To help consumers choose what best suits their needs, we have been adjusting the assortment and reinforcing product communication adapted to the reality of each market. Among the priorities set in this regard are changes in product format, the voluntary indication of the number of servings in each package, information on the average time for product consumption once opened (e.g., mayonnaise, milk and fruit jams), and to indicate, where possible, only one expiry date to avoid confusing consumers over other printed dates (such as those related with production batches).
Product information
In addition to the technical and legal information on packaging, such as composition and full nutrition tables with values per 100 grams and per serving, we also voluntarily disclose more straightforward nutritional information on the front of packages.
In Portugal, we use:
- the GMO-free label on products that contain corn and/or soy, two ingredients likely to be genetically modified. At the end of 2023, this symbol was present in 30%1 of the products that contain more than 50% of corn and/or soy in the net weight;
- specific symbols on alcoholic beverages to indicate calorie count (on 93% of references, 1 p.p. more than in 2022), pregnancy warnings (on 100% of references), and responsible driving (on 72% of eligible references, 1 p.p. more than in 2022);
- icons for products that are a source of Omega-3, sugar-free, lactose-free, fat-free, and gluten-free;
- identification of Pingo Doce cold meat products that have less fat and salt according to the requirements of the “Escolha Saudável” (Healthy Choice) programme, in collaboration with the Portuguese Heart Foundation. Also in this regard, the Pura Vida fortified oatmeal drink (with Omega-3) was recommended by this programme.
In Poland, we place:
- the GMO-free label on plant-based products2 consisting mostly of corn and/or soy (above 50% of the net weight). In 2023, this label was used on 100% (9 p.p. more than in 2022) of the 29 eligible products3;
- the indication of fibre content in the nutrition table;
- specific symbols based on own and other criteria required under Polish law on vegan and vegetarian products (13 new products were labelled suitable for vegans or vegetarians, a total of 156 at the end of the year);
- icons on products that are a source of Omega-3, lactose-free, and gluten-free. In the latter case, we maintained our partnership with the Polish Coeliac Society, ensuring the absence of cross-contamination. In 2023 we obtained certification for seven new products – in total, 108 products bore this icon;
- the sugar-free label, on 32 products;
- symbols on alcoholic beverages to indicate calorie count (on 100% of references, 3 p.p. more than in 2022), pregnancy warnings (100%, 5 p.p. more), and responsible driving (100%, 5 p.p. more);
- “Wybiegaj To!” label (Pace – Physical Activity Equivalent) to quantify the physical effort needed to burn the calories from eating Top snacks such as crisps and appetisers. In 2023, 33 new products bore this new label;
- the “1 of Your 5 a Day” label, in reference to the daily recommended amount of fruit and vegetables. Four new products bear this label;
- “Zalecana Dzienna Procja Orzechow” (A Handful of Dried Fruit) label, aimed at encouraging the consumption of these fruits, which are important for maintaining a balanced diet;
- in the case of non-food products, the “Vegan Friendly” label, which was added to 21 new products.
In 2021, Pingo Doce and Biedronka adopted the Nutri-Score label, a more intuitive symbol used on pre-packaged foods. Nutri-Score establishes a nutritional classification between ‘A’ (high nutritional quality) and ‘E’ (products that should be consumed less frequently), and a corresponding colour code, which is placed on the front of packaging. In 2023, Biedronka extended Nutri-Score to a further 152 products among the 20 product categories selected for categorisation, increasing to 405 the total number of items classified according to this system for assessing the nutritional profile of products (+60% compared to 2022). At the end of the year, a total of 591 Pingo Doce products (96% more) and 86 Recheio products (760% more) bore this label4.
In Colombia, we ensure that nutritional information per portion and per 100g or 100ml of product is displayed on the back of packaging, as required by law5. On the front, we ensure the use of symbols indicating sodium, saturated fat and sugar content that is higher than that recommended by the health authorities. These symbols are on 100% of the Private Brand food products covered by this norm, a total of 199 products.
The Ara 20 de Julio beer has borne the responsible driving and pregnancy warning symbols since 2021.
Information in other media
Besides communication on product packaging offering cooking tips and suggestions for side dishes with fruit and vegetables, Pingo Doce uses the significant reach of its website6, social media, and its Sabe Bem (Tastes Good) magazine – with a bi-monthly average print run of 100,000 copies and which includes six articles written by the Portuguese Directorate-General for Health – to promote the Mediterranean diet. Recipes that encourage the reuse of leftover food are also published on the Pingo Doce website.
Since 2021 Pingo Doce and CUF (a business group specialised in health care) have promoted the programme “A Saúde Alimenta-se” (Feeding Health), which raises awareness of the role that a diversified and balanced diet can play in health, encouraging consumers to select the foods that best suit their needs and lifestyle7.
Biedronka published six Czas Na... (Time For...) e-books focused on nutrition and healthier/more sustainable lifestyles, with issues dedicated to, among other special occasions, festive seasons such as Christmas, Easter and summer, and themes such as flexitarianism and fighting food waste.
Dada magazine, Biedronka’s Private Brand dedicated to babies and children, had four issues published in 2023. Aimed at parents, the magazine contains articles on nutrition and healthy lifestyles, and is produced in collaboration between Instytut Matki i Dziecka (Institute of Mother and Child) and Biedronka’s Quality Department.
The characteristics of food products and their health benefits were presented in 74 external publications, including themed leaflets, newspaper inserts, and publications on Biedronka’s website and social media (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube). The Company’s employees also had access to 17 internal publications, through the Intranet.
Just before the start of the 2023-2024 academic year, Biedronka launched the educational and loyalty campaign Gang Mocniaków, aimed at raising the awareness of younger generations to the “superpowers” of food, focusing on fresh produce and in the chain’s exclusive brands. Within the scope of the campaign, 33 educational materials were produced, including six children’s books.
1 Considering 21 Pingo Doce products (Pingo Doce, Go Bio and Pura Vida ranges) and 23 Recheio products (Masterchef and Amanhecer ranges) on sale in 2023. Non-GMO label: 10 Pingo Doce products and three Recheio products.
2 Labelling applies to two dimensions, in compliance with Polish law: “non-GMO” (for foods of plant origin and foods composed of more than one ingredient, excluding products of animal origin and feed, free from genetically modified organisms) and “Produced without the use of GMOs” (for products of animal origin and foods composed of more than one ingredient, free from genetically modified organisms).
3 Includes Biedronka’s Private Brands.
4 More information can be found at www.biedronka.pl/nutri-score and www.pingodoce.pt/responsabilidade/nutri-score.
5 Colombian Law 2120 and Resolution No. 810, both of 2021.
6 The website also includes a list of lactose-free and gluten-free products to help consumers in their purchases. The list is updated every month by Pingo Doce’s nutrition team, based on the analytical control of its Private Brand products.
7 To learn more, visit www.pingodoce.pt/responsabilidade/a-saude-alimenta-se/ and www.cuf.pt/saude-alimenta-se