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Issue 5 • Bimonthly magazine • September 2026 P911235 • General post office Brussels X

Always on the move 25 years Bio-Planet Our culture ambassadors From Real Estate to Nirmana

In this issue.

Our vision.

Our profession.

Between you and me.

4 Five questions about the results

23 Our culture ambassadors

41 Eddyne from Burundi

26 Introducing

42 Vienna, a life dedicated to karate

of the 2025/2026 financial year

6 Brief

Nirmana Real Estate

11 vzw Enchanté

28 New mussel season with Bel'Mer

12 Farewell interview with

30 On the right track to

15 Feature: 25 years Bio-Planet

32 Twins at Colruyt

20 Jims Beach workshops

34 2Connect: the major transformation

Christophe Dehandschutter

22 P&O news

zero-emission transport

is over

36 10 years The Link 38 Angélique's workplace, club manager at Jims

39 The question of Ives Vanhouche 40 Flashback: Colruyt model

in the eighties and nineties

44 Yves, Jeugddorp volunteer 45 Wedding planner Eef 46 Birth, marriage, cohabitation, pension and death

48 Wall of fame 49 Photo finish

Editorial.

Dear colleague, 10 years. That's exactly how long I had the privilege of being part of Colruyt Group. First under the wing of then Finance Director Marc Hofman, until I was given the opportunity to succeed him in February 2019. Before long, the coronavirus pandemic brought a challenging period. And in fact, things have barely slowed down since. Acquisitions such as Match & Smatch, Newpharma and Foodbag, the sale of Dreamland, Dreambaby and our integrated retail activities in France, increasingly complex legislation, etc. all constituted major projects with a significant financial impact. I look back with pride on the good, people-oriented way we handled them. That's exactly what made this period so fascinating. But none of those achievements would have been possible without a fantastic team. I've always been able to rely on the expertise and commitment of so many colleagues. I'm extremely grateful for that. What perhaps gives me even greater satisfaction is that I've also been able to give opportunities to others. I strongly believe in trusting people and helping them grow. It's wonderful to see how many colleagues have seized those opportunities. That's why I also have every confidence in Michaël Hamelryck, who is progressing from within the team to become my successor.

Circulation Dutch: 21,500 copies • French: 15,000 copies Editor-in-chief Benoit Van Trimpont Final editing Benoit Van Trimpont Design Veronique Devoghel and Virginia Rahoens Photography Kat Sterck and Cathy Vanleene Publication manager Nils De Smet Published by: Colruyt Group NV Edingensesteenweg 196, B-1500 Halle Phone: +32 (0)2 363 55 45

Stefaan Vandamme CFO Colruyt Group

I'm closing a special chapter, but not saying goodbye completely. From Korys, the Colruyt family's investment holding company, I will remain connected to the group, albeit in a different role. I also have every confidence in Colruyt Group's future. Our strong retail formats give us solid foundations in the market. We also have clear strengths in B2B and foodservice, while our health activities are growing strongly. In non-food, we're also outperforming the market. On top of that, we can rely on strong, high-quality assets that support our activities, e.g. our real estate, the many IT solutions, the Xtra app, which is becoming increasingly relevant in customers' daily lives. If we stay on course, maintain our focus and use our strategic plan as our compass, I'm convinced the group has a bright future ahead.

WO 126979 Printed on FSC Mix Credit paper with partly recycled fibre. Any questions or suggestions? Get in touch with The Gazette via email to GAZET or gazet@colruytgroup.com. On the cover Wim De Meyer, assistent manager Bio-Planet Londerzeel

Our vision.

"The market is changing rapidly, but that's no cause for concern I think. Colruyt Group has plenty of strengths!" - Stefan

Our vision. Focus

Five about the results of the questions 2025/2026 financial year After a challenging financial year, our CEO Stefan Goethaert looks back on Colruyt Group's results. What went well, where do the biggest challenges lie and what course are we taking from here? He puts the figures into context and looks ahead.

Profit came under pressure last financial year. How do you look back on our annual results? 1

"With a sense of satisfaction. Our turnover increased by 3.1% and our operating profit remained stable compared to the previous financial year. And that's despite a decline in the first half of the year. The fact that we ultimately succeeded in achieving our ambition for the full financial year makes me genuinely proud. We did that together. Of course, it took extra effort. Market conditions in Belgium are far from easy. The competition is very strong, longer opening hours, the abolition of the mandatory weekly closing day, Sunday opening , etc. The fact that we were still able to keep investing in new stores, in health, in service for our customers and more gives me a great deal of satisfaction".

How are we responding to that intense competition? 2

"Our strength lies in our entrepreneurship. It always has. We're going to focus even more on simplification, efficiency and productivity, through digitisation and automation, for example. That fits perfectly with Colruyt Group's DNA, because the retailer with the lowest costs builds the strongest foundation for the future. There's definitely still room for us to step things up in that area. Making smart use of technology, such as AI, is part of that too. In our stores, logistics and production, as well as in our support services. It'll help us become faster and more agile."

What are we focusing on today to make sure we remain strong tomorrow? "We're focusing on growth in food and health, as well as on productivity growth. Our strategic plan is our guide in this process. We'll continue to invest in the long term and work towards a healthy, sustainable future. What's more, we're the last truly Belgian retailer, and in that way we're creating a social and economic added value in Belgium in that we create jobs, produce as much as possible in Belgium itself, work with local suppliers and farmers and pay our taxes in Belgium. We want to keep it that way. That's why we will continue to push for a level playing field with our competitors, whose roots are abroad and who benefit from lower labour costs. I can see that the political debate around joint committees is gradually moving in that direction."

"Oh, I could give you a long list! Colruyt and Okay opened 17 new stores between them last financial year. Thanks to Jims and Newpharma, we continue to grow in health. Bike Republic is growing. We're performing strongly with professional customers through Colruyt Professionals and Solucious. Collect&Go and Foodbag offer customers services such as home delivery. With Okay, Spar, Cru and Delitraiteur, we're also open on Sundays. We continue to invest in innovations such as the smart cart. And last but not least, Colruyt remains committed to the lowest prices. Every day. "The market is changing rapidly, but that's no cause for concern I think. Colruyt Group has plenty of strengths!"

What do you expect from co-workers during this period? 5

"I want to encourage everyone to keep thinking, simplifying and showing initiative every day, together for our customers. Our shared commitment and perseverance are essential if we want to continue making a difference. It's not the first time we've navigated difficult waters. We've already proved that we can handle it. Now is the time to show our strength. Thank you, colleagues, for continuing to bring that same commitment in the period ahead!"

Text: Benoit Van Trimpont / Photo: Cathy Vanleene

What signs give you confidence about the future?

Our vision. Brief

Building bridges with technical schools At the end of August, Technics & Engineering and Real Estate welcomed teachers of technical subjects from secondary schools for a two-day training course. It gave them the opportunity to refresh their technical knowledge, discover new technologies and gain hands-on experience under the guidance of our experienced technicians. The initiative is part of our broader ambition to build bridges between education and the labour market. Jurgen Neckebroeck, an electricity teacher, was very enthusiastic: "Colruyt Group has a wealth of technology in-house, which means there are plenty of fascinating topics to explore. This year, I chose insulation resistance testing and fault finding. Very interesting!"

Three questions for An Martel, Okay Director

Okay Direct is ready for the next step. What exactly does that mean? An • "Since 2021, we've been testing an unmanned store concept with Okay called Okay Direct. Until this summer, we had three locations, all in Ghent. Tests showed that Okay Direct works best when it is located next to a physical Okay City store. That means we can make deliveries to both stores at the same time and deploy store staff more flexibly. That's the direction we're taking now, which is why we've closed the two stand-alone Okay Direct stores." What are the concrete plans for Okay Direct going forward? "The store on Kortrijksepoortstraat in Ghent, which is next to the staffed Okay City store, will remain open. We also plan to open a new Okay Direct in Brussels this financial year. It'll be built next to the new Okay store on Waversesteenweg in Etterbeek. Okay Direct is, of course, a concept that works particularly well in cities. Urban shoppers tend to shop more flexibly and often see the store as an extension of their fridge. Moreover, cities are vibrant 24/7. It therefore makes perfect sense for us to bring the concept to the capital. We're confident that people in Brussels will be just as enthusiastic as those in Ghent and we're also curious to see what differences there will be." Can you briefly remind us how Okay Direct works? "Okay Direct is Belgium's largest unmanned retail store, open 24/7. Customers enter the store using their bank card and take the products they want from the smart cabinets. The smart cabinets automatically register which products customers take. Before leaving, customers pay for their purchases. It's a unique and successful concept that our colleagues at Technics & Engineering helped to develop."

Our technical departments regularly build bridges with schools in other ways too. Last year, for example, after dismantling an automated installation, we donated the materials to schools. The students used them to create new structures and for other applications. "It's impressive to see what they've done with them", says Frank Pierret, Schools Partnership Coordinator at Technics & Engineering. "They gain a huge amount of experience, discover the added value of technical skills and learn about circular construction and reuse. That's an important focus for us!"

Exercise and healthy eating all rolled up into one With the new Move & Save subscription, Colruyt and Jims bring exercise and healthy eating together into one integrated offer. Households of up to three people can work out at Jims as often as they like for €14.99 per week. If the household completes three workouts a week, they receive €5 in shopping credit via Xtra to spend on fresh vegetables, fruit and potatoes at Colruyt. This combination of food and health helps Colruyt Group stand out from other players in Belgium. Jims provides the motivation to exercise, Colruyt provides healthy food and Xtra brings the two together at the check-out. Each brand does what it does best and together they create added value for customers. Families get more active, eat more healthily and save money at the same time. Find out more about the new formula at jims.be.

Second experience day

'Healthy Living'

Following last year's success, Colruyt Group Academy is organising a second edition of its experience day focused on healthy living this autumn on Sundays 27 September in Jambes, 11 October in Halle and 25 October in Merelbeke-Melle. Each event is all about helping you feel good. Fancy an active session, inspiring talk, demo cooking session or practical workshop? You can put together your own programme from dozens of activities, ranging from learning to cook healthy meals to singing bowl meditation. Sound like something for you? Sign up now and grab one of the last available places. The fee is €29 per half-day session (including snacks, drinks and a goodie bag). And don't forget. Colleague receive a 30% discount! More info on colruytgroupacademy.be.

Support for emergency workers The wildfires in the Hoge Venen this summer brought large numbers of emergency workers into action. The exhausting conditions they had to work in created an urgent need for food and drinks. Nearby stores and colleagues from Colruyt, Colruyt Professionals and Okay sprang into action and supplied firefighters and other emergency services with pallets of water, energy drinks and soft drinks, sandwiches, salads, waffles, instant noodles, fruit and more. It was a great example of teamwork and commitment and was greatly appreciated. Another fine example of Colruyt Group colleagues bringing the principle of 'Caring for one another' to life.

Telex • From now on, Bluetooth is available on store co-workers' DSA devices. This allows colleagues with hearing aids to understand conversations more clearly and make calls more comfortably, without distracting background noise. • DATS 24 is discontinuing its home energy supply service. The service is being transferred to EnergyVision, ensuring continuity for around 18,000 customers. • Since this summer, passengers flying with Brussels Airlines have been able to enjoy fresh, artisanal sandwiches from Bon, our specialist in home-prepared meals. • An important change to our sustainable savings programme: from now on, you earn points by buying products with a Greenscore of A+, A and B. Use your points via the Xtra app! • New at Collect&Go: you can now also collect Foodprepper meal boxes from more than 110 collection points. • The Xtra app continues to grow: we now have around 940,000 unique monthly users. An increase of 22% compared to last year. • EcoVadis has once again recognised Solucious' sustainability efforts with a silver medal.

Our vision. Brief

Welcome, we're open! Ekeren Deurne Oostende Sint-Niklaas

Lier (Mol)

Hechtel-Eksel Booischot

Hofstade Genk

Gavere Leuven

Alleur Mont-Saint-Guibert

Andenne La Louvière Mons Gerpinnes

Kirchberg Luxembourg

Openings

Second Okay City at the coast With the opening in Ostend, Okay City now has its 26th urban store and its second at the coast, after Blankenberge. "This new store is the result of merging the former CoMarkt stores in Gelijkheidstraat and Frère Orbanstraat", says City manager Tim Biebaut. "The store in Gelijkheidstraat underwent a major makeover, with a completely new interior while retaining the same floor space. The familiar faces are staying too. We've also integrated a Buurtslagers butcher's department into the store concept. Customers won't only find everything they need for their daily shopping, but also the familiar Buurtslagers range, including freshly made sandwiches, charcuterie, fresh meat and prepared meals. All purchases can be paid at the Okay City check-out. Convenient for local residents in Ostend and the many tourists visiting the coast!"

30/6/26 1/7/26 5/8/26 24/8/26 15/9/26 16/9/26 24/9/26

Bike Republic............................................. Hechtel-Eksel Okay City........................... Oostende (Gelijkheidstraat) Colruyt Professionals.............................................. Alleur Jims.......................................................................... Andenne Bike Republic................................................................Genk Colruyt Professionals...........................................Deurne Spar...............................................................................Gavere

Reopenings 2/7/26 8/7/26 13/7/26 29/7/26 21/8/26 31/8/26 1/9/26 1/9/26 1/9/26 7/9/26 9/9/26 10/9/26 21/9/26 28/9/26

Spar.....................................................Mont-Saint-Guibert Colruyt (+ Collect&Go)....................................Gerpinnes Jims..................................................................................Mons Colruyt (+ Collect&Go)...Sint-Niklaas (Nijverheidsstraat) Jims...............................................................................Ekeren Jims..........................................................................Lier (Mol) Jims........................................................................Booischot Jims..................................................................... La Louvière Jims.................................................................... Sint-Niklaas Jims.......................Luxembourg (Gare) (Luxembourg) Colruyt......................................................................... Leuven Spar.......................................................................... Hofstade Jims........................Kirchberg (Infinity) (Luxembourg) Jims.........................Kirchberg (Ellipse) (Luxembourg)

SDVs ready for the market Colruyt Group is selling 70% of its research and development activities relating to self-driving pallet trucks to KION. This makes KION our partner for bringing our most advanced selfdriving vehicle (SDV) technologies to market and unlocking the full potential of SDV applications. After years of intensive research and development, we put our first in-house developed self-driving pallet truck into operation in 2023. They've now been running smoothly for two years in two distribution centres. Thanks to advanced technology, they navigate safely around people and obstacles and locate each pallet with remarkable precision. This allows our co-workers to focus on more complex tasks. The SDVs are the result of close collaboration between colleagues from Smart Innovation and KION.

FULL = FULL

A FIRST

Set sail and discover our sea farm! Come aboard and get a front-row view of our sea farm! During this unique boat trip, our guides will take you through the fascinating history of the North Sea. You'll also see the crew of our 'Moules Frites' mussel boat at work among the mussel lines on our sea farm and discover their craftsmanship up close. On the way back, you can continue to enjoy the sea air and get a taste of the North Sea when sampling Bel'Mer mussels and a glass of Pas De Soucis, our own wine. An exclusive experience!

Working out in style

When? Tuesday 3/11 from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. (duration depends on the conditions)

Where?

Boarding point:

You've probably seen the announcement at your workplace: Colruyt Group is launching a collection of sportswear for co-workers. The range includes high-quality running and racing tops, cycling shorts, leggings, rain jackets and more, all in our distinctive house style. With this initiative, we want to make it easy for colleagues to get active while also strengthening the sporting spirit within Colruyt Group. Unfortunately, the first ordering period has just ended. Missed out? Fingers crossed for a second round.

WANTED: book ‘A titre d'exemple' At the beginning of 2027, we're launching a new exhibition at Hellebroek Kantoor about Colruyt Group's history, identity and culture. More on that soon! For this exhibition, we're eagerly looking for a copy of 'A titre d'exemple', the French translation of our 1986 book 'Exemplarisch'. Do you happen to have a copy of 'A titre d'exemple' on your bookshelf? Or do you know someone who still has one? Let colleague Nina Van Praet (7A44) know.Thanks in advance for helping us with the search!

Hendrik Baelskaai 38 – 8400 Oostende Price € 35 p.p. (one-off special price for this trial) SCAN THIS QR AND SIGN UP NOW. Places are limited!*

* From next summer, this boat trip will be included in the Colruyt Group Academy programme. This initiative is a trial, available exclusively to Colruyt Group co-workers and their friends and family.

88.30%

During the past financial year, we achieved record results in waste management. Our recycling rate amounted to 88.30%, an increase of 0.42%. We also found a useful destination for 48.16% of our food surpluses. This figure rose partly thanks to the distribution of more than 10,000 tonnes of food to charities. All of this had a positive financial impact of €2.3 million. Congratulations to everyone who helped!

Our vision. Brief

Safer and faster login Store assistants at Colruyt, Okay and Bio-Planet stores can now log in to the computers and kiosks in their store more quickly and easily. "Until now, they had to enter their email address and a 14-character password every time", says Project Manager Karel Dereere. "Secure, but not always very practical. All store computers are now equipped with a badge reader. Co-workers simply hold their access badge against the reader and enter a personal six-digit PIN. They're then immediately logged in to all the applications on the computer. This not only saves a lot of time, but also makes logging in even more secure. We tested the new method extensively for four months. The initial feedback has been extremely positive. Co-workers particularly appreciate the ease of use and time savings. After the first week, we'd already recorded around 12,000 logins. And the system offers plenty of possibilities for the future too."

Collect your parcels at Spar Retail Partners Colruyt Group is joining forces with bpost: around 120 Spar stores will get a Bbox parcel locker. Bbox makes it easy for users to collect, send or return parcels. The parcel lockers attract additional visitors and are a useful addition to the existing services offered by our local stores. "The feedback has been very positive", says Alba Aliko, independent entrepreneur at Spar Compact Obourg. "Many customers find the service simple, fast and very convenient."

Job openings in the spotlight Ready for the next step in your career within the group? Take a look at some of the vacancies below for which we're looking for enthusiastic colleagues. You can easily find them on the internal jobs site. Once you're logged in, enter the job title in the search bar. Have a look and take the plunge. Good luck!

Store manager

Logistics team leader

Order picker

East Flanders region

in Mechelen

in Halle, Ollignies and Ghislenghien

A new challenge in a familiar environment? Become a Store manager at Okay or a Store manager at Bio-Planet and take charge of both a store and a team!

You'll start a hands-on training programme. Through internships, you'll learn step by step how our distribution centre works and grow into the role of team leader.

You pick orders and prepare them for dispatch so that our stores are supplied on time. Be ready to take on additional responsibilities.

Bread production manager in Lokeren

Together with around 60 co-workers, you ensure that our bread is produced safely, efficiently and to a high standard. You optimise the process.

Go to our revamped internal jobs site via CG Connect > Knowledge > Me in the organisation > Internal applications and orientation > Internal jobs site.

Our vision. Partner

A nutritious meal for every student Since 2024, Colruyt Group Foundation has supported Brooddoosnodig, a project run by non-profit organisation Enchanté. The initiative provides primary and secondary schools with financial and practical support so they can offer every student a nutritious meal. "Concentrating, learning, playing, etc. all of that is much harder on an empty stomach", says Kim Swyngedouw, Coordinator at Enchanté. "A nutritious meal is essential to get through the day, especially for children and young people. Because a well-filled lunchbox is not something every child can take for granted, we connect schools with local authorities, members of the public, organisations, shops and others. We collect support and financial donations from them, which participating schools use to provide a nutritious meal at least once a week: breakfast or lunch, soup, fruit and so on."

Text: Benoit Van Trimpont / Photo: Enchanté

"To date, 225 schools in 26 cities and municipalities across Flanders and Brussels have joined the project. We've already reached around 25,000 pupils and provided more than 96,000 meals. We're very proud of that! Feedback from the schools has been positive too. There's not only less hunger in the classroom, children also behave better when they've had something to eat. They get to try new foods too. And apparently, it may even help reduce late arrivals." "Thanks to the support of Colruyt Group Foundation, we've been able to employ a full-time member of staff who helps us expand our network. We also receive donations from customers who use their points in the Xtra app to support Brooddoosnodig. So far, it has already helped provide almost 23,000 meals and we're extremely grateful for that".

Our vision. Interview

Colruyt Group fit like a glove After a 32-year career at Colruyt Group, Christophe Dehandschutter is leaving his role as Director of Okay, Bio-Planet and Cru to become CEO of international retail alliance AgeCore. " With mixed feelings", he admits. "I'm looking forward to it, but I'll also miss certain things and especially a lot of people."

After 32 years, Christophe! This news came as quite a surprise to many people. Christophe • "Well, it actually came as a surprise to me too. It looked as though I'd finish my career at Colruyt Group, and I'd have been perfectly happy with that. My loyalty to the group runs very deep. But so did the temptation to try something new." How did you first end up at the company? "Like so many others, I took my first steps here as a student worker. That was in 1985, when I was a cheeky 15-year-old at the Hellebroek distribution centre. I was a student worker until I finished my economics degree. My first job in the banking sector wasn't a success. Banking was too formal for me. During my military service, I discovered that I enjoyed leading people. Working with people, helping a group grow, etc. gave me energy. At the same time, I'm a real food lover, so

"I thought long and hard about it. My loyalty to the group runs very deep. But so did the temptation to try something new" - Christophe

the food sector appealed to me. And having been born and raised in Halle, Colruyt was an obvious choice. My time as a student worker had also stayed with me. I didn't particularly enjoy the work itself, there was too little contact with people for my liking, but I did feel that Colruyt was a good employer." What appealed to you so much? "I was good at my job, I could handle the physical side and I was soon given new responsibilities. Superiors also listened when I came up with ideas to work more efficiently. Little did I know at the time that those were the group values." Did you already feel back then that you'd spend your whole career here? "Not really … (laughs) But I got off to a flying start. First as a trainee store manager, then quite quickly as store manager at Colruyt Jette, followed by Molenbeek. After about four years, I was given the opportunity to build Collect&Go from the ground up. It was quite the challenge. More than once, I thought about giving up. But in the end, it worked. The name and the way Collect&Go works were both my idea. I'm still proud of that. Gradually, I started to get noticed. I became a regional manager first and eventually, at 35, a Director. First in Non-food, then Purchasing, followed by sales director for all Colruyt stores, and since 2022, General manager of Okay, Bio-Planet and Cru."

Impressive list! What would the young Christophe think if he could see where he ended up 32 years later? "Honestly? After a few years, I already knew. "If I don't mess it up, I'm destined to be a director here". That may sound a bit cocky, but I could feel it. Sometimes I'm a bit like Obelix, except I fell into a barrel of self-confidence. (laughs) But this is a company that gives you opportunities. And I don't stop." "Which of those positions did you enjoy the most? "Oh, that's a difficult one. I genuinely enjoyed all of them. Being a store manager was great fun. You're young, working towards the same goal with a group of people, serving customers. Setting up Collect&Go was very rewarding too. I also really enjoyed being Purchasing director. Shaping the international structure, growing the office in Hong Kong, etc. And as General Manager of Okay, Bio-Planet and Cru, I had the pleasure of working with a fantastic team, and together we achieved a great deal." Did anything not go the way you wanted? "The only thing I regret a little is my time as Sales director at Colruyt. I'd only been in the position for six months when the coronavirus pandemic broke out. I really wanted to make something of it, but because of the circumstances I didn't get an opportunity to put a stamp on it. It kind of feels unfinished."

"I would hate people to think that I'm abandoning them here, because that simply isn't the case. No doors have been slammed shut on either side" - Christophe

And now it’s time for a new challenge at AgeCore. What prompted you to make the move? “I’m 55 now. It made me think about doing something different one more time. There’s a personal reason too. My best friend is seriously ill with ALS (a motor neurone disease, ed.). It’s affected me deeply and made me stop and think about what I still want from life. AgeCore had approached me a few times before and each time I turned them down. Then at some point I discussed it with my wife. I thought she wouldn’t be too keen, but it was quite the opposite. She was enthusiastic immediately. And then things moved quickly… It is partly a choice I’m making for myself, but it’s also a decision made in consultation with the company. I would hate people to think that I’m abandoning them here, because that simply is not the case. I’m leaving with the greatest respect. And no doors have been slammed shut on either side.”

Our vision. Interview

Christophe as a Colruyt store worker in 1998.

Text: Benoit Van Trimpont / Photo: Kat Sterck

What made you choose AgeCore? "I always said I'd never work for a competitor. And I didn't want to move into a completely different sector either. So it had to be something that certainly wouldn't work against Colruyt Group and, ideally, would even strengthen it. From my time as Purchasing director, I remembered how much I enjoyed international collaboration. I was also involved in setting up AgeCore at the time. That's when all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place."

A big step for your family too. “Absolutely! In September, we're moving to Geneva in Switzerland. I'm leaving my beloved Halle behind. There's a lot to organise. Fortunately, the children are away studying and almost finished with their studies, so the timing works out quite well in that respect. And we'll still be coming back to Belgium regularly. Moving abroad doesn't scare me. The lake, the mountains, etc. I can definitely see myself enjoying that. It sounds like a holiday destination. Although I might be talking differently in a year's time. (laughs) I'll miss the people here, though, and the social life too. In that respect, it's a massive change." How did people react to your announcement? "When the news was finally out, it was a huge weight off my shoulders. It'd already been decided almost a year earlier. Having to keep quiet about it for so long was really hard. But the initial reactions were lovely. Most people are genuinely happy for me. Although they also make a point of saying they'll miss my commercial instinct and my retail experience. You can't pass everything on, can you? But I have every confidence in my successors."

Looking back on your career at Colruyt Group, what one word describes it best? "I just said it. Trust. I was given a great deal of trust, both by superiors and co-workers. It played a key part in the success I've had here, both in my work and in my career. I've also always given people a lot of trust. Because for me, trust isn't something you have to earn. You get it from the start. You just have to make sure you don't lose it. And of course, I also look back on that time with a great deal of gratitude. It's been an unforgettable ride. I've felt at home here every single day and have always enjoyed working here. I never had to drive more than five minutes to get to work either. I could take the children to school in the morning and have dinner with them in the evening. I never had to miss football training or a bike ride with my friends. Simply because my workplace was practically on my doorstep. Colruyt Group suited me perfectly in so many ways."

"I look back with gratitude. It's been an unforgettable ride. I've felt at home here every day and have always enjoyed working here" - Christophe

Our vision. Feature

Feature: 25 years Bio-Planet

16 A quarter century 18 with a face

Organic is our compass. Health sets the course.

Our vision. Feature

Organic is our compass. Health sets the course. Twenty-five years ago, organic products were given a store of their own within Colruyt Group. Today, health has taken centre stage at Bio-Planet, without pushing organic into the background. Business Unit Manager Jan Van Holsbeke and Emilie De Witte, Product division head, look back on a period of experimenting, learning and growing.

Bio-Planet started in 2001. What have you deliberately kept the same over the past 25 years? Jan • "When Bio-Planet started, everything revolved around organic food and ecological products. Colruyt was already selling organic products under the Bio-time brand, but Bio-Planet built an entire supermarket concept around them. Organic is still our foundation today. We safeguard that through our product charter, i.e. the principles and criteria that determine which products are right for Bio-Planet. Over the years, we've added new layers to that charter. First sustainability, including packaging-free solutions, and now health. Organic used to be the goal. Today, it's a means to an end." Which ideas didn't work, or were simply ahead of their time? Emilie •"Several products didn't sell enough to cover their costs, such as our hybrid burgers made with both meat and plant-based ingredients, insect-based products and liquid personal care products without disposable packaging. Did you know that Bio-Planet stores used to have a kind of restaurant too? The eating area itself worked, but hospitality requires different expertise from retail. We've not given up on the idea, though. Prepared dishes give people a chance to try some of our lesser-known products. Perhaps we'll revisit the concept one day, either ourselves or together with meal concepts within the group, such as Delitraiteur or Bon." Jan • "Plants and flowers were not a success in the past. We

"Over the years, we've added new layers to our charter: first sustainability, now health. Organic used to be the goal. Today, it is a means to an end" - Jan

"We switched to digital leaflets, reviewed our service counter, made more deliberate use of our craftsmanship, removed around a thousand products from the range, etc. All that helped to turn things around" - Emilie

stopped selling them, but today they're back. Conventional houseplants are often heavily treated with pesticides, ours are not. That appeals much more to customers in the context of their personal health.Sometimes the idea is not wrong, just the timing." Why is health taking centre stage now? Jan • "In addition to caring about a healthy planet, customers today are particularly concerned about their own health. In other words, our products need to meet these expectations too. That's why we focus both on people who simply want to live more healthily and on people with specific needs relating to things such as food intolerances or diabetes. We've already adapted our assortment and our communication. From the autumn onwards, that focus will also be reflected in the store design." Emilie • "Organic gives us a strong starting point. Among other things, our charter excludes certain additives, as well as substances in personal care products that may interfere with hormone function. But organic doesn't automatically mean healthy. One of our product strategists once pointed to a chocolate spread containing 50% saturated fat and joked: ‘We're giving our customers cardiovascular disease for free.' (laughs) We have since replaced that product with a healthier alternative. Nutritional value is therefore an important factor when deciding whether to remove, reformulate or replace

Bio-Planet in figures 2001: opening of the first store 1 in Luxembourg

1 webshop via Collect&Go > 450 co-workers

5,500 products, of which 300 are Boni Bio products

products. Today, we mainly help customers through products. In the future, we may add services too, for example together with Yoboo, Newpharma or Colruyt Group Academy." Bio-Planet ended the financial year at the end of March with a positive result. Congratulations! How did you manage that turnaround? Jan • "Thank you! We once ended a financial year with a loss of €10 million. Today, we make a profitable contribution to the group and no one has to keep filling our financial hole anymore. I'm proud of that. For five years, we worked hard on our costs and revenues. Bio-Planet grew up within the Colruyt Group family, with the same DNA. But simply copying what Colruyt does does not automatically work on a smaller scale. Today, our stores receive four deliveries a week instead of daily deliveries like our big brother." Emilie • "We also switched to digital leaflets, reviewed our service counter, made more deliberate use of our craftsmanship and removed around a thousand products that we had given too much time to prove themselves. And since the end of 2025, Collect&Go customers have been able to combine Colruyt and Bio-Planet products in a single order.

We added more than 500 unique products to this single-shop offer. That helps us reach new customers – especially 24- to 35-year-olds – and increase sales." Jan • "We've also become more professional financially. The excellent expertise of our financial controllers has helped us enormously. We scrutinise every cent. Where does it come from and where is it going? Sometimes you investigate a discrepancy of €1,000 and find out you can save €50,000. All those measures add up and make the difference." Where does Bio-Planet want to be when its 30th anniversary comes around? Jan • "Much closer to urban customers. Today, we have barely three stores in major urban areas, while we see room for around ten additional locations there. An urban store cannot simply be a smaller copy of our other stores. Parking is limited, the range is more compact and customers are more likely to be looking for a quick solution." Emilie • "Ready-made meals are still something of a blind spot for us. Many customers come to Bio-Planet precisely because they enjoy cooking for themselves. Okay City has a heated display with sausage rolls, at Bio-Planet, you're more likely to find a plant-based alternative. We don't simply copy a concept but adapt it to what Bio-Planet stands for. And finally, we're thinking beyond the traditional store. Perhaps we'll open temporary pop-ups around a specific theme or bring BioPlanet to customers with a mobile retail concept. Exactly what form that will take has not yet been decided." Jan • "By 2031, we want to be the sustainable market leader in healthy and natural food and personal care. We also want to reach new customers with our best products, for example through events, restaurants, bed & breakfasts and schools. Good collaboration with our brothers and sisters in the Health and Food pillars will therefore be essential."

Text: Valerie Janssens / Photo: Kat Sterck

40 stores. 39 in Belgium and

Our vision. Feature

A quarter century A birthday is counted in years, but Bio-Planet's history truly comes to life through people's stories.

Name Christiaan Aelterman At Bio-Planet 25 years Started as chief butcher at Bio-Planet Kortrijk Today Fresh produce expert Favourite product a beautiful piece of beef

When there was no roadmap yet "I've been here since the very first Bio-Planet store, in Kortrijk. The old hands call me ‘charcuterie Maurice', even though that's not my name at all. (laughs) I came over from Colruyt as a chief butcher and found myself at a smaller service counter, surrounded by vegetarian products I barely knew. Back then, Bio-Planet had a real do-it-yourself mentality. We built our own shelving, sometimes collected products from suppliers ourselves and sold just about everything, from shoes to paint. We were pioneers without a roadmap." “Preparations such as beef olives used to arrive ready-made. Later, we made a lot ourselves. Today, the meat is supplied to us again, partly from Fine Food Meat, because good butchers are becoming increasingly hard to find. But the craft remains important. That's why, as a fresh produce expert, I now train colleagues. In 25 years, I've not regretted my move for a single minute. Bio-Planet had to fight for a long time to be taken seriously, including within Colruyt Group. Today, the challenge is different because almost all retailers now sell organic products. However, 'organic' on the packaging doesn't automatically mean the same quality you get at Bio-Planet. Our assortment and our expertise are what set us apart."

The story behind each product

Text: Valerie Janssens / Photo: Kat Sterck

"Put me in a Bio-Planet store and I can tell you a story about every product: a grower who wants to enrich the soil, a producer who takes animal welfare seriously or a recipe without unnecessary additives. You don't have to do all your shopping at Bio-Planet. Just one product with an added value you understand can already open the door."

"Eighteen years ago, I started as a trainee store manager in Turnhout. I then became store manager in Mechelen, followed by commercial coach for all stores. Back then, I really knew everyone at Bio-Planet. As a coach, I inherited a toolbox that my predecessor used to solve problems wherever he went. I think it's important to help people become self-reliant, so I gave everyone a toolbox. In the past, every store could happily improvise, build its own shelf head or work with the local knitting club. That had its charm, but with forty stores you can't all keep doing your own thing. Today, we work in a more centralised and professional way. As a category manager, I work with the buyers to define the strategy for my categories. E.g. where are the growth opportunities, what range do we need and where should we invest? Someone stocking bags of crisps in the store doesn't always see how much thought has gone into it beforehand."

Name Lynn Verreydt At Bio-Planet 18 years Started as trainee store manager at Bio-Planet Turnhout Today category manager Favourite product CÎME body care products

with a face Four colleagues share how they saw Bio-Planet evolve before their eyes and helped shape that change themselves.

Behind the scenes of the leaflet Name Anja Boone At Bio-Planet 25 years Started as project worker for the leaflet Today Business support officer Favourite product Weleda pomegranate shower gel

"I started as a temp at the Red Telephone at the end of 2004. I did several different jobs before joining the communications department. Among other things, we produced the leaflets for various brands. In 2006, I became a permanent project worker and chose to work for Bio-Planet. On my first store visit, I was amazed by the pasta section. It was so big, with so many colours and flavours!" "In those early years, we entered every price in the leaflet manually. One typo could have unpleasant consequences. Today, digital tools process those prices automatically and as a business support officer I helped improve that process. We are the central point of contact for the marketing, sales and product teams. Accuracy is very important in our work. We bring structure and efficiency to processes, flag bottlenecks and help find solutions. That way, we help teams work together more efficiently."

"I've seen Bio-Planet in both good and bad times. Cost cuts meant smaller budgets for things such as store openings and more reuse of materials. In the past, we sent printed leaflets to customers and stores. Now they can consult them digitally, which is both cheaper and faster. Because we keep looking critically at what can be improved, I have every confidence in a bright future for Bio-Planet."

A butcher with a soft spot for tofu "After working 45 years as a butcher, I can still look at a piece of beef and marvel at how beautiful it is. No two cows are the same and that's what makes the craft so special. Eight years ago, I joined Bio-Planet after years of being self-employed. I thought I'd take things a bit easier at Colruyt Group. The opposite happened. I was given a great deal of freedom and trust and quickly progressed to chief butcher. Three years ago, the position of chief butcher disappeared from the stores. To work more cost-efficiently, seven fresh produce experts were appointed for all 40 stores and I am one of them. On some days, I drive from Braine-l'Alleud to Halle, Leuven, Nossegem and Grimbergen to train colleagues, help set up service counters and monitor quality."

Name Guy Claes At Bio-Planet 8 years Started as butcher at Bio-Planet Braine-l'Alleud Today Fresh produce expert Favourite product entrecôte

"People sometimes think Bio-Planet is a store for 'green types', but our broad range has something for everyone. Even I, a butcher through and through, love our seasoned tofu, stuffed courgettes and olives with feta. And where else can you find organic minced meat without milk, binding agents, eggs or bread? That focus on quality and animals, people and the environment is what makes Bio-Planet special. Once people discover that, they keep coming back. Our loyal customers prove that every day."

Our vision. In pictures

Sun, sea, sand … and sweat Do you think the beach in summer is only for sunbathing, eating ice creams or enjoying a cocktail? Well, think again. Last summer, our fitness chain Jims headed to Qmusic's Beach House in Ostend on Sunday and Monday mornings for a series of free beach workshops. From energetic group work-outs to the popular Social Runday along the coast, people of all ages could discover outdoor exercise in an easy and accessible way. In other words, no traditional gym, just fresh sea air, the beach and a relaxed atmosphere. Proof that, with Jims, a summer workout can feel almost like a holiday.

Photo: Jims

Our vision. People & Organisation

Manage your hospitalisation insurance using an app Managing your hospitalisation insurance? It's even easier with the MyAG Employee Benefits app. We recommend installing and using the app. Mieke Beyen, team manager at the Social Secretariat Service Centre, explains why. Why are we promoting the use of this app? Mieke • "At Colruyt Group, we're digitising administrative documents more and more. We're now doing the same for your hospitalisation insurance. AG Insurance's MyAG Employee Benefits app, our partner for the group hospitalisation insurance scheme, means you no longer need paperwork to ensure your claim will be handled. We've been using the app for several years, but many co-workers haven't installed it yet. That's why we want to highlight the benefits of this handy tool and strongly encourage people to use it." What are the benefits? "With the app, you always have your hospitalisation insurance details close by and can arrange everything quickly and digitally. No more administrative hassle. You can check what you're covered for, report a hospital admission, submit medical expenses, view and download documents such as invoices or certificates, etc. It can all be done quickly and efficiently. This means you no longer need to submit documents to the Social Secretariat Service Centre. You can send them directly to the insurer via the app. Of course, we're still on hand to help and assist you with your claim if needed."

How do you install the app? "It's very simple! Scan the QR code below or open the App Store or Google Play Store and look for ‘MyAG Employee Benefits'. You can then download the app. Next, log in securely and easily via itsme or IDnow and register using your details. From then on, you can discover for yourself just how easy the tool is to use. Already using the app? Great! Not yet? Thank you for installing it!" Need some extra support? Type ‘Onepager MyAG' into CG Search and check out the handy one-pagers.

Scan and install the app

Get your flu jab

Internal job site revamped

This autumn, you can once again get your seasonal flu jab free of charge", says Sofie De Vroede from Health & Safety. "It's part of our ongoing focus on health and safety at work. Every flu season, quite a few colleagues are affected and flu can really knock you for six. With one quick jab, you protect yourself and help create a healthy and safe working environment for you and your colleagues. This year, we also opted for the same simple and accessible approach for all coworkers, via GPs and pharmacists. Colruyt Group will reimburse the full cost of both the vaccine and having it administered. You'll receive more practical information through our other communication channels". Do your bit for your colleagues and get your flu jab!

Since mid-August, our internal jobs site has had a fresh new look, in line with the style of our external vacancies website. "The revamped look is clearer and easier to navigate," says Kim Arys, Talent Acquisition Partner in Recruitment, Selection & Orientation. "It invites you to browse and helps visitors find their way more easily. And at the same time, it offers extra possibilities. With even more filters, you can quickly narrow down the job openings to those that match your interests. You can also create an alert so that you're automatically notified of new job openings that match your profile. Sharing job openings on LinkedIn is easier too now. And from now on, you can see at a glance which job openings come with a referral bonus. You can then easily share them with someone in your network and perhaps earn a bonus yourself. In short, a massive improvement!" The revamped internal jobs site is available via CG Connect > Knowledge > Me in the organisation > Internal applications and career orientation > Internal jobs site.

Our profession.

Team spirit

Our culture ... We all help to bring Colruyt Group's culture to life. But we also have culture ambassadors who take on that role with particular dedication. They work in different departments, but share the same mission, i.e. keeping our culture alive. How do they do it?

Our profession. Team spirit

... firmly rooted

Franka Foré

Kris Paermentier

Yves Decoster

"Our group has 16 culture ambassadors. These are colleagues from across the organisation who actively promote our identity and values, both in and alongside their day-to-day roles. Of course, this is something every colleague can do too, through the way you work, collaborate, make decisions and take responsibility. The ambassadors help pick up signals, share experiences and bring to light what is happening across the organisation. That helps us assess together which topics really matter and where extra attention is needed. That is valuable, because in a large organisation it's not easy to stay in touch with what people are experiencing. Often, it's only when we share experiences that we come across similar issues in different departments."

"When I started at Colruyt Group, I was assigned a mentor to show me the ropes. He really embodied our culture. I also want to help colleagues connect more closely with our values and encorage them to use those values as a compass when making decisions. Four times a year, we meet as ambassadors and provide input to the Identity & Culture VAK centre. They introduce topics and we indicate whether we recognise them in our own work. We share examples from our own work context and think about the best approach in keeping with our values. For example, for the organisation of the leadership programme or store internships, or when looking at how we can strengthen connections between stores and central services."

"Visiting lots of branches as a promoter is ideal for spreading our culture. I'm a natural networker. In all my contacts with colleagues from across the organisation, I regularly talk about our principles and values. During meetings with other promoters, for example, I emphasise how crucial entrepreneurship is to the business. Don't hesitate, just do it. Of course, I also promote our values by putting them into practice myself: taking responsibility, making decisions and taking action without consulting too many people first. That sense of personal leadership is subtly woven into everything we do and say. And togetherness, that team spirit, is something I care deeply about too."

Ambassador coordinator

Culture ambassador

Text: Sara Van Cleemputte Photo: Kat Sterck & Cathy Vanleene

Gilles Godin

Saartje Van Cauwelaert

Johan Sarazin

"Diversity helps us grow. If the culture ambassadors are to truly represent our group, we need to be a diverse team. Different operating units, languages, levels of seniority, genders, ages and so on. That was one of my motivations for becoming an ambassador because I'm French-speaking and work for Newpharma in Liège. A minority group, you could say! (laughs) As an ambassador, I see two challenges. First, I think it's essential that we learn from Colruyt Group's values. But it should work both ways. The group can also learn from smaller organisations such as ours. Secondly, I want to share and apply Colruyt Group's key values at Newpharma, while respecting our own identity and values."

"Colruyt Group's culture is one of the reasons I work here. It matches who I am and gives me energy. We mustn't lose that. In addition to my job at Technics & Engineering, I therefore also facilitate 'culture circles' as an ambassador. These are chats between managers from different departments about current topics. Recently, we discussed 'alienation'. More specifically, what connects us today, now that alienation seems to be growing more quickly than before, both in society and within organisations? Where does it creep in and how can we actively counter it? How do we keep job satisfaction, engagement and our shared identity alive together? A culture circle like that creates an interesting dynamic and can be very inspiring."

"I started here as a student worker in 1998, and it's good to see that our values are still very much alive and kicking. Depending on the context and the period, some values naturally come to the fore more than others. Simplicity and efficiency, for example, are once again getting a great deal of attention. Over the years, I've worked for Colruyt, Okay and Supply Chain and everywhere I feel the same beating heart. At Supply Chain, the context is very specific I've noticed. Diversity, for example, matters here too. But how do we make sure collaboration runs smoothly in our large, diverse teams? As an ambassador, I can contribute to initiatives that strengthen this, such as workshops on respectful collaboration. That's very satisfying."

Culture ambassador

Our profession. Nirmana Real Estate

Real estate taking off! From 1 October, our real estate division, Colruyt Group Real Estate, will be known as Nirmana Real Estate. Behind that new identity lies a bold ambition. We want to use our real estate expertise built up over many years for our own store formats to support other retailers too. Department head Pieter Puystiens answers our questions.

Why the name change, Pieter? Pieter • "The last thing I want is for colleagues to think we're doing this on a whim. Because actually, much more is about to change than just the name. You have to remember that decades ago, Colruyt Group made the decision to build and manage its own buildings. That's fairly unique for a

"We know far more about retail than the average real estate player and far more about real estate than the average retailer. That's our strength" - Pieter

retailer. Over the years, we've built an enormous amount of expertise and become a genuine real estate specialist. We're convinced that we can also create sustainable added value outside the group. That's why we're entering the market as a fully-fledged business operating unit, with our own operations. And of course, that calls for

a brand identity of its own, with a new name. And that name is Nirmana. It's Sanskrit for 'creation', 'building' or 'construction'." What sets Nirmana apart in the real estate market? "Anyone who has ever built or renovated a house knows how much easier it is when you have an architect and contractor who think along with you. That's exactly what we're going to do for B2B customers in retail. Because we speak their language. As a support service within Colruyt Group, we've already developed and delivered hundreds of building projects, i.e. stores, offices, production sites, logistics centres, etc. Thanks to our close relationship with the group's different brands and departments, we specialise in real estate specifically for retail. We know far more about retail than the average real estate player and far more about real estate than the average retailer. That's our strength. We offer more than just real estate. We offer a solution to every retail challenge." Colruyt Group is known for the sustainability of its buildings. "And that's an advantage we're taking with us to Nirmana. Colruyt Group's DNA will continue to run through our veins. Anyone can build affordably. And many can build

Text: Jesse Van Pée

Low-energy stores at Colruyt Group* New builds: 168 (+9)

Fossil fuel-free: 162 (+26)

Renovation: 183 (+28)

With heat recovery: 256 (+47) * in financial year 2025/26

Colruyt Temse: Nirmana's business card A remarkable Colruyt store reopened in Temse in December 2024. When the old store was demolished, the construction team focused on recycling the original building materials to the highest possible standard. The store is still regarded as a prime example of circular construction techniques: • The original building was dismantled with great care. All materials were carefully sorted and tested for quality. • The aerated concrete, which would normally only be suitable for insulating screed or cat litter, was turned into high-quality building blocks. • The demolished concrete and facade bricks were upgraded to CO2-negative materials. In other words, they absorb more CO2 than they emit.

"The new name Nirmana is mainly about giving us a distinct identity for the outside world. For partners within Colruyt Group, we'll simply remain Colruyt Group Real Estate" - Pieter

sustainably. But building both affordably and sustainably? That's a different matter altogether. It takes a great deal of creativity and a flair for innovation to reconcile the two. That's something we've really stepped up at Colruyt Group in recent years. A recent example is the Colruyt store in Temse (see box, ed.), an impressive example of circular construction. During its demolition and reconstruction, not a single piece of material left the site. That's a store we can really showcase to potential customers."

• In terms of its furnishing, the store has everything you would expect from a lowenergy building. For example, the propane refrigeration system reduces CO2 emissions by 90%. Residual heat from the system is recovered to heat the building and provide hot water for the butcher's department, eliminating the need for a gas connection.

What does the arrival of Nirmana mean internally? "Of course, the changes require some reorganisation, but nothing too drastic. Within BOU Real Estate, the Architecture and Development & Management departments have formed the new Nirmana entity since 1 April 2026. Co-workers in those departments now all fall under the same company and the same joint committee. For the rest of the group, nothing changes. The new name is mainly about giving us a distinct identity for the outside world. For partners within Colruyt Group, we'll simply remain Colruyt Group Real Estate. We'll continue to be the group's trusted real estate partner for stores, distribution centres and other entities. Our service and the way we work together remain the same. And there's still plenty of work. By 2030, 90% of our existing sites need to be energy-efficient. That means we still have a lot of older buildings to renovate. But we're on track to achieve this. (see box, p. 26, ed.)" Where will Nirmana be in five years? "I can be very brief about that. In five years, we'll be top of mind in the retail sector as a trusted partner offering affordable and sustainable real estate. I'm absolutely convinced of that!"

Our profession. Zoom

Belgian mussel season with Bel'Mer There was an extra reason to celebrate in Nieuwpoort at the start of the summer holidays when Belgium's mussel season officially got under way on 1 July. We marked the occasion with a festive event to launch our delicious Bel'Mer mussels. Operations Manager Stijn Van Hoestenberghe welcomed CEO Stefan Goethaert, ministers Annelies Verlinden and Hilde Crevits as well as mayor Kris Vandecasteele on board the Moules Frites and showed them the ins and outs of our sea farm. The two ministers also had the honour of officially baptising our mussel boat. Afterwards, original tasters prepared by leading local chefs were very much s avoured by the VIP guests, colleagues and customers who had managed to secure a VIP ticket. Dive into this photo report and soak up the atmosphere of the event!

A first

Resto National with our Belgian mussels and wine

Text: Benoit Van Trimpont / Photo: Stanislas Huaux

On 21 July, the Belgian National Holiday, the organisers of Resto National once again served mussels and chips to more than 2,000 visitors at the Vossenplein in Brussels. Thanks to Colruyt Group, it was the first time an entirely Belgian menu was served, featuring our Bel'Mer mussels as well as Pas de Soucis white wine from our own vineyard. "As the only Belgian retailer, we wanted to give people the chance to taste Belgian craftsmanship," says Jo Willemyns, general manager of Colruyt. The Belgian National Holiday was the perfect occasion. Belgian mussels, Belgian wine and the Belgian National Holiday. It doesn't get more Belgian than that".

Our profession. Towards a zero-emission fleet

Zero-emission transport:

on the right track If you look closely, you'll spot increasingly more electric- or hydrogen-powered trucks on the roads around our stores and distribution centres. Today, Lieselot Rouquart, Supply Chain Transport Division Manager, maps out the route towards fully zero-emission transport for our company.

Where does our fleet stand at the moment? Lieselot • "In a nutshell? We're doing well. You have to remember that Colruyt Group has a large and diverse fleet, which we have mapped out in full. Today, we have 866 vehicles, excluding company vehicles. Of these, 13% is currently zero-emission and operational. We also have a large number of transport vehicles on order. Once they arrive, we'll already be at 20%! And that will only accelerate over the coming years, as our goal is to make our own fleet fully zero-emission by 2030. By 2035, we also want our transport partners to be operating fully zero-emission fleets. Our interim measure shows just how serious we are about reducing emissions. Until the remaining fossil-fuel vehicles can be replaced, they are running on HVO100, a low-emission alternative." How are we stepping up the transition? "As I said, things are really gathering pace right now. Over the summer, two new electric tractor units were already out on the road. They will soon be joined by two hydrogen-powered tractor units. In October and November, we're introducing something truly innovative when four electric Volvo tractor units equipped for megawatt charging will hit the road. This technology allows a truck to be charged from 20% to 80% in just 45 minutes. Around the same time, we'll also welcome another four new hydrogen-powered trucks. At the end of November, as a pioneer in this field, we'll also be hosting the closing event of the H2Haul pilot project. Our first hydrogen-powered trucks have already clocked up more than 100,000 successful zero-emission kilometres as part of the project. In other words, by December, we'll have added 12 new zero-emission tractor units to our fleet, i.e. six electric and six hydrogen-powered". Why both electric and hydrogen-powered? "We're deliberately opting for two complementary technologies to make our transport as sustainable as possible without compromising on flexibility. You don't always use

the same vehicle for every journey either, do you? A bike for short trips, a van when you're moving. The same applies to energy. By investing in both battery-electric and hydrogenpowered transport, we avoid becoming dependent on a single technology or energy source. This complementary approach also drives innovation, reduces pressure on the electricity grid and creates a robust mix of charging and refuelling infrastructure. By combining both technologies, we're building a resilient transport system while also reducing strategic risks. In other words, we're spreading our bets." New technology also requires new infrastructure. "Absolutely. In December, we'll open our first megawatt charging station for trucks in Ollignies. A second will follow in Dassenveld in March next year, where we already have a hydrogen refuelling station today. By 2028, we also want to have hydrogen refuelling stations operational at other strategic locations to further increase our autonomy. And we're opening up all of this infrastructure to our partners as well. This is a transition we genuinely believe in and one in which we intend to keep leading the way. And this allows our partners to come on board." Why are we so resolute in opting for this transition? "It started with our sustainability targets of course. We cover an enormous number of kilometres every year and want to minimise our impact on the climate. But in today's rapidly changing world, it's come to mean much more than that. By becoming less dependent on fossil fuels, we also reduce our exposure to fluctuations in fuel prices. Those costs ultimately have a direct impact on what our customers pay for their shopping and this is something we've always been very conscious of. What's more, we have the entire ecosystem in our own hands, from green energy and infrastructure to the charging points themselves. Our pioneering work has enabled us to build up a great deal of expertise and maturity which will only make us stronger and better prepared for the future."

Share of zero-emission vehicles in our own fleet 13%

20%

Today

100%

After delivery of new orders for transport vehicles

Our target by 2030

Koen Baetens, outgoing Director of Colruyt Group Real Estate & Energy, looks back with satisfaction: "Last year, Colruyt Group comfortably exceeded its target of reducing emissions by 21% compared with 2021, achieving an impressive 34.6% reduction! It was also the biggest step we took last year towards reducing our overall emissions. And much of that is down to

teamwork. Real Estate, Technics & Engineering, Supply Chain and Virya Energy all work closely together to shape the logistics network of the future. By the time this article is published, I'll have retired. I'm proud of what we've set in motion together and it's something we can all be proud of."

Text: Wim Naeyaert

Proud of how far we've come

Our profession. Tête-à-tête

The unique bond between twin sisters Karine and Karene Lhermitte. Almost the same first name. Almost the same career path. And almost the same job. One works at the Colruyt store in Ben-Ahin, the other at the store in Boncelles. An inseparable and cheerful pair of twins who share much more than just a physical resemblance.

How did you both end up working at Colruyt? Was it a coincidence? Karene • "No, not really. I used to work at Delhaize, but I wasn't enjoying it anymore. I applied pretty much everywhere. Then someone I knew passed on my CV, and seven years ago I ended up joining Colruyt in Waremme." Karine • "I was working as a temp at Intermarché. I wanted a more stable job so I could build a house, start a family. My sister gave my CV to the store manager in Waremme. Then one day, completely out of the blue, I received a phone call. And the following week, I started at Colruyt in Ben-Ahin. A year later, I had a permanent contract. What a difference! Things are much calmer now and I can finally plan my life a few weeks ahead. (laughs)" Karene • "What we immediately liked about Colruyt was the family atmosphere. We take our breaks together with our colleagues, we help each other out a lot and the work is very dynamic. And that's exactly what we were looking for!" Have you ever worked together before? Karene •"No, we haven't … But we want to. We've been asking for five years, every time a new manager comes along. But at Colruyt, family members aren't allowed to work in the same store to avoid conflicts of interest." Karine • "I actually think our store managers are a bit scared of us. (laughs) When we're together, we tend to forget about the world around us. We're constantly challenging and motivating each other. We love pushing our limits. That's why I think they'd rather keep us apart." But you do enjoy working for the same employer? Karine • "Oh yes! When we worked for two different retailers, we'd tell each other about our day, but we didn't always understand each other. That was frustrating. Now we speak the same language." Karene •"Exactly! Everything is much simpler now. We work with the same procedures and tools and deal with the same situations. We can really relate to each other's stories, understand each other properly and give each other advice. It's already made our lives a lot easier. (laughs)"

How close are you? Karene • "We call each other all the time. Even when we're both at home cleaning! (laughs) And if one of us isn't feeling great, the other can tell straight away. Even from a distance. Then we call each other or meet up, get things off our chest and work through it together." Karine • "Our children were born just two days apart. And we hadn't even planned it! Crazy, right? We even called each other while we were giving birth. These days, the children are together all the time. They don't even say they're cousins. As far as they're concerned, they're brother and sister. Luckily, our partners understand the strong bond between us. They accept it. Not that they have much choice. (laughs)" You look so much alike. Have you ever taken advantage of that? Karine •"Oh yes. It would be silly not to! (laughs) I once took Karene's practical driving test for her. She'd failed the first time and wanted to avoid having to pay for extra driving lessons if she failed again. I'd already had my licence for a year, so it all went without a hitch." Karene • "And I once sat her CEB exams (certificate awarded at the end of primary education in French-speaking Belgium, ed.) for her! Later, while we were studying, Karine failed an exam and I passed. But because our first names are almost identical, there was an administrative error. Suddenly, we'd both passed. (laughs) But looking so alike can cause complications too. We had to open accounts with different banks to avoid being suspected of fraud and having our accounts blocked. And after a car accident, Karine once had to prove to the police that we were two different people when they accused her of being a repeat offender. Things like that still happen to us quite regularly. But whether it brings us luck or makes life a little more complicated, we always end up having a good laugh about it."

"If one of us isn't feeling great, the other can tell straight away. Even from a distance. Then we call each other or meet up, get things off our chest and work through it together" - Karene

Text: Laura Vanneste / Photo: Kat Sterck

"When we worked for two different retailers, we'd tell each other about our day, but we didn't always understand each other. Now we speak the same language" - Karine

Our profession. Digital workplace

The major transformation is over After five years of intensive work, the curtain is coming down on 2Connect, the major transformation programme designed to bring our digital workplace in line with today's needs. The focus has now shifted to discovering the new possibilities and learning how to work with them. Our colleagues at the Collaboration & Communication VAK centre will be happy to help.

Where can you find the information that used to be on our portal, such as ‘Me in the organisation', news and promotions, the group wizard, etc.?

"All this information is now available on CG Connect," says Evelien Bellemans. "the CG Connect homepage replaces the familiar portal and opens automatically when you launch Microsoft Edge. You can also find it as an app in Teams. At a glance, you'll see a number of frequently used features such as notifications, news, the most-used apps, your personal favourites, ‘Me in the organisation' and events. All of this is grouped in a new environment that supports text, documents, video, photos, etc. The other three tabs give you access to more news and a wealth of information on a wide range of topics, the so-called journeys, organised into information categories. Have a browse and allow yourself to be surprised. (laughs)"

"Collabspaces are the places in Teams where a team works together on documents," explains Joyce Valkenier. "Think of them as the kitchens where content is prepared. Team members can communicate with each other in a collabspace via posts. There is also an integrated planner, allowing you to easily manage team arrangements. And last but not least, once documents are finalised, you can archive them in the E-depot or publish them on the communication sites."

What information can you find on the communication sites?

What do we use collaboration spaces for?

"Every operating unit or domain has a communication site," says Evelien Bellemans. Th'is is a professional website where the most frequently used and up-to-date information is published, such as a working method, manuals and policy documents, etc. Co-workers can find all this information, whether confidential or not, via CG Connect. Click on Knowledge and then ‘OUs or domains'. The editorial team of an OU or domain can now also share local news via the communication sites. Think of them as shop windows where relevant information is shared with the wider organisation."

Which information can you find with CG Search?

"Search, available as an app in Teams or via search.colruytgroup.com, allows you to search across all the apps in your digital workplace," says Tim Vancaudenberg. "Your emails, chats and OneDrive, as well as the communication sites and collaboration spaces. Very practical! By the end of this year, we want to add the E-depot to this too. You'll be able to find all the content you have access to. Over the coming months, we'll continue to upgrade the search function so that it quickly delivers high-quality results."

"Our Colruyt Group archive has been around since 1975," says Maarten Vandekerckhove. "It kept a record of what we shared with each other through our email system and also served as our publishing space through our ‘docs'. That's changing now. First of all, there's no longer an automatic link between Outlook and the E-depot. You can still choose, very deliberately, to archive valuable emails in the E-depot, such as emails containing reports or decisions. A major difference compared with the past is that the E-depot is structured. Every document will have its own place in a specific folder, with access rights, confidentiality and retention periods linked to it. This means the content is managed systematically. The E-depot is therefore the place where you can find legal, cultural-historical and business-strategic documents. In other words, it's our collective memory!"

How is the E-depot different from the Colruyt Group archives?

And what's next? "First and foremost, I'm extremely grateful and proud that we've managed to bring this major and important project to a successful conclusion together," says Koen De Maesschalck, Domain Lead Communication & Collaboration. "It hasn't always been an easy journey, but with the help of many people, we've got to where we need to be. Is it perfect? Definitely not. We'll continue to improve things step by step and learn how to work together in this new environment. That will be our main focus over the coming year. We'll also look at how we can introduce interesting elements of this innovation into our logistics, production and store environments. And then of course there's AI. Now that everything is so well organised and structured, we're ready to reap the benefits of AI." "The way you communicate and collaborate shows who you are," adds Véronique De Rijck. "That's why we focus on both big and, just as importantly, small behaviours like keeping your camera on during meetings, making information non-confidential by default, keeping calendars visible to everyone, etc. Because that's who we are!"

Need help? Or do you have any questions? Liesbeth Van Maldergem and Christophe Denauw will be happy to help you on the Communication & Collaboration VAK centre knowledge page. Go to Knowledge > Capabilities, Architecture & Policies > Capability 12 > Craftsmanship via CG Connect.

Our profession. Social support

10 years

The Connection

Text: Benoit Van Trimpont / Photo: Kat Sterck

Ten years ago, The Connection was launched with a clear mission, i.e. to offer colleagues a listening ear and the right support when health issues or personal circumstances make life difficult. Since then, this trusted point of contact has already made a world of difference to many co-workers.

Contact The Connection

• Every weekday from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. •  72777 or 02 363 55 66 •  social service: EXK or deschakel.welzijn@colruytgroup.com •  medical service: EXA or medischedienst@colruytgroup.com

" Pioneers with our own in-house social service" "When we launched The Connection ten years ago, we were ahead of our time," says Joke Vanmeerbeek, team manager. "We wanted to address the growing number of co-workers on long-term absence and provide better support to colleagues dealing with personal or health-related problems. In that respect, we were pioneers. Long before legislation was introduced on reintegration and maintaining contact with co-workers on long-term absence, we were already doing it. Other organisations, including bpost, even came to see how we did it. An in-house social service like The Connection is quite unique. And it's a real asset because we know the company which means we can provide very targeted support to both the organisation and our co-workers." "Today, The Connection has eight colleagues who provide social support and three working in the medical secretariat. Together, we carry out around 10,000 actions and contacts every year, ranging from support with personal or family problems to assistance with reintegration. In the future, we want to make even greater use of external expertise. For example, we recently brought in a company specialised in acoustics to explore how we could enable a colleague with a hearing implant to continue working in a noisy environment." "Our name says it all. We connect people, but we don't solve the problems ourselves. I sometimes compare us to the hard shoulder on a motorway. We're there when you get stuck, we listen, offer advice and, if necessary, give you a push to get you moving again. But after that, you have to get back behind the wheel yourself."

" Supporting and guiding those who need it" "When Kristine Colman and I were working as social nurses in the medical service in 2006, we saw how many co-workers were struggling with administrative questions and reintegration, or simply didn't know who to turn to if they needed someone to talk to," recalls Liesbeth Cautaerts. It made us realise we needed to do more. "The Connection grew out of that conviction. We're not care providers who solve people's problems for them, but a listening ear that informs, supports and refers people to the right help. Discretion and trust always come first." “If you've been continuously off sick for four weeks, we'll give you a call. We want to hear how you're doing, provide information and offer guidance. The most common concerns? Administrative and financial difficulties. Coworkers are also often unsure about the options available to them when it comes to adapted work. We stay in touch during their absence and afterwards too. But ultimately, it's up to the colleague to take the steps towards reintegration.” "Yes, of course some stories stay with you. But we can turn to each other for support. When people tell us afterwards they felt heard, that's very rewarding. A thank you, a card or simply seeing someone take that step back to work is what makes it worthwhile. Every story is different and you never know where a support process will lead. That's precisely what makes this work so special. If we can help make someone's reintegration smoother or make them feel supported by their employer, we've achieved our mission."

" The Connection was a godsend" "During the coronavirus pandemic, I was hit by one blow after another," says Dominique Vermeire, sales assistant at Colruyt Sint-Denijs-Westrem. "My father became terminally ill and my twin sister was diagnosed with lymphoma. I stayed at home for a month to look after my dad, but afterwards I wasn't doing too well either. I wasn't ill, but mentally I was completely drained. I was off work for four or five months. I literally couldn't get off the sofa." "After a while, Liesbeth from The Connection called me. That phone call felt like a godsend. I immediately felt I could trust her. I could tell her my story, also personal things. She listened without judging. I cried and I laughed, but it felt so good to get it all out. On her advice, I sought help from a psychologist and took part in a personal development programme. That was a great help. I realised I still loved my job, but that I could let go of my position as first sales assistant. That realisation gave me room to breathe again." "Today, I feel much stronger and I'm back at work and enjoying it again. Liesbeth still checks in with me regularly to see how I'm doing. And that's very reassuring. That's why I tell colleagues not to hesitate to contact The Link. Sometimes recovery simply starts with someone who really listens to you. And if anything were to happen to my parents or my sister now, I know Liesbeth will be there if I need her."

Our profession. M y workplace

Who am I? Angélique Poliart What do I do? Club manager at Jims

Leading in leggings A fitness club is never quiet. Words of encouragement, pumping music, sometimes a loud yell from someone trying to stay in control of a heavy weight, etc. "To me, that's the sound of a club that's alive," Angélique Poliart says with a smile. "I've been Club Manager at Jims Nivelles since it opened in January 2025. Before that, I was Club Manager in La Louvière and Namur. At Jims, I immediately noticed the difference compared to other fitness clubs. You're not just a number, but someone who's seen and heard. I really value that personal approach." "My day starts by greeting the first members, reviewing how the club performed the day before and taking care of a few administrative tasks. After 3 p.m., the pace changes. The group classes start, more members come in and there are more of us on the floor. That's when I coach co-workers, listen to what's going on and help them grow. At the same time, we support our 1,800 members in reaching their fitness goals. And of course, we're always happy to welcome colleagues from Colruyt Group too because it strengthens the connection."

Text: Valerie Janssens / Photo: Kat Sterck

"My most important work tool? My feet! I'm constantly walking around because I want to give everyone attention. A fitness club can be quite intimidating. That's why there's always someone on hand to put you at ease and show you how to do the exercises. That means I'm always wearing sports gear. My wardrobe at home is overflowing. (laughs)" "The 'Move for Health' programme helps people to get moving again after a hospital stay or aftercare programme. Once they have the go-ahead from their doctor, they join us in a group setting with support tailored to their needs. It's not always easy for fitness coaches to be taken seriously by medical professionals, but ultimately we share the same goal in that we all want to help people stay healthy and active."

Our profession. That's how it's done!

The question Ives of Vanhouche IT helpdesk co-worker

"Like Colruyt Group, I'm happy to support good causes. How does the company support me as a volunteer in making this kind of contribution to society?"

"Under certain conditions, you can do voluntary work during working hours," says Lauriane Boes of the Colruyt Group Foundation. "You can take part in activities that we organise together with our partner organisations such as making soup for socially vulnerable people, planting trees, helping with harvesting at an agricultural organisation, etc. Sometimes a non-profit organisation needs help with communications or finance. In that case, we look for a co-worker with specific expertise in that area or organise a hackathon to bring several participants together to come up with solutions. You can also mentor a young person or practise a language with someone. Most initiatives take place in Belgium, although you can also provide advice online to our international partners."

Do you want to support a good cause? Discover our initiatives on the Colruyt Group Foundation communication site via CG Connect > Knowledge > OUs and domains.

"Why is this important to us? Because giving also gives a lot back. You gain an insight into other people's lives, develop your skills and put our group values into practice outside your familiar environment. When you advise a non-profit organisation, you use your professional and personal expertise in a different way. When you mentor a young person, you may find yourself looking at colleagues in your own team differently afterwards. This means volunteering is not only valuable to others, but also enriching for you and your work."

Text: Valerie Janssens

"Have an idea of your own? You can team up with at least two colleagues to launch an initiative in support of a good cause. This means that voluntary work you already do on your own cannot simply be continued during working hours. We strongly encourage you to get involved in initiatives near your workplace and help strengthen our ties with the local community. What matters is that your efforts deliver clear benefits to society. If you organise an initiative yourself, you're also responsible for the practical arrangements. This commitment is only possible with your manager's approval and if operational requirements allow it. Obviously, a store cannot close so that everyone can do volunteer work. However, with a little creativity, a lot can be achieved. For example, you could spread the activity across several smaller groups."

Do you also have a question about our company, an initiative, choice or working method? Ask it by email to GAZET or gazet @colruytgroup. com

Our profession. Flashback

Model for leaflets and videos

Text: Benoit Van Trimpont / Photo: Kat Sterck

Patricia Uytenhoven: "The photos were usually used in leaflets and the videos in the stores. People used to recognise me all the time. People thought it was quite something, but for me it was just part of everyday life, part of my job."

If you have any old pictures you would like to share with us, send an email to GAZET or gazet@colruytgroup.com.

"Wow, that photo was taken a long time ago," says Patricia Uytenhoven, a stylist at the Marketing Communication Services photo studio, looking surprised. "It must have been in the late 1980s or early 1990s. I was in my twenties then and a young mum to Joeri, my son, who's sitting in the shopping cart. And it's certainly not the only photo from those days that you can find in the Colruyt Group archives. (laughs) I'd only just started working at the photo studio. Whenever they needed an extra, they knew where to find me. I didn't mind at all, I quite enjoyed posing. Of course, there were far fewer of us back then. For a long time, I was the only stylist. There weren't as many assignments either. And to keep costs as low as possible, we mainly used colleagues as models."

was a lot more nerve-racking. I still remember the first recipe I had to prepare on camera: rabbit with prunes. I was so nervous. (laughs) Video is not the same as taking a photo, right?!"

"I posed just about everywhere in the store. The frozen food section, the fresh food market, the butcher's department, the Collishop department, the check-outs, etc. We actually reshot the photo at the chocolate bar after a few years because it had been used so many times. Later, we started making videos too. That means I was filmed as well, mainly for cooking videos shown in the stores which

"I've had a career spanning more than 44 years. I was very lucky that, thanks to Hugo Van Pottelbergh, who was team manager at the time, I was able to do this wonderful job as a stylist. I hadn't received any specific training for it, but I was able to develop my talent on the job. I'm very grateful that I can continue working part-time for a little while longer."

"The photos were usually used in leaflets and the videos in the stores. Colleagues, family and friends recognised me all the time. "Wow, you're in the leaflet!' People thought it was quite something, but for me it was just part of everyday life, part of my job. Of course, Joeri recognised me in the store too. "‘Look, mummy, those are your hands!' he would shout, loud enough for everyone to hear. (laughs) I regularly appeared as a model for around 15 years. My last shoot must have been an advert for DATS 24 featuring car care products. It must have been about 20 years ago."

Between you and me.

The Globe

From Bujumbura to Halle

Rich in nature, poor in wealth "Burundi lies in the heart of Africa. I think it's a very beautiful country. Green hills and mountains, the fantastic Lake Tanganyika, an amazing climate, etc. Unfortunately, there's also a lot of poverty. And the cities are less attractive in that they're busy and not as safe everywhere. My sisters, who still live there, often have to move to another neighbourhood when things become too dangerous. Even so, I had a happy childhood there. I was born in Bubanza, in north-western Burundi. but grew up with four brothers and three sisters in the capital, Bujumbura. My parents were entrepreneurs. I was able to go to school and we had a pretty good life." Hard times "Then, in 1993, the civil war broke out. Burundi has a history of ethnic and political conflict. The war between Hutus and Tutsis lasted for more than ten years. It was terrible! Eventually, I fled to Uganda, where the economy and political situation were more stable, although life there turned out to be expensive too. Even so, I stayed for two years. Then I received word that my father was seriously ill. He'd gone to Congo for work, so I travelled there to look after him. After a while, we returned to our home in Bujumbura. Unfortunately, he received many threats. A lot of people thought he'd been working for the opposition while abroad. In the end, it cost him his life."

On the run "I'd also gone abroad, of course, which meant it was no longer safe for me either. I decided to flee to Europe. I ended up in Belgium via Serbia. Over the years, many Tutsis have come here and been recognised as political refugees. After moving between refugee centres for a while, my papers were finally sorted out. I started working in the cleaning sector, and that's how I ended up at Colruyt Group. I'm glad I was given this opportunity here, with great colleagues and a good superior." The taste of Burundi "I now live in Laken, which I don't like that much because there's a lot of violence, noise and rubbish. My sister has also come to Belgium. I'm not planning on moving back to Burundi permanently.

But there are still things from that time that I miss. The delicious food, for example: honey, mukeke fish from Lake Tanganyika, the wonderfully juicy fruit and vegetables, to name just a few things. You often talk about organic food here, but over there the produce really is organic. We don't need spices to make food tasty. (laughs) The flavour is in the ingredients. That's one of the reasons I like going back there on holiday. And to see my sisters again. And to visit my mother's grave, who passed away last year. Here in Belgium, I might still like to work in the hospitality sector. I speak six languages now. If I can improve my Dutch a little more, I should be able to make even more of my dreams come true here."

Text & photo: Benoit Van Trimpont

With more than 80 nationalities, Colruyt Group is a friendly melting pot of cultures. Since 2023, Eddyne Irakoze from Burundi has been part of the catering team at our Wilgenveld head office in Halle. After a difficult period in Africa, she found a safer and more stable life in Belgium.

Between you and me. Remarkable colleagues

From Ninja Turtle to sensei For Vienna Knockaert of Colruyt Group Retail Services, karate is much more than a combat sport. It's a way of life she's followed for more than 30 years, bringing her plenty of sporting success and opportunities to grow as a person. Today, she passes on the sport's values to the next generation.

Text: Jesse Van Pée / Photos: Geert Demuynck

Following in Bruce Lee's footsteps "I was seven when I started karate. A new club in the area happened to be handing out flyers, so I just gave it a try. It was the time of the Ninja Turtles and Bruce Lee on TV, so naturally I was curious. Since that first lesson, I've never really done anything else. I never missed a training session, and before long I'd progressed from club tournaments and provincial championships to Flemish and even national championships. I managed to get on the rostrum plenty of times and at international tournaments I reached a few semi-finals. I was particularly good at kumite, the one-on-one battles. You also have kata which is an imaginary fight against several opponents in which the technical precision of the movements is what counts."

More than a combat sport "I trained in traditional Shotokan karate, a form of karate that demands a great deal of focus. Lose focus for even a moment and it can all be over. One good attack from your opponent and you could be out of the competition after just ten seconds. In that traditional school, karate is much more than a sport. It's a philosophy of life that focuses strongly on character development, with respect, humility, courtesy, courage and discipline as key values. Winning is not the main objective. The best fight is the fight averted. Personal growth is what matters most. Don't compare yourself to others. Just try to improve yourself every day. As a Colruyt Group co-worker, that probably sounds familiar, right? I take that same drive with me into my work. And as you get older, you realise that the philosophical side becomes increasingly important."

"In the traditional school, karate is much more than a sport. It's a philosophy of life that focuses on character development" - Vienna Vienna sensei "Three years ago, I opened my own club, Josenji in Zonnebeke. It's named after the temple where I stay whenever I'm in Tokyo. It was the club's sensei (master, ed.) who convinced me that it was my responsibility to pass on all my experience and knowledge to the next generations. Nobody turned up for the first training session. At the second, there were already three of us. Now we have around 35 members, from very young children to people well into their eighties. Our youngest members are doing really well. We recently added three Belgian champions to our ranks. I'm also on the boards of JKA Vlaanderen and Karate Vlaanderen, where I focus mainly on youth development." Ramen every day "Karate has also made me fall in love with Japan. For the past five years, I've regularly stayed with a Buddhist priest in Tokyo to train. The people there feel like family. I really admire the respect for processes and punctuality. The way everyone queues so neatly before getting on a train is fantastic. It takes so much discipline! And of course, the food is to die for. I could eat ramen there every lunchtime. (laughs) And you simply can't find sushi that fresh anywhere else."

Between you and me. Remarkable colleagues

A network for young people

Text: Wim Naeyaert / Photo: Jeugddorp

Alongside his job as a Business Developer at Colex, Yves Dauwe also volunteers for Jeugddorp where he helps young people in vulnerable situations find their way into the labour market through projects that create opportunities by building networks.

It started with a criminal trial "My commitment as a volunteer actually began in rather unusual circumstances. A few years ago, I served on the jury in a major criminal trial. The offender had spent much of his youth drifting from place to place, without the right support, ultimately with tragic consequences. He had a child of his own and that affected me deeply. It makes you wonder what'll happen to that child? How do you provide a stable environment? The trial coincided with my son moving out. Quite literally and figuratively, it created space in my life to contribute something. And that's how I found Jeugddorp, a Mechelen-based organisation that looks not only at young people themselves, but also at their context. That's very important to me." Helping hand "Jeugddorp supports young people in specialist youth care, many of whom have been placed there by a juvenile court judge. It also supports young people over 18 when important networks, such as school, fall away. My own focus is mainly on helping them access the labour market. We organise things like speed-dating sessions with local

employers, help young people practise for job interviews and set up projects where they can gain work experience, such as working in a food truck. That way, they not only discover what working is like, but also get the opportunity to tell their story, talk about their dreams and gradually build up a network." It takes a village "I come from a privileged background, with a strong network, although I didn't fully appreciate that when I was younger. For these young people, that network is often missing or has disappeared. And that makes a huge difference. I want everyone to understand that they are not to be pitied, they just need to be given opportunities. Being able to make a difference, however small, is what matters to me. And there are all kinds of ways to help: practising a job interview, teaching a maths lesson or simply going for a bike ride together. Everyone has something to offer. ‘It takes a village to raise a child' is Jeugddorp's motto, and I believe in it 100%. I've become part of that village myself, so I'm not going to miss this opportunity to network either. There's always room for more people in the village. (laughs)"

Love is … good planning After organising her own wedding, social media expert Eef Goossens knew straight away: ‘I want to do this again!' She found it so rewarding that she now helps to organise weddings as a side business together with her friend Nena.

Match made in heaven "Nena and I worked together as project managers eight years ago. Our professional chemistry gradually developed into a close friendship. Nena had always loved organising events and while planning my own wedding I discovered just how much energy it gave me. Planning weddings together felt like a natural next step. It combines our love of structure with our creativity. As a test, we first organised two friends' weddings and it turned out to be exactly our thing! Through word-of-mouth we were asked to organise more events last year. Since January, we've been going all in with ‘Effortless Weddings'. We have our own website and Instagram account, offer different packages, etc. The works!"

The early bird … "A lot of couples underestimate just how soon you need to start preparing. We allow about a year for a wedding in peak season. Otherwise, all the good photographers, caterers, florists and so on are guaranteed to be fully booked. People also often underestimate the budget, especially if the wedding is being held at a private venue. A garden party may sound inexpensive, but you have to build everything from scratch, including facilities for the caterer, and have a bad-weather plan in place. We organised a wedding like that in September. It takes a lot of organising, but the atmosphere was so personal and relaxed. Wonderful." Improvisation is part of the job "The wedding day itself is always exciting, of course. So far, we've always managed to solve any little problems quickly. Like a broken audio guestbook. The ‘worst' thing that has happened so far is that we forgot to bring out the second wedding cake. In the end, it became breakfast for the newlyweds and they absolutely loved it! I had a wedding planner at my own wedding too, and I still managed to arrive half an hour late for the ceremony. It's great when the bride is relaxed, but I prefer to make sure we stick to the schedule. That's a no for your golden hour photos … (laughs)"

Text: Sara Van Cleemputte

The build-up "This weekend, we're heading to a château in France to prepare for a wedding next year. It's quite a special experience because a multi-day wedding abroad involves a lot of extra organisation. Just think of the logistics involved in getting everyone and everything there. Visiting the venue beforehand also gives us a good idea of what the catering, the light, the surroundings and so on will be like next year."

Between you and me. Wall of fame

I just wanted to say how customerfriendly everyone is at Colruyt Beringen. My husband had picked up a pack of blueberries without noticing that some of them were mouldy. One of your colleagues kindly pointed it out to him. Credit where credit is due.

Very friendly and knowledgeable service at Bike Republic Lier. The man who helped me really knew everything about electronic shifting, carbon wheels, gears and much much more. Highly recommended!

Everything is ready, the service is friendly and they even give me some extra samples. Love it!

I'd love to share this lovely photo. It was the very first time my seven-month-old son sat in the shopping cart at Colruyt. It was a really special moment for us, and we were happy to capture it. Jolien

I did my shopping at Okay and had a small issue at the selfcheck-out. Tiffany came to the rescue. Friendly, professional, empathetic and an absolute ray of sunshine. In short, every Okay needs a Tiffany. Thank you, Tiffany!

❤

I love your Boni range, especially the sauces and frozen vegetables. I really enjoy using them to ma ke quick, healthy and creative meals.

It was a really enjoyable workshop where we made some delicious recipes. The other people in the group were pleasant too. When I got home, I realised I'd lost my ring while washing my hands. I contacted Colruyt Group Academy the next morning and the person who helped me was extremely helpf ul. Just 15 minutes later, I received a call to say they'd found my ring and that I could come and collect it. Very customerfriendly and professional staff. I'd also like to since rely thank the cleaning team who found my ring.

I just collected an order from the Okay Gullegem pick-up point for the first time. Normally, that's a fairly straightforward affair, but clearly no one told the Gullegem team. What a lovely way to start the day, with such a friendly and enthusiastic welcome from your colleague. I will definitely be back.

The team in Jumet is fantastic. They're always attentive and available to help and show the exercises. They are incredibly friendly and supportive. The gym is also great when it's hot outside. Come and work out. There's air conditioning! No excuses for staying away!

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The retail market is under pressure, prices don't differ that much, but your employees really make the difference and keep bringing me back to Colruyt.

I would like to congratulate the team at Colruyt Sart. They're always friendly and smiling. They even greet customers they know at other checkouts. It's so nice when someone recognises you. Thanks again and keep up the good work!

Between you and me. Photo finish

Once Colruyt, always Colruyt Anyone who thought Franky Vandevoorde would completely switch off from work while on holiday was mistaken. "Even in the mountains, Colruyt was never far away," says Myrèse Vanderschuere, Colruyt Zelzate store manager. "It just goes to show how deeply Colruyt is in his heart. Enjoy your retirement, you star!" 1,000,000,000 Now that's what you call a milestone. In the last financial year, Okay and Okay City broke through the magical turnover barrier of €1 billion! A festive make-over of the corridor at Hellebroek Kantoor is a proud reminder to colleagues of this fantastic result, one that so many work towards every single day. Kick-off after work Okay colleagues ended a summer's working day with a relaxed football-themed after-work gettogether. Together with some food and drinks, there was also the one and only Okay Juggle Cup. Who can do the most keepy uppies? The best juggler turned out to be regional manager Timothy Giglio. He kept his cool, and the ball in the air, longer than anyone else and was crowned the well-deserved Juggle Cup champion.

At home with Bio-Planet A special visit to Bio-Planet Herent: at the end of July, the crew of popular TV soap Thuis came to the store for a shoot. "For a while, the store was turned into a real TV set, complete with cameras, crew and everything else that comes with a day of filming," says store manager Ilse Dehoux. "Of course, we made sure the crew were well looked after with some delicious specialities from our shelves. We made sure they felt completely at home at Bio-Planet!"

Between you and me. Photo finish

Colleagues of tomorrow "Amazing! We recently received a visit from my daughter and her class," says Selbi Ornek, team member at Okay Tielt. "They'd been learning about different jobs at school, including store worker. That made the visit extra special for both her and me, of course, because I work at Okay."

When colleagues become friends After a busy working week, it was time for some well-earned relaxation. That's why these ladies from Fine Food Meat 0 headed off together for a day trip to Pairi Daiza. A day full of animals, fun and, above all, great company!

Motorcyclists Natalie Daneels (Colruyt Izegem), Lynn Willems (Colruyt Lier) and Berdien Roelands (Okay Vichte) bumped into each other during a group trip to Lermoos in Austria. Berdien says: "We had a great week together and soon learned to spot each other during rides and get-togethers. Brillant!"

Wishing you every happiness! "Our colleague Maud De Cupere's wedding was a wonderful day for us too," says Maud Missart, sales assistant at Colruyt Grez-Doiceau."We wish her all the happiness in the world, with lots of joy, love and wonderful memories!"

2026 World Cup sweepstake champion World Cup football fever may have died down, but the winner of the sweepstake competition at the Collect&Go picking centre in Erpe-Mere is still enjoying his moment of glory. "Order picker Fabrice Temoe Temoe proved to be the biggest football expert and was crowned the undisputed sweepstake champion," says Team Manager Nina Bockstael. "A big thank-you to canteen employees Heidi Stroobandt and Els Van de Walle for organising the competition so smoothly!"

At the service of the camp cooks "This summer, the camp cooks from Scouts and Girl guides Zannekin-Blauwvoet Blankenberge came to do their shopping with us," says Letitia Van Calenberg, sales assistant at Colruyt Herentals. "They were fully kitted out in Colruyt camp gear. How great is that?"

"I'm a delivery driver at Solucious and every year I go along as a cook on camp with Chiro Albatros from Tollembeek," says Sanne Decuyper. "Once again, we could count on my colleagues to deliver everything carefully right to the campsite!It was great to meet delivery drivers from some of the other hubs for a change."

Okay shines at summer festivals Anyone who visited Boomtown in Ghent, Cactusfestival in Bruges or Absolutely Free Festival in Genk this summer will probably have come across Superette Okay. With this eyecatching stage, creatively designed to look like a small store and seamlessly integrated into the festival atmosphere, Okay wanted to boost brand awareness among millennials, a target group that is harder to reach through traditional channels. The fun setting and great experience generated plenty of enthusiastic reactions as well as media attention. Mission accomplished!

We generally know Colruyt stores as places of full shopping carts, lowest prices and a quick trip through the check-out. But at the beginning of August, Colruyt Leuven looked rather different. After the final sales day before closing for several weeks of renovation work, the shop floor made way for a dance floor. The fresh market, where customers buy their fruit and veg during the day, was transformed into an unexpected party venue with lighting and music from DJs Nazz and Barquimoon. Around 200 revellers created an exhilarating festival atmosphere. With this FrigoRave, an initiative organised in collaboration with beer brand Tout Bien and Lipton Ice Tea, Colruyt wanted to reach a younger audience in an original way. Successfully. "This is the best rave venue ever!" laughed the young revellers. Hats off to store manager Tom Smets and his team!

Photo: Tout Bien

Party in the fresh market