Differentiated solutions

In Poland, we launched products that have potential health benefits and also those aimed at people with specific dietary requirements, including the following in 2018:

• 78 Go Bio organic products, such as butter, hummus and vegan wholemeal oat biscuits, pasta, juices, yoghurt and herbal teas, which are certified with the EU Ecolabel logo;
• 3 FruVita skyr-style yoghurt references, which are fat-free and rich in protein;
• 29 new references for vegans, where we highlight the Pano wheat tortilla wraps, which have been certified by Vege Polska (Polish Association of Vegetarians) with the international V-Label symbol;
• 36 gluten-free references, where we highlight the Pastani pastas and the Donatello four-cheese pizza.

Biedronka continued to expand its lactose-free portfolio, which began in 2017, putting three new references on the market in 2018, including Glodniaki pork sausages and venison sausages, which, in these cases, are also without gluten, phosphates, preservatives, monosodium glutamate – the flavour enhancer – and colourings.

Concerning Perishables, we launched three Bakery products made of ancestral wheat flour (without being crossed with other varieties and produced only in certain regions of Europe), with a view to extending Biedronka’s offer of these solutions. Products made with this variety of wheat have a lower percentage of gluten proteins. As they are important sources of fibre, zinc and selenium, which help digestive and immunological functions, these products also have the support of Instytut Żywności i Żywienia (Polish Institute of Food and Nutrition) for their production.

PORTUGAL

In 2018 we remained focused on launching Pingo Doce products that have health benefits and/or are low-processed, while also investing in more convenient portions for consumers:

• Iodized Salt, which may contribute towards normal hormone production and thyroid function, as well as towards cognitive function and the nervous system;
• Frozen Rissóis de Camarão (Shrimp Rissoles), Croquetes de Carne (Meat Croquettes) and Pastéis de Bacalhau (Cod Pasties) to bake in the oven, which have 10% less fat than the frying versions;
• Buffalo Burrata Cheese, produced using pasteurised milk, is a source of calcium;
• Passion Fruit and Red Berry Greek Yoghurts, both fat-free, with a high protein content, sources of calcium and without colouring.

In 2018, the Go Bio range was introduced. These are certified products regarding their organic origin and which may have a positive impact on consumer health. 36 products were launched in this range, including eggs, pasta, tomato pulp, yoghurt and kefir, cheese and ice cream, among others. The Aveia (Oatmeal) and the Aveia com Chocolate Negro (Oatmeal with Dark Chocolate) biscuits are also suitable for vegetarians and vegans, displaying the V-Label certificate.

In the Pura Vida range, aimed at people with specific dietary needs and/or preferences, such as products with no added sugar or gluten-free and/or lactose-free products, six new products were launched, bringing the total number of references to 91. Of particular note:

• Aveia Instantânea (Instant Oatmeal), with a high vitamin B1 and phosphorous content. It is a source of fibre, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc, and the beta-glucans present help to maintain normal levels of cholesterol in the blood;
• Lactose-free Folhado Misto (ham and cheese pasty), to be baked in the oven;
• Lactose-free in Queijo Fresco (fresh cheese) spread and in Leite Ultrapasteurizado Magro (Skimmed Ultra-Pasteurised Milk).

Concerning Meal Solutions, the Pingo Doce restaurants, along with the Take-Away operations, developed healthier dishes that are suitable for consumers with specific preferences, such as vegetarians: alheira (for baking and not frying, in order to decrease the amount of fat), which is a special smoked sausage and typical from Portugal, and the vegetable “meatballs”. Vegetable pasties and grilled vegetables were also launched in 2018.

Regarding soups, five varieties were launched to the market with no potato, a raw material which is rich in carbohydrates. The vegetable soups, cream of carrot with watercress and cream of chickpea with vegetables are a few examples.

The variety of the offer in the Spring-Summer season was complemented with six salads: rice with smoked ham, couscous with chicken, cod with chickpeas and roasted peppers, chicken breast tabbouleh with walnuts and sultanas; quinoa with mackerel, and noodles with king prawns and coriander-flavoured olive oil.

COLOMBIA

In Colombia, 10 new Ara Exclusive Brand products were put on the market in 2018 with a view to providing healthier alternatives for the consumers of that country, notably:

• Three different Alambra whole yoghurt with probiotics flavours;
• Three references of Arrivere Italian whole wheat pastas;
• The Solei natural orange and tangerine juices.

HEALTHY GROWTH

Within the scope of developing products aimed at healthy growth, we launched in 2018:

• In Poland, we launched 17 references of products for children, which include six Go Bio organic products such as Glodniaki sausages, which are gluten-free, lactose-free and without phosphates, preservatives or sodium glutamate, as well as Pastani Kids gluten-free corn pasta.
• In Portugal, we launched Mini Maria Cookies, produced with sunflower oil, for children and Apple and Pear Fruit Sachets for children. These products do not contain colouring or preservatives and only have the sugar that is naturally present in the fruit. The Multi-Fruit with Cereals sachet was also launched with these benefits and is gluten-free.

In Portugal and in Poland, we are committed to ensuring that products intended for children have a higher nutritional profile than the benchmark.

However, some of the products launched in Poland could not be compared due to the lack of a benchmark, such as:

• the Miami yogurt which had added calcium and vitamin D, no colorants, no glucose/fructose syrups and only natural flavours;
• the Miami Hopki Duo cereals, whose composition excludes palm oil;
• three Go Bio references of fruit mousses for infants from 6 months of age.

Other products had differences compared to the benchmark, such as the Go Bio range in Poland – fruit juices had organic fruit as a raw material and no added concentrates.