Bauerntüte is a certified (DE-Öko-006) regional organic food retailer and delivery service based in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, operating since 2013. As an SME positioned in the middle of the food chain, we actively shape food consumption patterns, sourcing decisions and last-mile distribution impacts. Our business model is built on 100% certified organic products, strong partnerships with small and regional farms, and a commitment to making healthy and sustainable diets accessible, convenient and practical for everyday life.

In relation to food consumption patterns, we promote increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, wholegrains, fibre-rich foods, nuts and pulses, with a strong focus on seasonal and locally produced varieties. Through curated fruit and vegetable boxes, plant-forward product ranges and evidence-based nutrition communication, we encourage healthier and more sustainable dietary habits. We continuously expand the availability and visibility of minimally processed, plant-based products and support balanced portion choices through flexible box sizes and subscription models designed to prevent over-purchasing. Our communication follows EU health claim regulations and aims to raise consumer awareness of healthy and sustainable lifestyles without misleading claims.

Within our internal processes and operations, we focus on reducing the environmental footprint of logistics, packaging and food handling. We monitor CO₂ emissions per delivery and aim to reduce emissions intensity through route optimisation, increased delivery density and progressive integration of low-emission vehicles. Packaging reduction and circular systems are central elements of our model, including reusable crate systems and continuous optimisation of material efficiency. We actively measure food loss within our operations and implement data-driven forecasting, flexible procurement and redistribution measures to minimise waste. Employee well-being, fair working conditions and long-term staff retention are integral to our organisational responsibility as a regional employer.

Throughout the supply chain, we maintain long-term partnerships with organic producers, particularly small and medium-sized farms in NRW. By supporting regional sourcing, biodiversity-friendly farming practices and the preservation of traditional fruit and vegetable varieties, we contribute to resilient agricultural ecosystems. Bauerntüte is a member of the IHK Biodiversity Alliance (Biodiversitätsbündnis) and aligns its sourcing strategy with sustainable agriculture principles. We also contribute to improved food management at household level by providing storage guidance, meal planning support, leftover recipes and digital information tools that empower consumers to reduce food waste at home.

Our commitments contribute to SDGs 2, 3, 4, 9, 11, 12 and 17, particularly by fostering partnerships across the food system, promoting responsible consumption and production, and strengthening regional food networks. Some of these measures formalise long-standing practices embedded in our business model; others introduce newly quantified targets to ensure measurable progress under the EU Code of Conduct framework.

Through our integrated approach – combining organic sourcing, biodiversity partnerships, responsible marketing, climate-conscious logistics and consumer empowerment – Bauerntüte aims to demonstrate how a regional SME in food retail can drive the transition towards healthy and sustainable food systems in line with the European Green Deal.