Biedronka stores in Poland . It was also the time to democratize the access to products through our banners ’ private brands . In 2013 , we have expanded to Colombia where our Ara chain operates more than 150 neighbourhood stores .
Passionate for Food We are passionate for food as we strive to develop innovative solutions in order to meet consumer ’ s needs and make their lives easier . Alongside our strategy to maximize scale economies and expand operations , we follow a series of policies that range from quality and safety requirements to environmental and social concerns . Nearly 4.5 million clients visit our stores daily and private brands account for a significant part of their food baskets , a fact that strengthens our commitment to selling healthy food as a way of fighting obesity and other diet related diseases . That ’ s why we keep on improving our products ’ formulas . As a result , in the last five years we prevented 2,300 tons of sugar , 400 tons of fat and 160 tons of salt from entering the market . Fresh products are another of our differentiating factors valued by customers . It all starts at a local level . We work side-by-side with thousands of local suppliers to offer the freshest fruit and vegetables to our clients and we also bring traditional varieties to the mainstream market while promoting sustainable production practices . The Polish malinowe tomato or harnas garlic are examples of this focus , as well as innovation in perishables like the “ frog skin ” melon or the “ Aberdeen Angus ” beef feeding formula , both developed with Lisbon universities .
Sustainable Development Goals Logistics are a key part of distribution . It represents over 165 million kilometres in truck trips . As carbon emissions are critical to climate change , we are addressing them through efficiency programs . Backhauling is one of these cases in which we maximize route deliveries and cargo – in the last 5 years we saved around 31 million kilometres in routes that prevented the emission of 28,000 tons of CO 2 into the atmosphere . With thousands of stores spreadout in Portugal , Poland and Colombia , partnering with hundreds of local charities is the path we chose to fight hunger and poverty and promote social cohesion . In 2015 alone , we invested 17.4 million euros in the communities and reached an estimated half a million people in need . Nearly 90,000 people work at the Jerónimo Martins Group which implies a broadened responsibility . Apart from training , health and safety focus and compensation schemes , many social programs are a helping-hand in our employees ’ lives – 17.4 million euros were invested in free medical screenings and vaccinations , dentist treatments and school support that cover books and material for employees ’ children , among others . Jerónimo Martins has already crossed three centuries of History , driven by a strong vocation to grow . A long experience of navigation , with winds sometimes for , sometimes against , but in which what always has prevailed is the will to generate wealth while respecting the planet ’ s resources and people . In other words , to create shared value . ■
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