Let’s start with the origin

With the increase in food consumption and changing in consumption patterns on a global scale, the Earth has already run out of most of its resources.

That is why one of the biggest challenges retailers face is to ensure that, in case of resource scarcity, a smart strategy is implemented, so that store supply is guaranteed, and food production is not affected. The goal is to fulfil the demand of millions of consumers for quality food.

With over 4,000 food stores spread across 3 countries, the Jerónimo Martins Group believes that buying products from local suppliers is much more than a necessity. It is the ideal way to boost the development of local economies, while offering the freshest food to its customers.

 

Partnerships with local suppliers

Whether you are in Portugal, Poland or Colombia, know that Pingo Doce, Recheio, Biedronka and Ara seek to buy the products they sell in their stores from local suppliers, rather than importing them whenever possible.

Malinowy or raspberry tomatoes huddled together.

After all, the international dimension of the Jerónimo Martins Group does not prevent it from adapting its offer to the country or region where its stores are located. And Be The Story has been peeking through some examples of great stories worthy to be shared, such as the ones about Malinowy tomatoes in Poland or about 100% national Angus beef in Portugal.

Less impacts on the environment

By choosing local suppliers, the Jerónimo Martins Group manages to reduce its carbon footprint, contributing to the preservation of the planet. With fewer imports, there are fewer negative impacts of transportation from long distances, with lower gas emissions.

There are however, occasions where importation becomes a necessity. And the conditions that compel this are well identified:

  • When products are scarce, due to production seasonality, a common occurrence in the Fruit and Vegetable categories, when local suppliers are limited for reasons beyond their control, or when consumers are looking for seasonal fruits all year round;
  • When there is no domestic production whatsoever or, if there is, the quantity produced in the country is insufficient to guarantee a sustained supply to the stores;
  • When the price-quality ratio of domestic products prevents the company from meeting the commitment to supply consumers with quality at the best price.

How to distinguish products purchased from local suppliers

To let the customer know that he is buying local, labels or stickers are placed on products from local suppliers such as fruits and vegetables.

Dairy, bread, fruit and vegetables illustration.
  • In Portugal, the message “100% National” is often found in the Group’s Private Brand products that originate locally.
  • In Poland, the most commonly used indications are “Polski Produkt” (“Polish Product”) and “#jedzcopolskie” (“Eat what is Polish”).
  • In Colombia, you see the label “Hecho en Colombia” (“Made in Colombia”) on many Ara Private Label products.

Jerónimo Martins Commitment

The Jerónimo Martins Group is committed to guarantee that 80% of the food products sold in its stores come from local suppliers.

In 2021 the Group achieved its goal once again, with 82% of its products sold in Pingo Doce and Recheio stores in Portugal purchased from local suppliers. In Poland, it reaches 92% and in Colombia represents more than 95%.

In any country, Jerónimo Martins Group believes that the local food movement must start at the “source”, that is, at suppliers. After all, this is the only way to support local production and to stimulate local economies, which, more than ever, will go through difficult times because of the new coronavirus.

Don’t forget: in store, look for the stamps that identify products from local suppliers and do your bit. Local purchasing is a duty of us all.


The percentages of purchases from local suppliers referred in this article were updated in April 2022.