Sustainable retail at Food Lover’s Market
By Adrian Ephraim
IN A world where “sustainability” has become a buzzword, Food Lover’s Market’s approach stands out for one simple reason: it’s personal. For Andrew Millson, the Group Managing Executive for People and Sustainability, the company’s strategy isn’t a checklist of green initiatives – it’s a reflection of its values.
“Before sustainability became a corporate trend, it was really a heartfelt response to the challenges we face,” says Millson. “A thriving sustainability strategy is deeply embedded in an organisation’s culture – it only works when the company’s values are alive in every decision.”
That philosophy has guided Food Lover’s Market through more than a decade of growth. What began as a single store in Cape Town has expanded into a network of more than 120 outlets across southern Africa, employing 22,000 people. Now, as the company enters a new phase of expansion, sustainability and people remain at the centre of its ambitions.
Doing the right thing, within reason
Food Lover’s Market’s purpose statement, Changing Lives, isn’t just painted on office walls – it informs decisions at every level, from energy investments to community projects.
Millson recalls internal debates over issues like plastic waste, solar projects, and community investment. “There’s always resistance,” he admits. “We’re human – we love familiar patterns and ease. But when we align our environmental values and keep pushing that message, we see the culture shift.”
One such turning point came when the company banned plastic straws and bags, despite initial pushback. “Brian [Coppin, CEO and co-founder] simply said, ‘Let’s just change it.’ That leadership clarity made all the difference.”
Balancing growth with green goals
Sustainability doesn’t come cheap, and Millson is realistic about the trade-offs. “There’s always a tension between expanding our footprint and investing in green infrastructure,” he says. “But as return on investment for renewable energy keeps improving, it becomes not just a sustainability decision – but a commercial one.”
The group has already generated millions of kilowatt-hours through solar projects and plans to expand installations at key sites like Epping and River Club. Importantly, many of these efficiency projects now fall under the commercial division, underscoring how sustainability and profitability have become intertwined.
“When we build a store, it’s a commitment to that community,” says Millson. “So we design stores that are efficient to run for years to come – because that’s how we keep offering value.”
From waste to worth
Food Lover’s Market has also tackled waste head-on, partnering with Y-Waste to divert tonnes of organic waste from landfill and turn it into compost sold in stores. That visible “full circle” has helped shift behaviour across its retail network.
“In retail, you just want the waste out of sight,” Millson explains. “But when our teams see the compost we’re selling, they see the impact of their actions. It’s not an abstract environmental goal – it’s tangible.”
Seeds of change – and of hope
Through its Seeds of Change social entrepreneurship programme, Food Lover’s Market supports small producers who share its passion for purpose-driven business. Many – like Purefolk and African Tea Crafters – have successfully scaled their operations within the retailer’s network.
What makes them succeed? “A genuine desire to grow, passion for their product, and grit,” says Millson. “Working with a large business isn’t easy, but when passion meets perseverance, amazing things happen.”
He’s also seen the initiative shift mindsets within Food Lover’s Market itself. “Our buyers are seeing how their decisions can change lives. They’re not just purchasing products – they’re empowering communities.”
People at the heart
With more than 2,000 employees boasting over a decade of service, Food Lover’s Market’s Same Faces, Higher Places philosophy is paying off. Rapid expansion has created room for growth, and the company invests heavily in developing internal talent.
“We can’t confuse a lack of education with a lack of talent,” says Millson. “Our role as leaders is to unearth that talent and nurture it – because that’s how we truly change lives.”
This approach extends to empowering women in retail, a traditionally tough environment. Coaching programmes, flexible leadership training, and visible female role models have helped shift the company culture. “We’ve still got a way to go,” Millson says, “but every new female manager creates a ripple effect.”
Looking five years ahead, Millson’s hopes are ambitious yet grounded: more regenerative farming partnerships, zero waste to landfill, innovative plastic alternatives, and an entirely free-range meat supply. But he’s the first to acknowledge the road ahead.
“We’re not there yet,” he says candidly. “There’s still a lot of work to do. But we’re trying – every day.”
That humility, paired with a clear sense of purpose, might be Food Lover’s Market’s greatest competitive advantage. In a sector defined by tight margins and fierce competition, it’s the company’s people – and their shared commitment to doing better – that could define its next chapter.
