With 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 label ‘Clube Produtores’. Portuguese consumers benefit from fruit and vegetables certified under the ZERYA regulation.

With more than 25 years since its creation, the Producers’ Club 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 since their origin. Conscientious consumers demand increasingly rigorous supply chains with regard to environmental impact. From farm to greenhouse, fruits and vegetables receive tailored care to improve soil health, increase crop biodiversity 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 on its shelves certified seasonal and proximity products, 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 the ‘Clube de Produtores’. Clube de Produtores’.. Currently, there are already 12 certified producers and 25 in process, which in 2022 meant 1,700 hectares and more than 200 farms enrolled in the program. The intention is to offer the products in all its points of sale and reach 7,000 certified hectares by 2025 and a volume of over 25,000 tons 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 major networks are aware of the risks linked to food alerts in terms of sales and 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 behavior 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