MONTREAL, October 28, 2009 – Metro Inc. is
taking another step toward eliminating plastic bags by becoming the
first Canadian food retailer to offer reusable produce bags in all
of its stores across Quebec (Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Marché
Richelieu) and Ontario (Metro).
Arriving in stores by the end of November, the reusable mesh bags
will be available as an alternative to the rolls of plastic bags
currently found throughout the produce section. Each set of four
bags will be sold for $4.99.
"This measure is yet another initiative by Metro Inc. to reduce the
use of plastic bags and to respond to the needs of Metro customers.
In a recent internal survey, 50% of our customers expressed concern
about the over-packaging of fruits and vegetables." explained
Christian Bourbonnière, senior vice president, Quebec Division,
Metro Inc.
The same survey also revealed that 77% of customers are making
efforts to limit their use of plastic bags when buying fruits and
vegetables, while 76% said they would be interested in buying
reusable produce bags. According to the same survey, 87% of
customers prefer to buy individual fruits and vegetables instead of
pre-packaged ones.
The Quebec Environment Foundation, who has been encouraging
customers to use reusable bags for over five years now, is thrilled
about this new initiative from Metro Inc. “The reduction in the
usage of plastic bags is one of our main priorities and we’re happy
to see that a major retailer like Metro Inc. is doing their part to
help us reach our goal,” said Claude Hill, Vice-President, Finances
and General Director of the Foundation.
About Metro Inc.
With nearly $11 billion in annual sales and more than 65,000
employees, Metro Inc. is a leader in the food and pharmaceutical
sectors in Quebec and Ontario, where it operates a network of some
600 grocery stores under several banners, including Metro, Metro
Plus, A&P, Super C and Food Basics, as well as over 250
pharmacies under the Brunet, Brunet Plus, Clini Plus, The Pharmacy
and Drug Basics banners.
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Resource people:
Marie-Claude Bacon
Director, Corporate Affairs
Metro inc.
514-643-1086
mbacon@metro.ca
Claude Hill
Vice-president and General Manager
Fondation québécoise en environnement
514-849-3323
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