What are Hypermarkets and Discount Chains Doing for Sustainability?

The aim of this study is to highlight the contribution of hypermarkets and discount chains to sustainability in Hungary. Within the framework of the article, we examine to what extent the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are reflected in the objectives of the different chains. An important part of our analysis is the conceptual approach to sustainability and its presentation. When addressing this issue, the specific role of various actors in the food trade, their presence in the market space, as well as the measures taken to reduce waste, ensure safety, and minimize losses cannot be ignored. Artificial Intelligence and COVID-19 have brought significant changes to the food retail sector, as a result of which food trade is shifting considerably towards „mute trade”. Consequently, online sales, automation and robotization processes, as well as sustainability, social innovation, and personalization in sales will gain more importance in the future.