Through ZERYA, Continente, Portugal’s leading large-scale retailer, is anticipating the requirements of the European strategy to reduce PPPs by committing to production without phytosanitary residues in the suppliers associated with its premium ‘Clube Produtores’ logo. Portuguese consumers benefit from fruit and vegetables certified under the ZERYA regulation.

With more than 25 years since its creation, the Club de Productores faces its next challenges with confidence. The alignment of demand, marketing and production forms a virtuous circle in which consumers take a position on how products have been treated from their origin. Conscientious consumers demand supply chains that are increasingly rigorous about environmental impact. From farm to greenhouse, fruits and vegetables receive tailored care in order to improve soil health, increase biodiversity in crops and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.

In addition to benefiting from the practice of sustainable agriculture, farmers who improve soil quality also reduce production costs.. Luís Correia (Planicie Verde), has seen an increase in production on his farm. ‘The practice of zero waste has shown us that it is possible to produce more efficiently. At Planície Verde, since we started to apply it, we produce 4 % cheaper, after 4 years of implementing the ZERYA protocol”.

Differentiate by proposing value for the chain as a whole.

Continente offers certified seasonal and local products on its shelves, with the intention of “offering a better product to the customer, respecting the principle of better health for people, animals, plants and the environment’, explains Ondina Afonso, president of ‘Clube de Produtores’. Currently, there are already 12 certified producers and 25 in the process,, which in 2022 amounted to 1.700 hectares and more than 200 farms registered in the programme. The intention is to offer the products in all their points of sale and to reach 7000 certified hectares by 2025 and a volume of over 25,000 tonnes of fresh produce..

Benefits of Zero Waste for producers, retailers and consumers

For producers, ‘residue-free agriculture implies a commitment to differentiation, highlighting this attribute within conventional production’, says Javier Arizmendi Ruiz of ZERYA.

For retailers, residue-free agriculture offers guarantees of safety and confidence. The large networks are aware of the risks linked to food alerts from the point of view of sales, as well as their reputation.

The growing interest in healthier food transforms the end consumer into an ally of the sustainable producer who implements strict phytosanitary protocols. This becomes even more important after the evolution of consumer behaviour in the phase of overcoming the pandemic and the confinements we have gone through. According to a study conducted by CapGemini at the end of 2020 :

• More than half of consumers develop an emotional connection with products they consider sustainable.
• 64% of them feel happier when they are aware that they have bought responsibly.
• 77% of retailers perceive that working towards sustainability and declaring it increases the loyalty of their shoppers, which plays a major role in their business performance.

For further information, please contact

To implement environmentally responsible policies together with ZERYA, please contact us at jarizmendi@zerya.org