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QUALITY FOOD

We have cut down on the salt, sugar and fat in our Private Brand and perishables offering.
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Reformulations

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.

Note: Tonnes of removed ingredients are calculated using the following method: the quantity of the ingredients present in the formula of the references encompassed, multiplied by the number of units bought or sold in the year.

Perishables and Private Brand product development

The guidelines for developing Private Brand products and perishables reinforce the principles listed in our Nutritional Policy:

  1. Restrictions as to the use of colouring, preservatives and other superfluous, synthetic additives
  2. Maximum accepted quantities of some ingredients, such as salt, sugar and fat
  3. Nutritional reformulation strategies
  4. Diversity of the offer and development of products for people with specific nutritional requirements or preferences and within specific age groups
  5. Packaging material allowed for contact with foodstuffs
  6. Labels that include clear and straightforward information for consumers on health, nutrition, portions and that promote healthy eating habits
  7. Product monitoring plans (namely sensory tests), audits and laboratory controls
Nutritional reformulations

Find out in detail how we reformulate our products for improved nutrition.

Poland

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.

Portugal

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.

Colombia

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.

Non-food product reformulations

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.

Independent verification

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.

Independent Report

Read the 2021 Independent Limited Assurance Report.