In 2020, we initiated a new strategic cycle, committing to invest over 1 billion Euros in Romania by 2029. This investment will be directed towards the implementation of initiatives and actions belonging to the seven strategic business pillars of our company: 1. Store remodeling and enhanced shopping experience. In 2023, PENNY made strategic investments in sustainable technologies, thus optimizing the shopping experience for customers. Our new stores are equipped with advanced refrigeration systems that use CO₂, minimizing environmental impact, and include charging stations for electric vehicles, demonstrating our commitment to customer convenience and environmental responsibility. We are committed to continuously improving the format of our stores, considering consumer feedback. 2. Expansion. We expanded the PENNY network by opening 40 new stores, reaching an impressive total of 376 locations across the country. This expansion strengthens the access and availability of our services and products for a growing number of customers in Romania. 3. Romanian products. We are dedicated to continuing the commitment established through the TripleRO (3RO) (3RO) initiative, supporting local producers and capitalizing on Romanian products. Our strategy focuses on increasing the shelf presence of products that have the main ingredient originating in Romania and that are processed and packaged locally, thus contributing to stimulating the national economy. 4. PENNY Team. At PENNY, we pride ourselves on putting employee well-being first, which is the foundation of our success. In 2024, for the third year in a row, we were happy to be recognized as a Top Employer (according to the Top Employer Institute methodology), a testament to our commitment to our team. It is essential to us that every PENNY member feels valuable and has the certainty of a secure job. To achieve this goal, we offer our employees an attractive benefits package, which includes vacation days in addition to the minimum set by law, vouchers, and bonuses for performance, thus aiming to make each employee feel appreciated and motivated. 5. Digitization. In 2023 we continued to invest in digitalization, optimizing the shopping experience and streamlining internal processes. The implementation of modern technologies has allowed us to better meet the needs of our customers and improve resource management. We continue to expand our accessibility for customers through existing partnerships with Glovo and Bringo and are in the process of initiating a new collaboration with Tazz. In addition, we are working on an innovative store concept, "autonomous", which will debut in 2024, and we are implementing a new format in the recently inaugurated stores, including the 40 opened in 2023. 6. Sustainability. Sustainability is a basic element in our development strategy, and in this report, we present the multitude of actions and measures we have implemented to develop this direction. The ISO 50001 recertification underlines our success in making resources more efficient and minimizing our environmental impact. We actively contribute to the development of the community through urban biodiversity initiatives and partnerships with Habitat for Humanity Romania and World Vision Romania. We have also invested 21.2 million Euros for the implementation of the Deposit-Return System in Romania, allowing customers to return packaging in exchange for a deposit of 0.5 lei per package. 7. Integrated communication. At PENNY, we have maintained a constant commitment to community events and initiatives, keeping in close touch with our colleagues, customers and partners over the past year. We have maintained a policy of transparency in our communications, keeping the public and partners informed of the company's development and direction. SUSTAINABILITY STEP BY STEP CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BUSINESS SUSTAINABLE ASSORTMENT ENERGY, CLIMATE AND RESOURCES EMPLOYEES AND SOCIETY GRI & SASB INDEX ASSURANCE OF SELECTED NON-FINANCIAL INDICATORS
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