversity and crop stability.
New projects in key regions
In Spain, EDEKA is supporting WRAP’s water stewardship networks in Huelva/Doñana and Murcia. These areas supply mandarins, oranges, and berries. The project provides farms with training, tools for more efficient irrigation, and measures to improve water storage and fertilization practices.
In South Africa, the retailer is engaged in the Water Roadmap 2030, implemented by WRAP and WWF South Africa. More than 80 farms, including table grape growers, are part of the project, which builds long-term partnerships and sustainable water supply systems.
In Peru’s Ica Valley, EDEKA has joined WRAP and SIFAV to address water scarcity through infrastructure such as water ditches, tree planting, and improved irrigation. The program supports grape, avocado, and citrus farms, while also involving local communities.
Long-term collaboration with WWF
EDEKA and WWF Germany continue to promote responsible water use across international supply chains. Over 30,000 farms have been engaged through risk analysis tools, training, and the promotion of AWS standards. The partnership aims to create transparency on water risks and provide growers with the means to adapt to changing conditions.
Building sustainable supply chains
The expansion of EDEKA Expands Water Stewardship Projects reflects the growing role of retailers in addressing sustainability at source. By supporting farms in water-critical areas, EDEKA is working to protect key crops and ensure long-term resilience in fresh produce supply.
EDEKA Expands Water Stewardship Projects underline the importance of supermarket-led action in tackling agricultural challenges linked to climate change and water scarcity.
