When reformulating, we prioritise fast-moving consumer goods, those seen as beneficial for health or those that are most popular among children, thereby contributing to quality public health.
We have reduced the levels of salt, fat, saturated fat, sugar, preservatives and other artificial or potentially allergenic ingredients, adding more significant amounts of fibre, fruit and micronutrients wherever possible.
The goal is to prevent and fight against diet-related diseases, including obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
The guidelines for developing Private Brand products and perishables reinforce the principles listed in our Nutritional Policy:
Find out in detail how we reformulate our products for improved nutrition.
In 2021, Biedronka reformulated 34 of its Private Brand products. Most notably, the Company cut the sugar in 24 products, such as the Miami dual-compartment yoghurts for children and the Mokate instant cappuccinos, preventing more than 868 tonnes of sugar from being placed on the market. Biedronka also cut the salt content in 14 products (salt was reduced by 40% in the case of Nasza Spizarnia grated beetroot).
Superfluous ingredients, such as flavour enhancers and artificial colourings, were removed and/or replaced by natural ingredients in 28 products.
In 2021, 57 nutritional reformulations were made for Pingo Doce (including specialised perishables) and Recheio Private Brand products.
Of note are the 347 tonnes of sugar that are no longer placed on the market as a result of the reformulation of the recipes of 47 products (such as the Pingo Doce Crunchy Muesli cereals and the Classic Cola soft drink) and the removal of 22.4 tonnes of fat and 3.1 tonnes of saturated fat. The saturated fat in Private Brand popcorn, very popular among children, was cut by 46%.
Additives, such as sweeteners, were removed or partially replaced in 16 references.
Ara Private Brand products require less reformulation since the Group’s accumulated experience in product development enables the Company to incorporate production guidelines with the recommended intake of salt, sugar, fat and saturated fat from the initial development stage.
Still, in 2021, Ara removed the flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate from the recipe of three sauce references and a Kai cold meat product, and removed soy oil from Costa Blanca tuna.
We have also been removing some substances considered potentially harmful to human health and/or ecosystems, such as allergens in wellness and personal care products. In this latter case, the reformulation of the Be Beauty Love Essence cologne is of note.
Information on the reformulation of our Perishables and Private Brand food products was confirmed by an external and independent entity for the Group’s 2021 Annual Report.
Read the 2021 Independent Limited Assurance Report.