Sustainability Report 2023

Biedronka’s responsibility commitments for 2021–2023

	Commitment	Progress in 2023	Implementation stage
1.	Developing products for people with special nutritional needs/preferences, such as products dedicated to vegans, vegetarians, as well as lactose- and/or gluten-free products	In 2023, Biedronka offered: 108 gluten-free products (including 7 new ones) 26 lactose-free products 156 products for vegans/vegetarians including perishables (13 new products).	100%
2.	Ensuring that products intended for children are characterised by a nutritional profile that is better than that of the segment leader (or best-in-class)	In 2023, 59% of benchmark products with a fixed benchmark had a higher profile than the market one, 38% had the same profile, and 3% had a worse profile. Of the reference products included, 47% did not have a market reference point	Partially achieved
3.	Voluntary introduction of the “GMO-free” / “Produced without the use of GMO” labels for 75% of Private Brand food products that may contain genetically modified ingredients (including soybeans and corn), to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions – 55% in the 1st year / 65% in the 2nd year / 75% in the 3rd year.	The label was introduced on 29 eligible products (9 pp more compared to 2022)	100%
4.	Continued development and implementation of programmes promoting the Mediterranean diet/ healthy eating habits – based on recommendations from nutritional experts, taking into account domestic considerations. Introduction of product labels to help consumers make informed dietary choices, alongside conducting related educational activities.	Biedronka published e-books "Time for..." dedicated to nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, maintained the magazine "Czas Na..." (containing recipes, devoted to nutrition and a healthy lifestyle), the magazine "Dada" (addressed to parents, focused on nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, which is the result of a cooperation between the Institute of Mother and Child and Biedronka) and published articles in external media, such as social networks. The Gang Mocniaków educational and loyalty campaign has been launched, the aim of which is to draw the attention of the young generation to the "superpowers" of food, with an emphasis on fresh products and exclusive brands of the chain. As part of the campaign, 33 educational materials were created, including 6 books for children.	100%
5.	Eliminating food colourings other than those of natural origin from the composition of 90% of Private Brand products by 2023.	Private brands: 98% Perishables in bakery: 100%	Partially achieved
6.	Eliminating flavour enhancers from the composition of 90% of Private Brand products by 2023.	Private brands: 97% Perishables: 100%	Partially achieved
7.	Promoting healthy nutrition among seniors by democratising access to Private Brand food products which fit in with their nutritional needs	In 2023, special products for these age groups were launched, namely the Go Active range in Poland and Portugal, whose target audience is seniors. 39 Go Active products.	Partially achieved
8.	Placing energy value labels on 100% of Private Brand alcoholic beverages	Commitment fulfilled.	100%
9.	Using a sign warning pregnant women on 100% of Private Brand alcoholic beverages.	Commitment fulfilled.	100%
10.	Using the “Don’t drink and drive” sign on the labels of 100% of Private Brand alcoholic beverages.	Commitment fulfilled.	100%
11.	Nutri-Score marking on selected categories of Private Brand products.	In 2023, Biedronka expanded its Nutri-Score by another 152 products out of 20 product categories selected for categorisation, increasing the total number of items classified according to this product nutritional profile rating system to 405 (+60% compared to 2022).	Partially achieved.
12.	Elimination, by the end of 2021, of glucose and fructose syrup from 100% of perishable and Private Brand products	Glucose-fructose syrup in Private Brand products eliminated from 84% of products (12 pp more compared to 2022). 100% of bakery products do not contain glucose-fructose syrup.	Partially achieved.
13.	Reducing, on average by 10%, salt content in soups from the Jerónimo Martins factory in Poland, by the end of 2023.	The salt content of soups produced at the Soup Factory reduced by 8.1% compared to 2020.	Partially achieved.
14.	No soy lecithin in 100% of our Private Brand products by the end of 2023.	By the end of 2023, 22% of all 157 products containing soy lecithin had been reformed or discontinued. The others are in progress and have been included in the next cycle of targets for 2024-2026.	Partially achieved.
15.	Reducing the energy value, on average by 5-10% (kcal), of 5 confectionery products by the end of 2022.		Partially achieved.
16.	Reducing sugar content in non-alcoholic beverages and in nectars containing more than 5 g sugar/100 ml, on average by 5-10%, by the end of 2021 (with 2020 levels serving as the benchmark value).	Commitment fulfilled.	100%
17.	Reducing salt content in all Polish dumplings (frozen/refrigerated), to a level of 0.9 g/100 g maximum, by the end of 2022.	Salt content of all Polish dumplings reduced by 10.1%; The average salt content on this category is 0.93 g/100 g; 7 products of the dedicated category (typical Polish dishes) were reformulated.	Partially achieved
18.	Reducing salt content in TOP brand snacks/chips, on average by 10%, by the end of 2021 (with 2020 levels serving as the benchmark value).	Commitment fulfilled.	100%
19.	Ensuring that TOP brand snacks/chips will not contain any monosodium glutamate (MSG) by the end of 2021.	Commitment fulfilled.	100%
20.	Eliminating annatto dye from hard cheese (made in Poland) by the end of 2021.	Commitment fulfilled.	100%
21.	Reduction of sugar content in Tutti homogenised cheeses by an average of 10% by the end of 2021.	Commitment fulfilled.	100%
22.	Increasing, by 10%, fibre content in cornflakes, by the end of 2022.	Commitment fulfilled.	100%
23.	Enriching plant-based products (the so-called alternatives for animal-origin products) by adding the necessary vitamins and/ or minerals.	Commitment fulfilled.	100%

We have been advocating a change in the nutritional habits of Poles

As the Jerónimo Martins Group, we feel responsible for supporting consumers so that they make purchasing decisions that are conducive to a healthy lifestyle. We promote and introduce high-value food products, paying special attention to their nutritional profile and recipe. We have a diverse range of products for consumers with special needs or preferences, such as food intolerances and allergies.

To ensure high standards, we are implementing Jerónimo Martins' guidelines for the development of private brand and perishable products which embody the Product Quality and Safety Policy and the Nutritional Policy.

Food quality and safety

Food Quality and Safety Policy

The safety and high quality criteria of the products we offer are guided by our “Food Quality and Safety Policy” , which sets strategy for the development of Private Brands and perishables. With the objectives set out in this document, we aim at effectively meeting changing customer expectations.

An important tool in ensuring the safety and quality of our products is the “Primary Production Check List”, a set of standards that obligate primary producers of fruit and vegetables, inter alia, to provide information on the use of fertilizers and pesticides, proper organization of the production site and control of crop acreage.

Safety and quality audits

All Private Brand and perishable suppliers are audited to verify compliance with our standards. We also conduct regular inspections at our stores and distribution centres.

Audits of suppliers

Audit frequency is defined based on criteria that determine the performance of the supplier, taking into account:

• the level of perishability of the product and/or the history of risk assessments per supplier;
• the results of analytical checks, rejections and complaints;
• the previous audit results;
• the existence of food safety system certification, under the schemes approved by the Global Food Safety Initiative.

To ensure the highest standards of quality and safety, we also regularly conduct audits at our stores and distribution centres. External audits took place at 34 stores, up 21% from 28 in 2022. In 2023, we audited distribution centres in accordance with the ISO 22000 standard. They were audited by both internal and external auditors, who inspected facilities, equipment and procedures. In 2023, we performed a total of 6,842 audits and 146 re-audits of food safety in stores.

Products meeting special nutritional needs and preferences

We are constantly looking for new ways to diversify our offerings with products from these categories that are highly nutritious, tasty, but also outstanding in composition.

Vegetarian and vegan products

At Biedronka, we regularly increase the range of products for people who have eliminated meat and animal products from their diet or limited their consumption. GoVege is our Private Brand under which high-quality, well-balanced plant-based products are offered at affordable prices.

Products with no added sugar

We are limiting the amount of sugar added to Private Brand products, including beverages, yogurts and products for children and teenagers. We also have products without added sugar, designated with a special label so buyers can make an informed choice.

Gluten- and lactose-free products

For people on a gluten-free diet, we offer 108 products available on a permanent or temporary basis, which carry a dedicated label. We are licensed by Polskie Stowarzyszenie Osób z Celiakią i na Diecie Bezglutenowej (Polish Coeliac Society ) to use the crrossed grain logo on products. This is a guarantee that the product is gluten-free and that the production facility operates in accordance with the standard of AOECS – the Association of European Coeliac Societies, thus avoiding any cross-contamination with other raw materials.

Go Active products

The Go Active brand was created for physically active people who often have an increased demand for particular nutrients. The line includes, among other things, protein products and/or products that provide a source of selected vitamins and minerals. They facilitate the proper composition of the diet, help maintain normal energy metabolism and reduce feelings of fatigue and tiredness.
As part of our Go Active brand, we created a series of products in cooperation with the Polish Football Association. The line includes isotonic drinks, energy gels and vitamin water. Products in the series carry the distinctive logo of the Polish national team.

Improving the formulation and nutritional value of products

The process of reformulation, i.e. improving the composition and nutritional value allows, inter alia, the amount of salt, sugar or fats (including saturated fats) used in products to be reduced in such a way that customers remain satisfied with their taste.

We prioritize products that:

• are consumed mainly by children,
• contain high amounts of salt, sugar, fat, saturated fatty acids,
• are consumed in large quantities, meaning that a change in their composition may have a greater positive impact on public health,
• may be perceived as healthy, but their nutritional profile needs to be adjusted,
• do not contain sufficient amounts of fibre,
• contain ingredients which may cause allergic reactions.

Depending on the product, reformulation can mean increasing or decreasing the amount of a particular ingredient. In 2023, we continued the programme to enrich food with fibre. The programme covered 2 products. The total amount of fibre added was nearly 47 tonnes.

Education through packaging and industry cooperation

Education through packaging

On the packaging – in addition to mandatory, legally required information such as composition or nutritional value in 100 g/ml – to help customers make more informed purchasing decisions, we also provide:

“GMO-free” labelling on plant products consisting mainly of corn and/or soy (more than 50% of net weight) – in 2023, this label was used on 100% (9 p.p. more than in 2022) of the 29 eligible products.

Icons on lactose-free and gluten-free products.

Specific symbols according to Polish regulations for vegan and vegetarian products.

Icons on products that are sources of Omega-3 fatty acids

“No added sugar”/”no sugar” label on 32 products

The 'Wybiegaj To!' (Run for It) label provides information on the physical activity needed to burn the calories contained in a portion of popular snacks. For example, it was featured on 33 new products in 2023, including TOP brand chips

The “1 of Your 5 a Day” portions of fruit and vegetables per day - label referring to the recommended daily quantity of fruit and vegetables, which appeared on four new products

The “Zalecana Dzienna Porcja Orzechów” (A Handful of Nuts) label to encourage consumers to eat nuts, which are important for maintaining a balanced diet

For non-food products, the “Vegan Friendly” label, which was added to 21 new products

Cooperating to promote healthy eating habits

We promote healthy eating habits through cooperation that brings together different sectors and allows us to reach a wide audience more effectively. We participate in numerous conferences and industry initiatives on health and nutrition and are committed to educating consumers and promoting healthy lifestyles.

In 2023, we carried out a loyalty campaign, “Gang Mocniaków” promoting the power of good food choices. The aim of the campaign was to promote a balanced diet for children, which should include products from the five important categories included in the food pyramid. More about the campaign https://gangmocniakow.pl/pl.

We became a partner of the second edition of the Nutri-Score educational campaign for informed food choices, through which we encouraged consumers to make informed nutritional decisions using Nutri-Score labeling. The label is present on an increasing number of our food products.

We were the main sponsor of the 30th edition of the Polish Red Cross and Biedronka Health Olympics, which promotes healthy eating habits and a healthy lifestyle among young people. We invited all primary and secondary schools in Poland to participate in the Polish Red Cross and Biedronka Health Olympics.

Quality of non-food products

We care about the highest quality of our non-food products, and this is why we work closely with reputable testing, certification and inspection bodies. Our products are evaluated, inter alia, by Polskie Towarzystwo Alergologiczne (Polish Society of Allergology), Polskie Towarzystwo Chorób Atopowych (Polish Society of Atopic Diseases), Polskie Towarzystwo Ginekologów i Położników (Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians), Instytut Matki i Dziecka (Institute of Mother and Child) and Narodowy Instytut Zdrowia Publicznego (National Public Health Institute).

Increasing the lifespan of products is an important part of our sustainability efforts, which we are gradually expanding to other categories. In 2021, we extended the warranty on all DC-powered products to three years, and in 2023 we extended the warranty to include sports products and garden accessories.

Introducing new labels on non-food products

In 2023, we introduced 21 new cosmetic products with the “Vegan friendly” logo. We also started a labelling project for washing products to educate our customers and draw attention to water conservation when using them. We introduced the “Save water” icon on 16 products.