About Biedronka
30th anniversary of Biedronka in Poland
1995
First Biedronka opens
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1997
- Jerónimo Martins acquires Biedronka stores
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1998
- First Private Brand product
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2006
- Food collections start at Biedronka
- Partnership with Caritas starts during family festivals organized for the Children's Day
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2007
- 1,000 stores
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2010
- Biedronka becomes the official sponsor of Polish Football Association
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2013
- Launch of Biedronka Health Academy for employees
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2015
- First edition of the Piórko (The Quill)
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2016
- First loyalty campaign at Biedronka - Gang Świeżaków (The Świeżaki Gang)
- Launch of dlanaswjm.pl - the main channel of communication with employees
- Launch of the programme to donate food from stores to Public Benefit Institutions
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2017
- Soup factory in Brwinów starts its operations
- Launch of the Go Bio brand
-
2019
- 3,000 stores
- Biedronka becomes the main partner of Szlachetna Paczka (The Noble Gift) and a partner of Czyste Tatry (the Clean Tatras) action
- Launch of the Go Vege brand
- First edition of Dobra Torba (the Good Bag) campaign with Banki Żywności (The Food Banks)
- Polska Koalicja ds. Zrównoważonego Oleju Palmowego (The Polish Coalition for Sustainable Palm Oil) is formed with the participation of Biedronka
- Launch of the programme for social and environmental audits of suppliers
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2020
- Launch of Fundacja Biedronki (The Biedronka Foundation)
- Polski Pakt Plastikowy (The Polish Plastics Pact) is formed with the participation of Biedronka
- Biedronka’s first sustainability report
- Biedronka creates the first position of Customer Ombudsman in the retail sector in Poland
- Launch of EduAkcja (EduAction) - an online training platform for Biedronka's employees
- First segregation pictograms on Private Brand packaging
-
2021
- Biedronka becomes the main sponsor of the Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy (The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity) Finale
- Biedronka stops selling caged eggs
- Biedronka's Environmental Committee is formed
- Biedronka is the first retail chain in Poland to engage in the fight against menstrual poverty
- Biedronka becomes a partner of the Pudełko Szczęścia (Box of Happiness) campaign by Caritas
- Introduction of Nutri-Score system on Private Brand product packaging
- Biedronka's Sustainability Committee is formed
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2022
- Biedronka, the Jerónimo Martins Group and the Biedronka Foundation donate almost PLN 65 million to support refugees from Ukraine
- Biedronka Home store opens
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2023
- Launch of the official employee volunteering programme in partnership with Szlachetna Paczka (The Noble Gift)
- Biedronka becomes the main sponsor of the Olimpiada Zdrowia PCK z Biedronką (Polish Red Cross Health Olympics with Biedronka
- Start of EkoWakacje z Biedronką (EcoHolidays with Biedronka)
- Biedronka signs the Charter of Children's Rights in Business
- Launch of the Go Active brand
- First packaging in a closed-loop project
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2024
- 3,730 stores
- Biedronka signs the Diversity Charter and launches the RóżniMy (WE are different) campaign
- More than 1,000 stores with photovoltaic panels on their roofs
- Launch of the employment programme for people with disabilities
- 13 million customers of the "Biedronka" app and the launch of e-receipts
Three decades ago, Biedronka opened its first store in Poland. Today, after 30 years on this market, we can confidently say that we have become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of Poles and we are transforming Polish retail. The 30th anniversary is not only time for us to reflect on what we have achieved so far, but also a confirmation of the effectiveness of the dialogue-based model. Not only do we analyse shopping preferences, but we also shape eating habits. More than 5 million customers visit us every day and our stores are becoming more accessible, modern and responsible. In 2024, we strengthened our presence in Poland by opening 186 new stores and modernising further locations. Moreover, we also prepared the ground for the international expansion of the Biedronka brand, which was crowned by the launch of our stores in Slovakia.
Paweł Stolecki
Chief Operations Officer of the Biedronka Chain
Member of the Board of Directors of the Biedronka
-
186
new stores
-
1,300
stores with traditional counters
-
280
refurbished stores
-
45%
of stores with photovoltaic panels
-
about
5 million
customers daily
-
3,200
stores with self-service checkouts
-
over
84,000
employees
We are the leader of retail trade in poland
We manage 3,730 stores in over 1,300 locations across the country. Every day, our outlets are visited by more than 5 million customers. The smooth operation of the chain is overseen by more than 84 thousand employees, making us the largest employer in Poland. Our deliveries are made from 17 distribution centres.
Our 30th anniversary in Poland coincides with expansion into new markets in 2025, when we opened our first stores and distribution centre in Slovakia. In 2024, we have been consistently developing our operations, achieving sales growth of 4.1% and sales revenue of approximately PLN 101.6 billion. For years we have been the largest CIT (Corporate Income Tax) payer among retail chains - contributing PLN 760 million to the Polish economy last year. Our growth strategy is based on close cooperation with more than 1,800 suppliers, the vast majority of whom are from Poland. Over 94% of the food products in our range are sourced directly from local entrepreneurs. We place particular emphasis on developing the Private Brand segment. In 2024, we introduced 511 new products in this area and increased the availability of certified Private Brand and perishable products with sustainability certification by 16.8%. Simultaneously, we are developing innovative sales channels.
Our chain operates in four macroregions - Eastern, Western, Southern and Big Warsaw. Administrative support is provided by regional offices. Z Naszej Kuchni (Soups from Our Kitchen) soup factory is located in Brwinów, from where they are distributed to stores across the country.
Eastern
Macroregion:
- Grudziądz
- Mszczonów
- Sieradz
- Stawiguda
- Wyszków
Western
Macroregion:
- Brzeg
- Gdańsk
- Gorzów Wielkopolski
- Kostrzyn
- Koszalin
- Lubin
Southern
Macroregion:
- Kraków
- Lubartów
- Ruda Śląska
- Sosnowiec
- Wojnicz
Big Warsaw
Macroregion:
- Warszawa
Offices and soup factory:
- Kostrzyn – Jerónimo Martins Polska S.A. Headquarters, Data Processing Centre
- Warszawa – Headquarters
- Poznań – Shared Services Centre
- Brwinów – Z Naszej Kuchni (Soups from Our Kitchen) soup factory
Organisation profile
Biedronka operates as part of Jerónimo Martins Polska S.A. with its registered office in Kostrzyn at 5 Żniwna Street. It is part of the Portuguese Jerónimo Martins Group, which has been operating in the food business for more than 230 years and has been listed on Euronext Lisbon since 1989. Biedronka is the Group's key operating segment accounting for around 70% of the total sales and 80% of Jerónimo Martins Group's EBITDA.
You can read more about the governance structure in the annual report.
Governance
Our business is led by a team of experienced managers and industry experts who set the direction of the company and ensure its successful operations.
Our values
At Biedronka, we are guided by clearly defined values that underpin our business and organisational culture:
We raise the bar every day - we strive for continuous improvement and ever-better results, raising standards both for ourselves and for our customers.
We count on each other - we foster an atmosphere of trust and effective cooperation, believing that joint efforts lead to the best results.
We believe in doing the right thing - we are guided by integrity and ethics in all aspects of our business, ensuring transparent relationships with our customers, business partners and employees.
Awards and Recognition
In 2024, Biedronka received numerous awards and recognitions that confirm the commitment in the key areas. We are proud that our effort is recognised by customers, business partners, and independent expert bodies.
Sustainability management
Sustainability in the Jerónimo Martins Group - including the Biedronka chain - is managed based on three-year strategic cycles developed using a materiality matrix that the Group has been conducting since 2013. The risk analysis process also includes an assessment of the business model's resilience to ESG risks in the short-, medium- and long-term perspective, including a scenario analysis of the transition to a low-carbon economy, extreme weather events and changes in consumer preferences.
Due Digillence
At Biedronka, the due diligence process is an integral part of corporate governance, strategy, and daily operations. The process is based on the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It includes the identification of potential and actual social and environmental impacts of our activities, but also the activities along the value chain. If required, we implement preventive and corrective measures ranging from quality control mechanisms and contractual requirements to education and support initiatives for local communities.
Our approach to sustainability
Description of the double materiality analysis
Responsible business model
Inputs
Outputs
Raw materials (food, non-food, packaging and others)
Working in partnership with our suppliers, we promote sustainable production of food raw materials and other components, ensuring consumer safety while promoting the protection and respect of the environment, people and communities in relation to the impact of the production of our products.
Processing
We help our business partners to achieve sustainability and innovate while ensuring process efficiency.
Employees
We promote a safe and healthy work environment for all our employees, always striving to minimise the impact of our operations on the surrounding communities and the environment, and to improve working conditions and support our employees.
Customer
We offer safe, healthy, high-quality food and promote responsible consumption.
Community
We support local communities and contribute to reducing poverty and malnutrition and promoting healthy habits.
Sustainability strategy
Biedronka’s 2024-2026 Sustainability Strategy reflects the direction for our actions in the areas of environmental impact, social impact and responsible governance.
We plan our sustainability activities in three-year cycles. 2024 opens a new phase – the implementation of the goals set for 2024-2026. This is a continuation of previous commitments and a response to new challenges, which we write about in detail later in the report. These activities also form part of the Group’s long-term strategy, which extends to 2050.
Promoting healthy eating habits
We want to make a positive impact on the health of our customers by promoting safe, good and balanced food and responsible eating habits. We therefore focus on safety and quality of our products and on a varied diet, ensuring at the same time a wide availability of products, taking care to minimise the existing and possible environmental and social impacts during their production, at affordable prices.
Our priorities
- Investing in the quality and innovation of Private Brands
- Ensuring food safety
- Providing complete nutritional information on the products we sell
Sustainable Supply Chain
We integrate ethical, social and environmental considerations into our supply chain while developing sustainable and mutually profitable business relationships with our partners and actively supporting local suppliers. Long-term cooperation with local companies is a strategic consideration since the beginning of our chain, and food products from Polish suppliers are the cornerstone of our offer.
Our priorities:
- Combating deforestation
- Supplying products with a sustainability certificate
- Procurement from local suppliers and supporting innovation
- Sustainable fishery
- Animal welfare
Respect for the natural environment
Companies dependent on the food sector face a number of environmental challenges, given the significant use of natural resources, the impact of growing crops and animal farming on natural ecosystems and on climate change or the growing problem of plastic pollution. Our aim is to reduce environmental impact so that our supply chain can deliver healthy and diversified food while minimising the negative impacts of our activities, with a view to future generations.
Our priorities:
- Preservation of biodiversity
- Combating climate change
- Introduction of responsible waste management
- Careful selection of packaging materials
- Raising awareness among employees and customers
Supporting local communities
We continually listen to the needs of surrounding communities and we support the most vulnerable groups: children, young people and the elderly. Together with social partners we take initiatives to combat exclusion, poverty or malnutrition.
Our priorities:
- Provision of direct and indirect support for communitie
- Developing social initiatives
- Creating internal campaigns
Being a reliable employer
As the largest employer in Poland, we are aware of the responsibility we have towards our employees. Taking care of employees on a daily basis is our priority, and creating the best and safest possible work environment is one of the most important objectives. Our employees receive attractive remuneration conditions, an extensive non-wage benefits package, as well as training and professional development opportunities. We also support employees and their families in difficult situations and we accompany them during important moments for them, e.g. related to the birth of a child or to education.
Our priorities:
- Promoting respect for human and labour rights
- Strengthening the promotion of gender equality throughout the Group
- Strengthening the leadership capacity of future generations and stimulating knowledge transfer
- Strengthening our recognition mechanisms and promoting greater transparency on remuneration
- Contributing to greater social inclusion
- Strengthening our internal development capabilities and mobility, increasing their attractiveness and effectiveness
- Promoting safe working conditions
- Promoting a flexible and healthy work environment throughout the Group
Membership of organisations and associations
As Biedronka and as part of the Jerónimo Martins Group, we are a member of many initiatives and associations that promote the exchange of best practices and the development of responsible operating standards. In 2024, we were involved, among others, with the following:
Palm Oil1
1Engagement at the Jerónimo Martins Group level
Sustainable supply chain
| ESRS | Materiality | Commitment | Progress in the execution in 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESRS G1-2 | M | Carry out environmental audits to at least 20% of selected Private Brand and perishables suppliers based on a risk assessment and with a purchase volume of more than €1 million, between 2024 and 2026. | In 2024, we audited 10 Private Brand and perishable products suppliers, including re-audits. Of these 10 supplier audits, four correspond to ISO 14001-certified suppliers. |
| ESRS G1-2 | M | Ensure that, by 2026, animal welfare criteria are included in the scope of audits of perishable products suppliers that produce products containing at least 80% animal protein, and publicly disclose the results. | Animal welfare criteria were included in audits of suppliers of perishables containing t80% animal protein. In Poland, animal welfare audits have been carried out in the areas of primary meat production and in fresh aquaculture fish production. |
| ESRS G1-2 | M | Carry out inspections to 100% of the egg farming units from which Biedronka's Private Brand fresh eggs are sourced, by the end of 2024. | 100% of the farms supplying Biedronka's Private Brand fresh eggs were inspected. |
| ESRS G1-2 | M | Starting from 2024, carry out 100% of fresh fish, from aquaculture, audits according to the "Fish Welfare" standard. | In 2024, we initiated the audit of direct suppliers of fresh aquaculture fish according to the "Fish Welfare" standard; 42% of Biedronka's direct suppliers in this category were covered. |
| ESRS S4-5 | M | Increase sales of Private Brand and/or perishable products and packaging with sustainability certification to at least 18% of the total sales of these product categories by 2026. | In 2024, sales of Private Brand and/or perishables and sustainability-certified packaging accounted for 16.8%. |
For an organisation with the scale of operations such as Biedronka, a sustainable supply chain has special importance. The application of environmental and social criteria translates into a reduction in the impact on the climate and environment, working conditions in the production and logistics sector and the situation of the communities that are part of this ecosystem.
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over
1,800
suppliers
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94%
of food products from Poland
Cooperation with suppliers
In our relationships with suppliers, we focus on quality, reliability and reducing environmental impact. We encourage partners to implement sustainable practices while offering them support, such as training.