EU Supermarkets LIFE

Towards climate- and environment-friendly supermarkets across Europe

What is EU-Supermarkets LIFE?

EU Supermarkets LIFE is a European initiative that uses transparent performance comparison and multi-stakeholder engagement to accelerate supermarkets’ contributions to climate and environmental goals.

Why this matters

Across Europe, a small number of supermarket chains control the majority of food sales. Their policies, product assortments, promotions and operational choices strongly influence consumer behaviour and supply-chain practices. Supermarkets shape what millions of citizens eat, thus making them a powerful leverage point for system change.

By strengthening supermarket action on climate and environmental sustainability, the project aims to reduce food-system emissions, support sustainable agriculture, cut food waste and make healthier, planet-friendly diets more accessible.

Our goals

EU-Supermarkets LIFE  seeks to:

  • Highlight and compare supermarket performance on climate and environmental criteria.
  • Competition towards best practices (‘race to the top’).
  • Inform and influence policy at national and EU levels.
  • Lay groundwork for permanent monitoring of supermarket sustainability across the EU.

How we work

We build on Superlist, Questionmark’s international programme:

  • National Superlists (2025–2027) in The Netherlands, Belgium and two additional EU member states: Supermarkets are assessed on key sustainability indicators. Results and recommendations are shared widely with the public, governments, retailers and civil society to spark improvement. Dialogues bring supermarkets together with stakeholders to reflect on results and define next steps.
  • European scaling (2025–2028): Aggregated insights are brought to EU-level actors, including supermarket headquarters and policymakers, to spread good practices, support enabling policies and work toward a permanent sector monitoring system.

Expected impact

By combining evidence, transparency and dialogue, EU Supermarkets LIFE aims to shift supermarket strategies towards stronger climate action and environmental stewardship, while supporting supermarkets, and their suppliers, to make sustainable food the norm rather than the exception.

Find out more about Superlist

Partners & Funding

EU-Life

Co-funder

Rikolto

Superlist partner & EU-Life coordinator