Ever since Sonae was founded, it has sought to conciliate the efficiency and profitability of its business operations with a social aspect, namely by supporting local communities, the environment, its employees’ personal development and Corporate Governance concerns. This commitment over the years has lead Sonae to adopt, the best transparency policies and company rules, created to guarantee ethical and responsible behaviour on behalf of the organisation, thus strengthening its Sustainability Policy.

 

In actual fact, we can´t exactly refer to the conciliation of objectives, given Sonae´s mission is to clearly prioritise social impact and long-term sustainability over its financial results. What we believe, is that it will be via accomplishing our mission, our capacity to “improve an ever-increasing number of lives” that we will attain our desired financial results.

 

In 2010, we pursued this objective very firmly, and increased the amount of economic value to be distributed by 227 million Euros. Sonae strengthened its position as the largest privately-owned employer in Portugal, with the creation of 3,454 job vacancies, it increased salaries, valued its employees by offering over 1.5 million hours of training, offered its customers discounts via its client loyalty card and coupons, it strengthened the amount it purchased from the Clube de Produtores da Sonae (Sonae’s Producers Club) and distributed dividends 5% greater than the amount distributed when compared to the previous year.

 

In 2010, we supported 3,082 third-sector organizations, which helped communities and families across the Country, with the company´s direct contribution increasing to 10.4 million Euros. The volume of support given to organizations of this nature increased 12%, which allowed for the development of several initiatives in areas such as Solidarity Culture, Education and Environment amongst others. Such initiatives would hardly be feasible if not for Sonae’s support.

 

Facing the future with a certain level of uncertainty, with what regards the economic conditions, we have before us a great challenge: to grow sustainably.

 

It is our objective to continue supporting families most in need, and our employees. We want to continue to make Sonae, the clients favourite retailer, the best place to work, the most valued partner by our suppliers, at the same time, we want to obtain a high level of recognition within the community regarding current social and environmental challenges.

 

Our mission is to continue to create economic and social value in the long-term, taking the benefits of progress and innovation to an ever increasing number of people.

 

We are committed towards a sustainable future. For all.