Sees continued strength across key success
metrics, while enhancing practices
MARKHAM,
ON, Nov. 13, 2024 /CNW/ - Pet Valu
Holdings Ltd. ("Pet Valu" or the "Company") (TSX: PET), the leading
Canadian specialty retailer of pet food and pet-related supplies,
today released its Environmental, Social, Governance ("ESG") report
for its fiscal year ended December 30,
2023. The second annual report provides an update of how the
Company manages and measures key ESG factors that play a critical
role in delivering its strategic, operational and financial
aspirations.
"Building on a strong foundation of long-standing responsible
and sustainable business practices, we took incremental steps in
2023 to enhance our oversight and management of key ESG factors,"
said Richard Maltsbarger, Chief
Executive Officer of Pet Valu. "The strength of our key success
metrics is a clear indicator that our strategies continue to
deliver better outcomes and value to stakeholders while pursing our
mission to be Canada's preferred
pet retailer."
Key highlights of Pet Valu's 2023 ESG report include:
- Strengthened engagement with and support for our
franchisees – supported establishment of a self-elected
franchisee council for Les Franchises Chico Inc. ("Chico"), while
introducing Safe & Ready assessments across that banner;
- Enhanced Animal Care Expert ("ACE") working environment
– invested over $1 million in new and
upgraded safety technology, rolled out a curated program designed
for high potential talent, and provided initial visibility into ACE
ethnic diversity;
- Improved emissions intensity – consolidated parts of our
distribution network into larger, modern facilities while advancing
low emissions initiatives;
- Bolstered governance of supply chain – issued first
report ("Modern Slavery Report") summarizing policies, activities
and due diligence processes used to manage the potential risk of
forced or child labour in our supply chain;
- Fortified product safety & quality practices –
required acceptable third-party social audits from all new
proprietary brand manufacturers in Asia and South
America.
"I am proud of the actions of our ACEs and franchisees, who
embody Our Four Paws service model to deliver holistic value to
devoted pet lovers and the communities we serve," continued Mr.
Maltsbarger. "Together with industry best practices and stakeholder
feedback, we plan to make any further enhancements to our
strategies and disclosures, while preparing for forthcoming
disclosure obligations."
A downloadable copy of Pet Valu's 2023 ESG report is available
at https://investors.petvalu.com/ESG.
About Pet Valu
Pet Valu is Canada's leading
retailer of pet food and pet-related supplies with over 800
corporate-owned or franchised locations across the country. For
more than 45 years, Pet Valu has earned the trust and loyalty of
pet parents by offering knowledgeable customer service, a premium
product offering and engaging in-store services. Through its
neighbourhood stores and digital platform, Pet Valu offers more
than 10,000 competitively-priced products, including a broad
assortment of premium, super premium, holistic and award-winning
proprietary brands. The Company is headquartered in Markham, Ontario and its shares trade on the
Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: PET). To learn more, please visit:
www.petvalu.ca.
SOURCE Pet Valu Canada Inc.
