Southeastern Grocers to transition private label packaging towards sustainability

Southeastern Grocers has announced its commitment to increasing sustainability for its own brand packaging by the end of 2028.

In response to public feedback listing packaging as a top sustainability concern, the parent company of Winn Dixie, Fresco y Más and Harveys Supermarket will eliminate polystyrene and make packaging reusable, recyclable or industrially compostable for its private label products. 

First covered by Store Brands’ sister publication Progressive Grocer, the Southeastern Grocers’ 2022 survey on U.S. consumer sentiment regarding sustainability found that 62% of respondents would like to see retailers improve environmental performance via a switch to sustainable packaging alternatives. In addition to implementing sustainable packaging for its own-brand products, Southeastern Grocers is partnering with How2Recycle, a standardized labeling system for packaging that clearly communicates recycling instructions to consumers based on packaging specifications. 

The company’s private label products including wine, ice cream, pistachios and lamb have won awards. The company offers a money-back guarantee on own brand products.

“At Southeastern Grocers, we value feedback from our customers, associates and communities, and prioritize the matters that mean the most to them,” said Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers. “We heard clearly that sustainable packaging is among their top concerns, and we listened! In response, we are working with our supplier partners to establish sustainable packaging goals and meet our commitments in 2028. We strive to be the grocer people can always count on, and we mean always.”

Based in Jacksonville, Fla., Southeastern Grocers operates grocery stores, liquor stores and in-store pharmacies across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.