The best range of products
CASE STUDY: Products with values
We are not only looking for a "good" price. We know that consumers have specific needs and preferences, which evolve and change over time. Different channels allow us to gauge new requirements that allow us to adapt to these new consumer needs and preferences, incorporating improvements into our product range.
Labelling information
Our organic food policy received recognition in 2006 with the prestigious Ecogourmets award.
For example, aware of health concerns, 2005 saw our Eroski product labelling include allergy information, a contact telephone number and an updating for nutritional information. Also, from September 2006, consumers have information on EROSKI own-brand products suitable for celiac sufferers, which involves permanent monitoring by Eroski to ensure the absence of gluten in products. More than 293 food, 57 fresh food and 5 prepared food products have been identified as such.
Additionally, consumers' environmental concerns have led us to broaden our range of personal care products not tested on animals and of organic canned vegetables-the latter by express request.
| 2006* | |
|---|---|
| Own Brand | 6 |
| Fresh products | 6 |
| Food | 8 |
* Figures relating to year end
Our commitment to the environment is also made clear in the new Eroski Garden range of garden furniture with FSC environmental certification, which identifies products made with wood from sustainable forests (for more information, go to www.fsc-spain.org). In compliance with our policy of adding responsible products to our range, our goal is for all our stationery and household goods to be sustainable in origin in 10 years.
The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) promotes environmentally-responsible and economically-viable management of forests throughout the world.
Our Ecron brand, on sale exclusively in Eroski hypermarkets and highly attractive to consumers, includes in its range all manner of Class A appliances which allow users to equip their homes economically and ecologically.
Our Eroski Natur brand, in addition to guaranteeing origin and flavour, is also subject to environmental controls such as the recycling of greenhouse plastics and treatment containers, the limiting of plant health products and amounts of nitrates, and the banning of the use of medicated fodder for meat products.
| % of EROSKI Natur products that include environmental criteria | 2004 | 2004 | 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EROSKI Natur fruit and vegetables | 23,6 | 28,29 | 29,61 |
| EROSKI Natur meat | 33,8 | 23,52 | 16,60 |
We guarantee that the Eroski brand contains no genetically-modified ingredients. To ensure this undertaking is complied with, we have a work programme that controls the absence of genetically-modified organisms (GMO). Outside bodies such as the authorities and NGOs carry out blind testing of our own-brand products, which have only given a positive under a few exceptional circumstances: this allows us to state with some confidence that our controls can be seen as a deterrent that promotes the proper behaviour of the suppliers with which we work.
Furthermore, the Grupo Eroski policy with regard to other brands' products is focused on requiring that they meet the European regulations on labelling and traceability (Regulation EC no. 1830/2003).
| 2005 | 2006 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. of OGM analyses | 315 | 155 |
Fair trade and the environment
The organisation of fair trade producers ensures that its members protect the environment by means of a series of rules:
- Crop rotation.
- Choosing the crops most suited to the land.
- The use of natural fertilisers.
- The use of low-shade crops.
- The banning of planting crops in virgin jungle areas.
- Protection and maintenance of areas around water source.
- Reducing the use of synthetic, non-natural fertilisers and pesticides.
- Cutting energy use, especially from non-renewable sources.
- Conservation and boosting of the soil structure to achieve sustainable agricultural production.
- The non-use of agro-chemical products.
- The encouragement of organic farming if practical in light of the social and economic situation of producers.
An increasing number of consumers are seeking guarantees on the origin and production conditions of their purchases. The Fairtrade mark was created with the intention of supporting these products. For more information, go to www.fairtrade.net.
This mark is the guarantee that the item bearing it meets international fair trade criteria: fair salaries, respect for workers' rights and protection of the environment, in addition to making investments to improve social conditions in the producing organisations. Thanks to this alternative trade, millions of people in the countries of the South can live life in dignity and guarantee a future for their children.
We have signed a collaboration agreement with the Fair Trade Labelling Organisation to promote the presence of the Fairtrade mark on these products, which can already be found in Eroski hypermarkets. 2006 saw the 5th campaign, which allowed us to increase sales of Fair Trade products by 65%.
| 2005 | 2006 | |
|---|---|---|
| Net turnover in Fair Trade products | 164.609,67 euros | 271.943,98 euros |
| % of total net sales | 0,003% | 0,004% |
| Net turnover of Cocoa Cream | 15.842,64 euros | 16.156,80 euros |
| Net turnover of Instant Cocoa | 22.728,60 euros | 25.166,52 euros |
| Net turnover of Natural Ground Coffee 10 | 94.631,28 euros | 202.504,56 euros |
| Net turnover of Mascao Organic Milk | 8.075,25 euros | 6.131,00 euros |
| Net turnover of Mascao Pure Milk | 10.974,00 euros | 7.502,00 euros |
| Net turnover of Taza Afrikao cocoa powder | 12.357,90 euros | 14.483,10 euros |
2005 witnessed the launch of two "socially-responsible" games, specifically two EDUCA puzzles, making us the first company in Spain to create a product whose manufacturers make a commitment to the human rights of their workers: this guarantees the prohibition of child and forced labour and discrimination, in addition to making requirements in the fields of hygiene and safety, working hours and remuneration of all the suppliers involved in their production.
In additional to identifying the product as such with a mark, all this information appears on the back and was made available to consumers in an informational campaign.
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