98%
fresh private brand eggs
from uncaged hens in 2025
At Jerónimo Martins, providing high-quality food to our customers means ensuring that every animal in our supply chain is treated with respect. We prioritise animal wellbeing at every stage because we believe food production needs to be better, smarter and safer.
Recognising animals as sentient beings, we work closely with our suppliers and production units to uphold the internationally recognised Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare:
We have banned the use of growth hormones and only allow antibiotics for therapeutic purposes, never for prevention or to promote growth. Stunning before slaughter is mandatory, except for certified religious practices.
We closely monitor animal‑welfare indicators – such as transport duration and mortality rates – in all the countries where we operate. Our companies in Poland, Portugal, Colombia and Slovakia carry out regular laboratory tests as well as audits of suppliers and slaughterhouses to ensure compliance with our standards.
98%
fresh private brand eggs
from uncaged hens in 2025
6,750
gmo analyses carried
carried out in 2025
Our Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Policy strictly prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms, whether plant- or animal-based, as ingredients or additives in our Private Brand and perishable products.
Cage-free eggs
We had committed to eliminating, by 2025, the sale of fresh Private Brand eggs from caged hens – a goal already achieved. Pingo Doce reached this target in 2019, Biedronka in 2022 and Recheio in 2025. Ara does not sell fresh Private Brand eggs.
As for eggs used as an ingredient, we have committed to ensuring that by 2026, at least 90% come from non‑caged hens in Portugal and Poland. Since 2022, Biedronka has used only non‑caged eggs as an ingredient in its Private Brand assortment. In Portugal, by the end of 2025, Pingo Doce reached 74% and Recheio 61%. In Colombia, Ara ended 2025 at 87%.
Chicken
The free‑range chickens sold by Biedronka in Poland are fully produced in the country, raised without antibiotics and fed a GMO‑free diet. In Portugal, the free‑range chickens sold by Pingo Doce and Recheio are produced in the country and raised outdoors. Both Pingo Doce and Recheio also sell farmhouse chicken with antibiotic‑free and animal‑welfare certification.
Beef
Pingo Doce sells Private Brand Angus beef with dual certification: antibiotic‑free production and animal welfare. It also offers certified organic beef, ensuring that animals are raised on pasture and fed a GMO‑free diet.
At Ara, the beef sold comes from animals raised on pasture, with freedom of movement and without confinement systems.
Dairy products
The Pingo Doce fresh milk range upheld the Welfair® label, certifying animal welfare according to the Welfare Quality protocol issued by AENOR. This certification is based on four principles: good feed, good shelter, good health and proper animal behaviour. It also assures that dairy cows are not tethered and are free from tail docking.
