Idea-CG, a member of the Fortenova Group, is the leading retail chain in Montenegro. With the brands IDEA and Franca, it is the largest employer in Montenegro with over 2.500 employees, while with 188 stores located in all Montenegrin municipalities, it is also the most widespread retail chain in the country. In 2021, the company joined Fortenova Group, creating the largest regional retail network, with over 46.000 employees.
Amidst its rich assortment and quality products, Idea-CG, stands out for its extensive portfolio of socially responsible initiatives conducted within the local community. Recognized as a true partner by numerous governmental institutions, non-governmental organisations, associations, clubs, and individuals, Idea-CG's commitment to social responsibility and community engagement has resulted with "Iskra" philanthropy award for its support of children and youth in 2023.
Idea-CG's dedication to environmental conservation and community well-being reflects in initiatives such as "Together for an IDEAl Environment." This initiative, organised in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency of Montenegro, Bureau for Education Services and Exam’s Center of Montenegro, aims to educate children and adults on proper waste disposal and recycling practices, fostering a culture of environmental protection from a young age.
Over 39 schools, with over 25,000 students participated in this action, collecting 67,993 kg of waste. The success of this ecological campaign underscores Idea-CG's commitment to promoting environmentally conscious behaviour and building sustainable mindset among young minds. For this reason, the action will be organised in 2024 as well.
Moreover, Idea-CG's commitment to youth empowerment extends beyond environmental initiatives to include support for social entrepreneurship and sports development. By sponsoring events like the Podgorica Millennium Run and supporting youth entrepreneurship through programs like the Social Impact Award, Idea-CG cultivates a culture of innovation and community engagement among Montenegro's youth.
IDEA-CG's philanthropic endeavours extend to initiatives supporting children with developmental disabilities and enhancing community well-being, reflecting the company's belief in investing in future generations for sustainable societal development. Idea-CG set as its mission to create a better and more humane society, and to that goal it uses its resources and influence to foster positive change and leave a lasting impact on the communities in which it operates.
IDEA-CG’s parent company, Fortenova Group was awarded the "Regional ESG Leader" Golden Award from the International Economic Forum "Perspectives" and "Promo Global" Society.
For the past two years, Fortenova Group has reported in detail about the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards within its processes through Sustainability Reports, offering transparency and accountability to the public. As the company prepares to unveil its third Sustainability Report for 2023, reflecting further advancements in ESG-related activities and initiatives, it reiterates Fortenova Group's dedication to fulfilling its ESG goals.
Aligned with its strategic objectives, Fortenova Group's ESG targets are specifically divided in seven key themes, ranging from emission reduction and efficient waste management, affecting quality of life through food quality, embedding sustainability in decision making, reducing impact on water and soil to promoting gender equality and fostering positive contributions to communities in which the Group operates. Each theme is accompanied by measurable initiatives set to be achieved by 2030.
Considering the very complex and diverse sectors the company operates in, Fortenova Group has spearheaded and supported a multitude of ESG-related projects. These initiatives span from longstanding community projects like Konzum's "The best donor" and "Recyclopedia" to Mercator Slovenia's "White Packaging" and "Sustainable Posters," Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia’s “Stand up for Equality”, Mercator Serbia's projects „Nema cenu!“ i „Kompostiranje“ emphasising the company's multifaceted approach to sustainability.
Moreover, Fortenova Group promotes some initiatives that include all companies within the group, such as energy efficiency projects, carbon footprint assessments, and actions aimed at improving employee welfare.
“It’s our pleasure to have IDEA-CG and Fortenova Group as Bronze sponsor at ESG Adria Summit 2024. Their comprehensive approach to sustainability, as demonstrated by their diverse socially responsible initiatives and strategic objectives reflected in their approach to investments and public accountability, shows a holistic understanding of the interdependency between business success and societal well-being”, said Biljana Braithwaite, the CEO of Sustineri Partners, organiser of the ESG Adria Summit 2024.
