SPAR country organisations across several international markets are continuing tree-planting initiatives as part of the retailer’s environmental and responsible retailing programmes, the company reported on 21 March 2026, marking the International Day of Forests.
The initiatives took place in Zimbabwe, Gran Canaria, Hungary, Italy and China, with projects focused on reforestation, carbon offsetting, biodiversity protection and community participation.
In Zimbabwe, SPAR donated 1,200 indigenous trees to communities across 25 wards in Harare in late 2025, following an earlier project that saw 2,000 trees planted across the city in 2024. A further 500 trees were planted with students and teachers at Marlborough High School as part of environmental education and local greening efforts.
SPAR Gran Canaria continued its long-term partnership with the Foresta Foundation, planting more than 200 indigenous trees in 2024. The project is expected to contribute to carbon absorption over the next 30 years and forms part of a reforestation programme that has been running since 2007.
In Hungary, SPAR planted 304 native fruit trees as part of a carbon offsetting programme linked to corporate events. The trees will be planted in schools and non-profit organisation gardens, supporting biodiversity and the preservation of traditional fruit varieties.
DESPAR Italia reported that 1,500 trees were planted in 2025 through its “Bosco Diffuso DESPAR” environmental project, bringing the total number of trees planted under the programme to 4,500 across Italy. The project focuses on reforestation and land regeneration in areas affected by environmental damage.
In China, SPAR Shandong participated in annual Arbor Day tree planting activities in Weihai. Over the past ten years, the initiative has involved more than 50,000 participants and resulted in the planting of 64,000 trees. Around 800 black pine trees were planted during the 2025 event.
The projects form part of SPAR’s wider responsible retailing and sustainability programmes across its international store network. The company said the initiatives aim to support environmental protection, community engagement and long-term climate resilience across the regions where SPAR operates.
