Sphera Franchise Group launches its third Sustainability Report

Sphera Franchise Group (SFG), the largest group in the food service industry in Romania, has published the third Sustainability Report, for the period 2020 – 2021.

It presents information on key aspects of the Group, actions, challenges, as well as the results and performances of the companies in the portfolio – KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell – on all three markets in which they operate: Romania, Italy and the Republic of Moldova.

The Sustainability Report marks progress for the Sphera Franchise Group in terms of the performance reporting framework, using the CORI (Global Reporting Initiative) indicators at the CORE (core) level and the SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standard Board) in the restaurant-specific industry. The transition to CORE reporting is a natural step for the Group in the process of making the company’s activities and impact more transparent. Being among the leaders of the industry and the capital market, Sphera contributes significantly to a more responsible and active business environment.

Therefore, in the last two years, important steps have been taken in the field of ESG (Environment, Social & Governance), in addition to the GRI CORE & SASB Index reporting method, certifications have been implemented and actions have been taken to increase transparency regarding the activity and Group policies.

“For over 28 years, we have been operating in Romania some of the most beloved brands internationally. The vision of Sphera Franchise Group, a company listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange in 2017, is the continuous development as an industry leader, through relevance and trust. Our strategy is built on sustainable foundations, being aware of the impact that a company of our size has, as well as the high standards involved in listing on the stock exchange. We have the honor, but also the responsibility to present a new Sustainability Report, a new proof of transparency towards stakeholders. In addition, we draw a good practice of evaluating the key aspects of the business, in terms of economic, social and environmental impact “, said Călin Ionescu, CEO of Sphera Franchise Group.

The report presents aspects related to sustainability in direct or indirect relationship with the business: processes, suppliers, employees, consumers, the relationship with the community or the environment. In 2021, Sphera initiated the plan to join the UN Global Compact initiative, the most important international corporate social responsibility initiative, finalizing the process taking place in 2022.

The group is committed to promoting the 10 UNGC principles in the fields of human rights, labor standards, environment, anti-corruption and contribute to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, included by the United Nations in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Also in 2021, the steps were started in order to obtain the certifications in food safety management ISO 22000: 2018 for all the companies in the Group’s portfolio, in Romania, the completion of the procedures taking place in 2022. In the next period, Sphera will start the process of identifying the activities subject to the EU Taxonomy, following that, once completed, specific indicators will be reported such as the proportion of green investments and their revenues, the ratio of green investments to total income, total value of operational costs for this type of investment (OPEX). Sphera renews its commitment to developing an environment conducive to the formation of teams that serve customers with availability and professionalism. The company supports diversity and makes active investments in the professional and personal development of employees, the most important and valuable resource of Sphera.

More information can be found in the Sphera Franchise Group Sustainability Report