Our Companies incorporate solutions in their offer to meet different consumer trends. Consumers who adopt healthier lifestyles, those looking for convenient food solutions with a balanced nutritional profile, or people with special dietary needs and/or preferences, can find solutions in our stores.
We endeavour to develop, in all countries, alternative food products for specific consumer groups such as vegan, lactose-free and/or gluten-free products.
In our stores in Portugal and Poland organic products were rolled out for consumers who prefer foods made using sustainable food production methods, without phytopharmaceuticals. The Go Bio brand, which we launched in 2018, comprises a selection of organic certified products with a positive impact on consumer health.
In 2020 alone, 20 Go Bio new references were launched in Poland, bringing the total number of references on sale at Biedronka to 85. In Portugal, 30 new references were launched in 2020, raising the total to 63.
Under the Go Vege range, launched in Portugal and Poland, we offer products suitable for vegans (that do not contain GMOs in their composition, among other legally required criteria) and for vegetarians, plant-based and without animal protein. The Take Away counter and Pingo Doce restaurants also offer meals suitable for vegetarians, such as the vegetable moussaka with tomato crumble (a traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dish), beans with tofu and mushrooms (rich in protein), the onion burger, and the soy stroganoff, all launched in 2020.
In 2020, Pingo Doce launched ten new products in Portugal and Biedronka introduced 68 Go Vege references in the Polish market.
For consumers with an intolerance to the protein present in cereals like wheat, barley and rye, and for those who are lactose intolerant, we develop new Private Brand food solutions every year.
In 2020, 17 gluten-free products were rolled out in Poland and 10 in Portugal, 11 new lactose-free products were introduced under the Pura Vida range, and, in Colombia, the De La Cuesta gluten-free skimmed milk with vitamins A and D3 was launched.
We develop products with healthy nutritional profiles for children.
In Poland, all of the products consumed mainly by children are free from preservatives, sweeteners, glucose-fructose syrup, phosphate, monosodium glutamate, hydrogenated vegetable oils and the emulsifier polyglycerol polyricinoleate (E476).
In Portugal, and in 2020, we launched the Pingo Doce and Amanhecer cubed flamengo cheese, made in Portugal, with 38% less salt compared to the average salt content in other cheeses on the market and rich in vitamin B12, phosphorus and a source of vitamin A. This cheese snack was preceded by the Bolsas 100% Fruta e Legumes (100% fruit and vegetable pouches) that were launched in 2019, another alternative children’s snack without food colouring or preservatives and using only sugar from fruit.
Similarly, in 2020, Ara launched the Solei mango, pear and apple fruit sachets free from colouring and flavour enhancers.
Biedronka has sought to include clean label products in its assortment. These products have fewer ingredients and are increasing free from the chemical and artificial additives and highly processed ingredients usually used in the production of certain product categories, in keeping with legal requirements.
In the cold meats category, for example, Biedronka does not add monosodium glutamate, phosphates or any other additives commonly used in the food industry to ensure food preservation, nor flavour enhancers or food colouring (identified with the letter “E”). This commitment has led the Company to restrict 47% of additives approved by the European Union and by Polish law, which entailed an investment in innovative equipment and methods.
Consumers’ Choice
In 2020, Biedronka rolled out five new Aktiplus yoghurts containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacteria (LGG®), a first in the Polish private brand market. These products contain lactic acid bacteria and vitamins B6 and D, which help to improve immune response. The yoghurts were awarded the silver medal in the 2020 edition of Consumers’ Choice in the “Best Product” category, chosen by the consumers interviewed by the GfK Institute.
Pura Vida Range
The Pura Vida range, designed especially to offer functional foods at competitive prices in Portugal, includes over 100 references.
Pingo Doce Low Salt Mayonnaise
The Maionese Com Baixo Teor de Sal Pingo Doce (Pingo Doce low salt mayonnaise) was one of the most relevant launches in 2019, as it contains 80% less salt than the market average, thanks to the addition of mastic thyme, an aromatic herb endemic to the Iberian Peninsula used as a salt substitute in this popular product and which adds flavour.
Mediterranean Diet is an inspiration in pandemic times
The Pingo Doce restaurants introduced dishes inspired by the principles of the Mediterranean diet, such as whole wheat penne pasta with goat cheese and chicken with buckwheat and vegetables, to encourage people to eat vegetables.
Dishes with vegetables made especially for children were also introduced, such as steak parmigiana, steak and mushrooms, and hake fillet with mashed potatoes. Four soup references were also launched (cream of vegetable, cream of legumes, cream of carrot and cream of pumpkin) and, in the dessert’s category, of note is the chia pudding with strawberries and the traditional oatmeal.