First for Albert Heijn as Dutch retailer bags IAB Europe retail media certification, audited by ABC

IAB Europe reports that Albert Heijn has become the first retail media network certified under its Retail Media Certification Programme, following an independent audit by ABC.

The initiative (launched in October 2024) sets common, trusted measurement standards. ABC verifies how on-site metrics are defined, captured and reported.

Rolf Oosterhoff, Head of Retail Media Services, Albert Heijn, comments: “We’re proud that Albert Heijn is the first retail media network to be certified to IAB Europe’s Retail Media Standards.”

“This recognition underscores our commitment to transparency and effectiveness. Albert Heijn has long been a frontrunner in retail media. It’s a milestone for us and for the industry, and we look forward to working with our partners to further professionalise and grow retail media.”

Jan Pitt, Commercial Director, ABC, says: “We’re delighted to have partnered with the Albert Heijn team to deliver the programme’s first certification and a clear reference point for the market. Our audit verified how onsite metrics are defined, captured, and reported by testing the methodology, data flows, and evidence behind the numbers - giving advertisers and retail media networks the confidence to trade on independently verified metrics.”

Marie-Clare Puffett, IAB Europe’s Industry Development & Insights Director, says: “The completion of this first pilot audit by Albert Heijn and ABC marks a major milestone in the roll-out of the programme.”

“The process has provided valuable insights that will further enhance IAB Europe’s Retail Media Measurement Standards and certification framework, ensuring they remain practical, robust, and aligned with the needs of the Retail Media ecosystem.”

“ABC’s role as the first auditor to deliver a certification also demonstrates the importance of trusted, independent verification in building confidence in this fast growing sector. We look forward to engaging more retailers in this programme.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Retail media will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced this week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.