Engaging with local suppliers is crucial to promote the local economy, as it boosts regional businesses and creates job opportunities. Additionally, local suppliers help to simplify the complexity of the supply chain, leading to more efficient processes. By relying on nearby sources, we ensure shorter delivery times, which means our products are fresher and have longer shelf lives, ultimately benefiting both our customers and our overall operations. Shorter distances between suppliers and our operations also help to reduce the carbon emissions associated with transport, particularly by air and sea.
Food products sourced from local suppliers (2024)
Based on these benefits it is not surprising that in the last decade we have stood firm in our commitment to ensure that at least 80% of the food we sell, in each of the countries where we have mature food distribution operations, is sourced from local suppliers1.
Sourcing from local farmers
In Poland, Biedronka stood firm on its commitment to working with family farms. This programme, launched in 2021, focuses on sourcing directly from small local producers. In 2024, Biedronka signed over 70 new contracts, bringing the total number of active local producers to around 230. The value of such purchases has increased by 45% compared to 2023, reaching over 126 million units of products delivered to the Company’s stores.
In Portugal, Pingo Doce acquired more than 14,000 tonnes of nationally grown cherries, apples and kiwis, a similar quantity as in 2023, and reinforced the range of specialised perishables with national products in the vegetable, meat and aquaculture fish categories.
Ara also invested in relationships with local fruit and vegetable producers. In 2024, more than 95% of its purchases in this category were from domestic production.
More information is available on our corporate website.
We also kept consumer communication initiatives highlighting the local and seasonal products sold in our Companies, using different formats such as in-store communication, leaflets, TV campaigns and digital channels. Additionally, we use stickers on Private Brand products to highlight:
- the incorporation of 100% Portuguese raw materials and/or production at Recheio;
- the origin, with the “100% Nacional” (100% Portuguese) sticker at Pingo Doce, “Polski Produkt” (Polish Product) sticker at Biedronka and “Hecho en Colombia” (Made in Colombia) sticker at Ara.
1 More information on purchases from local suppliers in Private Brands and perishables products, such as meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, bakery/pastry and flowers, is available on our website.