Control of fruits and vegetables Healthy nutrition is one of our strategic directions, which is why we focus on providing a varied, fresh and quality assortment of fruits and vegetables in all our stores. We offer in our stores, throughout the year, a variety of carefully selected seasonal products, to promote a diversified and balanced diet, adapted to the needs of the whole. To guarantee the freshness and quality of vegetables and fruits, they are subject to checks at the time of reception in our warehouses, through visual inspections carried out by specialized specialists, periodically trained in accordance with our internal standards. In PENNY stores, vegetables and fruits are inspected every two hours during opening hours to ensure that only products that meet our freshness and quality requirements are on the shelves. A priority aspect in ensuring the safety of plant products is the control of pesticide residues and contaminants. That is why we carry out periodic analyses in independent, specialized and accredited laboratories, which test the compliance of products with the applicable legal limits. In addition, we maintain constant communication with our suppliers and work closely with them to increase the number of products produced from crops that meet specific quality management standards for fruit and vegetables. In support of this objective, in 2024, REWE Romania organized a training for vegetable and fruit suppliers in Romania, entitled Good Practices in the Use and Management of Pesticide Residues. The event, supported by experts in good agricultural practices and the GLOBAL GAP standard, aimed to strengthen partnerships with suppliers and promote responsible agricultural practices, thus contributing to maintaining high standards of quality and food safety in our supply chain. Also in 2024, we continued the implementation of the program to prevent the risk of exceeding the legal limits on pesticide residues, initiated at the end of 2022. As part of it, we take samples before the products are delivered to the PENNY network, so that any non-compliance can be identified or managed before it reaches the stores. In total, 273 samples of vegetables and fruits were taken in 2024, of which: • 243 samples were taken directly from suppliers – either from the field or from their warehouses – before delivery to the REWE network • 30 samples were taken from our warehouses, before distribution in stores The objective of this approach is to ensure that products are safe for consumption, and non-compliant batches are identified and blocked before they reach the shelf. Out of the total of 273 samples analyzed, 16 had non-compliant results: 14 taken from suppliers, and 2 from REWE warehouses. To ensure traceability and quality control, we have standardized the certification requirements for all local and imported fresh vegetables and fruits, requiring them to come from Global Gap certified crops. We collaborate with seasonal producers in Romania, based on seasonal plans and strive to collaborate with local producers located in the vicinity of our logistics centers. Through these proactive measures, we ensure that we meet our commitment to consumers regarding the freshness and safety of vegetables and fruits offered in PENNY stores. SUSTAINABILITY STEP-BY-STEP CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BUSINESS SUSTAINABLE ASSORTMENT ENERGY, CLIMATE AND RESOURCES EMPLOYEES AND SOCIETY INDEX GRI & SASB SUSTAINABLE ASSORTMENT
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