SA retailer shortlisted as one of the world's most responsible

This accolade recognises the commitment to embed Woolworths Good business journey through all facets of the business. The Good business journey is a five-year plan, announced in April 2007, to change the way we do business and addressing the issues of sustainable growth in the context of the changing social and environmental needs of South Africa. The plan sets challenging targets and commitments centred on four key priorities: accelerating transformation, driving social development, enhancing our environmental focus and addressing climate change.

The retailer is only one of two retailers to be shortlisted outside Europe. The other five are C&A Europe (Germany), Carrefour Group (France), Sainsburys (UK), Tesco (UK), The Warehouse Group (New Zealand).

Last year's winner was UK-based retailer, Marks and Spencer.

The candidates will be reviewed at the World Retail Congress in Barcelona, Spain by a jury of the world's most respected retailers and industry experts and the winner will be announced in April 2008.

The panel considered retailers who demonstrated an overall strategy and approach towards corporate responsibility that was embedded in their business and its operations. They sought companies who set new world-class standards of good practice through initiatives that 'added ethical value' and represented a long term commitment in the areas of employment practices, sourcing, environmental policies, fair trade and supply chain.

Woolworths CEO Simon Susman said “We are delighted to be shortlisted. This recognises that our Good business journey is a timely and correct strategy. We know that sustainable growth can only be achieved through paying greater attention to the world around us than has been the case in the past. The links between economic growth, transformation, social development, the environment and climate change must create a better world for everyone, and we believe that this is part of our responsibility to the communities in which we trade. Together we can and will make a difference.”