Nectar360 hails milestone for retail media measurement in UK as it bags IAB Europe certification
Nectar360, a retail media, loyalty and insights business owned by Sainsbury's Group, has become the first UK retail media network to be certified under IAB Europe's Retail Media Certification Programme, following an independent audit by ABC.
This follows on from Dutch retailer Albert Heijnwho becoing the first organisation certified under the programme in 2025. The certification covers Nectar360's Display and Video Ad Products for off-site properties, including Meta (Instagram and Facebook), Google DV 360, and Google YouTube.
As part of the audit, ABC reviewed media metrics, attribution methodologies and insight reporting, and tested campaign data and reporting outputs to verify that key metrics were being calculated and reported in line with the standards. The audit also included validation of a sample of campaign reporting covering metrics such as impressions, clicks, viewability, video completion rate, return on ad spend (ROAS), new-to-brand reporting and sales uplift.
Clare Langstaff, Audit Director at ABC, says: "Congratulations to Nectar360 on becoming the first UK retail media network to achieve IAB Europe Retail Media Certification. As the independent auditor, we reviewed the evidence supporting Nectar360's measurement approach, tested campaign reporting and validated how key retail media metrics are defined, calculated and reported.”
“This is an important milestone for the UK market and a positive step towards greater confidence in retail media measurement. Independent audit helps provide advertisers and agencies with greater assurance that reported metrics are aligned to industry standards and can be compared more consistently across the market."
Amir Rasekh, Managing Director, Nectar360, says: “We’re incredibly proud to be the first UK business to achieve IAB Europe’s Retail Media Measurement Certification - an important milestone not just for Nectar360, but for the evolution of retail media as a whole. As the industry continues to scale, standardisation in measurement is critical. It underpins trust, enables better investment decisions, and ultimately drives stronger outcomes for our clients. We’re excited to be working alongside IAB Europe to help shape a more consistent and credible future for retail media.”
Marie-Clare Puffett, Senior Director, Industry Development & Marketing at IAB Europe, comments: "Congratulations to Nectar360 on achieving certification, an important milestone for both their business and the wider industry. Following Albert Heijn, it's encouraging to see another leading retailer complete the process, signalling growing momentum. Each certification helps strengthen transparency and comparability in retail media, building greater trust across the ecosystem.”
“ABC has played an important role as an independent auditor in these early stages of the programme, working closely with us as the standards are applied in practice. Their practical audit insight has helped support a robust, clear and workable certification process as the programme continues to scale.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Retail media will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
