Latest news with #EricaChan
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DFI Retail Group Launches Low-Carbon Rice Pilot Programme Reduces at Least 30% in GHG Emissions
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 April 2025 - DFI Retail Group (DFI or the Group), a leading Asian retailer with diverse business formats, has launched a low-carbon rice cultivation pilot programme in 2024 in Thailand. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the rice industry. By implementing new farming techniques, DFI seeks to promote the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and enhance environmental awareness among its supply chains. This innovative programme successfully produced 110,000kg of certified low-carbon rice in 2024, achieving a minimum 30% reduction in GHG emissions on the rice fields compared to conventional cultivation methods. Rice is an important commodity across Asia, where 85% of the world's production occurs, with Thailand ranking as the sixth-largest rice producer globally. In Hong Kong alone, the annual consumption of approximately 255,105 metric tons 1, 2 of rice results in around 1,060,982 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent 3, 4 emissions — comparable to driving around the world 106,532 times 5. This crop constitutes one of DFI's top Scope 3 product categories, accounting for approximately 6% of total Scope 3 emissions based on 2023 data. Traditional rice farming involves flooding fields for extended periods, which creates anaerobic conditions in the soil. This lack of oxygen allows microbes to release methane—a GHG with a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide—into the atmosphere, significantly impacting climate change. In response to this environmental challenge, DFI collaborated with agricultural experts, the Thai government, and researchers to develop a low-carbon rice cultivation programme. The pilot programme partnered with 30 local farmers to implement sustainable farming techniques, including: Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD): Instead of the traditional 120 days of continuous flooding of the rice fields, the programme uses an irrigation technique called AWD, reducing flooding to about 10 days. This approach not only conserves water but also reduces methane emissions while maintaining production yields. Straw Burning Prohibition: Support for farmers to eliminate open-field burning of rice straw, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution. Soil and Fertiliser Management: Closely monitored soil quality and fertiliser application, with guidance from agricultural experts. Soil samples were analysed to optimise nutrient use and minimise nitrous oxide emissions. In 2025, DFI would continue with the programme and aims to launch 200,000kg of low-carbon rice under the Yu Pin King brand in the Hong Kong market. This initiative will raise public awareness and promote sustainable agriculture across supply chains. DFI will also explore further partnerships and low-carbon sourcing opportunities to enhance its impact. Erica Chan, Group Chief Legal, Governance and Corporate Affairs Officer shared, "Beyond value and quality, we are committed to sustainability. This programme exemplifies our dedication to pursuing sustainable goals. We wish to influence the industry, our stakeholders across the value chain to take collective action towards a sustainable future." Fann Yuen, Group Own Brand Director added, "Customers prefer sustainable products but not at a higher cost. Guided by DFI's 'customer-first' approach, we are dedicated to providing sustainable options that are affordable." The rice produced through this low-carbon cultivation programme is now available under Wellcome's Own Brand Yu Pin King Thai Jasmine Fragrant Rice (5kg). Customers can find it on shelves at designated Wellcome stores in Hong Kong and purchase it online. DFI remains devoted to offering more sustainable choices for customers in the future, ensuring that sustainability aligns with affordability. [1] Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department. (2023). Rice: Per capita consumption [2] Census and Statistics Department. (2023, 15 August). Mid-2023 population estimates [3] AGRIBALYSE®. (n.d.). Data extracted from dataset available at: Recherche Data Gouv. [4] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle [5] National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (n.d.). The Earth. NASA Imagine the Universe. For detailed information about DFI Low-Carbon Rice Pilot Programme, please refer to here. Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #LowCarbonRice #YuPinKing #Wellcome #MarketPlace #Sustainability #ESG #ReduceCarbonEmissions The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. DFI Retail Group DFI Retail Group (the 'Group') is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to "Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments". As at 31 Dec 2024, the Group, its associates and joint ventures operated over 10,700 outlets, and employed over 190,000 people. The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including associates and joint ventures, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across six key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing. DFI Retail Group
Associated Press
22-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
DFI Retail Group Launches Low-Carbon Rice Pilot Programme Reduces at Least 30% in GHG Emissions
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 April 2025 - DFI Retail Group (DFI or the Group), a leading Asian retailer with diverse business formats, has launched a low-carbon rice cultivation pilot programme in 2024 in Thailand. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the rice industry. By implementing new farming techniques, DFI seeks to promote the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and enhance environmental awareness among its supply chains. This innovative programme successfully produced 110,000kg of certified low-carbon rice in 2024, achieving a minimum 30% reduction in GHG emissions on the rice fields compared to conventional cultivation methods. DFI Retail Group launches Low-Carbon Rice Pilot Programme in Thailand Rice is an important commodity across Asia, where 85% of the world's production occurs, with Thailand ranking as the sixth-largest rice producer globally. In Hong Kong alone, the annual consumption of approximately 255,105 metric tons 1, 2 of rice results in around 1,060,982 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent 3, 4 emissions — comparable to driving around the world 106,532 times 5. This crop constitutes one of DFI's top Scope 3 product categories, accounting for approximately 6% of total Scope 3 emissions based on 2023 data. Traditional rice farming involves flooding fields for extended periods, which creates anaerobic conditions in the soil. This lack of oxygen allows microbes to release methane—a GHG with a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide—into the atmosphere, significantly impacting climate change. In response to this environmental challenge, DFI collaborated with agricultural experts, the Thai government, and researchers to develop a low-carbon rice cultivation programme. The pilot programme partnered with 30 local farmers to implement sustainable farming techniques, including: In 2025, DFI would continue with the programme and aims to launch 200,000kg of low-carbon rice under the Yu Pin King brand in the Hong Kong market. This initiative will raise public awareness and promote sustainable agriculture across supply chains. DFI will also explore further partnerships and low-carbon sourcing opportunities to enhance its impact. Erica Chan, Group Chief Legal, Governance and Corporate Affairs Officer shared, 'Beyond value and quality, we are committed to sustainability. This programme exemplifies our dedication to pursuing sustainable goals. We wish to influence the industry, our stakeholders across the value chain to take collective action towards a sustainable future.' Fann Yuen, Group Own Brand Director added, 'Customers prefer sustainable products but not at a higher cost. Guided by DFI's 'customer-first' approach, we are dedicated to providing sustainable options that are affordable.' The rice produced through this low-carbon cultivation programme is now available under Wellcome's Own Brand Yu Pin King Thai Jasmine Fragrant Rice (5kg). Customers can find it on shelves at designated Wellcome stores in Hong Kong and purchase it online. DFI remains devoted to offering more sustainable choices for customers in the future, ensuring that sustainability aligns with affordability. [1] Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department. (2023). Rice: Per capita consumption [2] Census and Statistics Department. (2023, 15 August). Mid-2023 population estimates [3] AGRIBALYSE®. (n.d.). Data extracted from dataset available at: Recherche Data Gouv. [4] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle [5] National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (n.d.). The Earth. NASA Imagine the Universe. For detailed information about DFI Low-Carbon Rice Pilot Programme, please refer to here. Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #LowCarbonRice #YuPinKing #Wellcome #MarketPlace #Sustainability #ESG #ReduceCarbonEmissions The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. DFI Retail Group DFI Retail Group (the 'Group') is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to 'Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments'. As at 31 Dec 2024, the Group, its associates and joint ventures operated over 10,700 outlets, and employed over 190,000 people. The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including associates and joint ventures, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across six key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
DFI Retail Group Launches Low-Carbon Rice Pilot Programme Reduces at Least 30% in GHG Emissions
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 April 2025 - DFI Retail Group (DFI or the Group), a leading Asian retailer with diverse business formats, has launched a low-carbon rice cultivation pilot programme in 2024 in Thailand. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the rice industry. By implementing new farming techniques, DFI seeks to promote the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and enhance environmental awareness among its supply chains. This innovative programme successfully produced 110,000kg of certified low-carbon rice in 2024, achieving a minimum 30% reduction in GHG emissions on the rice fields compared to conventional cultivation methods. Rice is an important commodity across Asia, where 85% of the world's production occurs, with Thailand ranking as the sixth-largest rice producer globally. In Hong Kong alone, the annual consumption of approximately 255,105 metric tons 1, 2 of rice results in around 1,060,982 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent 3, 4 emissions — comparable to driving around the world 106,532 times 5. This crop constitutes one of DFI's top Scope 3 product categories, accounting for approximately 6% of total Scope 3 emissions based on 2023 data. Traditional rice farming involves flooding fields for extended periods, which creates anaerobic conditions in the soil. This lack of oxygen allows microbes to release methane—a GHG with a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide—into the atmosphere, significantly impacting climate change. In response to this environmental challenge, DFI collaborated with agricultural experts, the Thai government, and researchers to develop a low-carbon rice cultivation programme. The pilot programme partnered with 30 local farmers to implement sustainable farming techniques, including: •Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD): Instead of the traditional 120 days of continuous flooding of the rice fields, the programme uses an irrigation technique called AWD, reducing flooding to about 10 days. This approach not only conserves water but also reduces methane emissions while maintaining production yields. •Straw Burning Prohibition: Support for farmers to eliminate open-field burning of rice straw, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution. •Soil and Fertiliser Management: Closely monitored soil quality and fertiliser application, with guidance from agricultural experts. Soil samples were analysed to optimise nutrient use and minimise nitrous oxide emissions. In 2025, DFI would continue with the programme and aims to launch 200,000kg of low-carbon rice under the Yu Pin King brand in the Hong Kong market. This initiative will raise public awareness and promote sustainable agriculture across supply chains. DFI will also explore further partnerships and low-carbon sourcing opportunities to enhance its impact. Erica Chan, Group Chief Legal, Governance and Corporate Affairs Officer shared, 'Beyond value and quality, we are committed to sustainability. This programme exemplifies our dedication to pursuing sustainable goals. We wish to influence the industry, our stakeholders across the value chain to take collective action towards a sustainable future.' Fann Yuen, Group Own Brand Director added, 'Customers prefer sustainable products but not at a higher cost. Guided by DFI's 'customer-first' approach, we are dedicated to providing sustainable options that are affordable.' The rice produced through this low-carbon cultivation programme is now available under Wellcome's Own Brand Yu Pin King Thai Jasmine Fragrant Rice (5kg). Customers can find it on shelves at designated Wellcome stores in Hong Kong and purchase it online. DFI remains devoted to offering more sustainable choices for customers in the future, ensuring that sustainability aligns with affordability. [1] Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department. (2023). Rice: Per capita consumption [2] Census and Statistics Department. (2023, 15 August). Mid-2023 population estimates [3] AGRIBALYSE®. (n.d.). Data extracted from dataset available at: Recherche Data Gouv. [4] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle [5] National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (n.d.). The Earth. NASA Imagine the Universe. For detailed information about DFI Low-Carbon Rice Pilot Programme, please refer to here. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Associated Press
07-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
DFI Launches 2024 Sustainability Report
Emphasising Commitment to People, Products and Planet HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 7 April 2025 - DFI Retail Group (DFI or the Group) is pleased to announce the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report, outlining the Group's ongoing commitment and progress in sustainability across Asia. In 2024, DFI demonstrated strong ESG performance. It was ranked in the 84th percentile in the Food and Staples Retailing industry in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment*. Key achievements include a 14.2% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to the 2021 baseline, with a target of 50% reduction by 2030. The waste diversion rate improved to 61%, up from 56% of the previous year. DFI also made community investments totalling US$2.76 million, enhancing social impact through various initiatives across markets. Additionally, DFI achieved 57% packaging recyclability of Own Brand products with plastic packaging, progressing the Group on track towards the target of 100% by 2030. Scott Price, Group Chief Executive, DFI Retail Group shared, 'At DFI, our purpose is to sustainably serve our millions of customers in Asia for generations with everyday moments. This shared purpose inspires us to meet the daily needs of our customers while creating lasting, sustainable value for all stakeholders. As Asia's leading retailer, we take this responsibility seriously by providing essentials that support livelihoods, health, well-being, and ecosystems across all our markets.' Erica Chan, Group Chief Legal, Governance and Corporate Affairs Officer shared, 'I am proud of the consistent progress DFI has made in laying the foundation for our refreshed Sustainability Framework. I am also deeply encouraged by the collective efforts of our teams, partners, and communities, and am confident that we will continue to make great strides in our sustainability journey in the years ahead.' This year's report introduces a refined Sustainability Framework centred around three key pillars: People, Products and Planet, with Governance as the cornerstone, ensuring robust leadership and oversight. The People-focused priorities underscore DFI's commitment to its customers, team members, communities, and the labour in its supply chains. By prioritising employee development, health, and safety, DFI aims to empower its team members and address the diverse needs of customers. Initiatives include enhancing training programmes, promoting gender equality, and fostering community engagement through various giveback projects. Across the business, the Products pillar focuses on providing sustainable product choices that resonate with consumer demand. DFI is dedicated to increasing the availability of Own Brand products with sustainability certifications, ensuring that customers can easily access sustainable goods and solutions without compromising affordability, while also safeguarding product quality and safety. This commitment extends to advancing sustainable packaging practices and promoting responsible sourcing across its supply chains. The Planet strategies recognise the urgent need to address environmental challenges and are dedicated to reducing DFI's overall carbon footprint, minimising waste and advancing circular economies through upcycling. The Group remains on track to achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. Additionally, the company is addressing Scope 3 emissions by collaborating with suppliers and industry partners on decarbonisation strategies and engaging consumers to embrace sustainable consumption. As part of DFI's efforts to advance its goals across these pillars, it progressed several impactful initiatives during 2024, including: People: Mannings Hong Kong launched a safe disposal service for unused medicines, becoming the first community pharmacy chain in the city to do so. The programme expanded in 2024 to double the scale. Since its inception in 2023, it has handled around 8 million unwanted pills and received multiple industry awards for its contribution to public health. Additionally, IKEA Indonesia introduced the IKEA Social Entrepreneur Accelerator (I-SEA), partnering with local organisations to support marginalised communities. This initiative has supported over 220 local communities and impacted thousands of smallholder farmers and businesses through capacity building and mentorship. Products: DFI has increased the percentage of its Own Brand products with sustainability certifications from 24% to 28%. Additionally, as part of the Group's commitment to responsible sourcing, 7CAFÉ has adopted 100% Rainforest Alliance-certified Arabica coffee beans across its stores in Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore. Planet: DFI led a successful Low-Carbon Rice pilot in Thailand, addressing the 6% of the Group's Scope 3 emissions attributed to rice. With 85% of the world's rice produced in Asia, DFI worked with local partners to train 30 local farmers in sustainable farming techniques, including Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). The pilot produced 110,000kg of certified low-carbon rice, achieving at least 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on approved participating rice fields. In 2025, DFI plans to launch 200,000 kg of low-carbon rice under its Own Brand Yu Pin King in Hong Kong, helping promote sustainable agriculture across its supply chains. Together, these pillars reflect DFI's comprehensive approach to advancing sustainability priorities. By integrating these principles into its core business strategies, DFI is not only addressing immediate sustainability challenges but also paving the way for a more resilient future for its customers, communities and the planet. For detailed information on the various sustainability initiatives undertaken by DFI, please refer to the Sustainability Report 2024. To learn more about DFI's efforts, please visit DFI's website. *Ranking as of 8 January 2025 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. DFI Retail Group DFI Retail Group (the 'Group') is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to 'Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments'. As at 31 Dec 2024, the Group, its associates and joint ventures operated over 10,700 outlets, and employed over 190,000 people. The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including associates and joint ventures, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across six key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing.
