Carrefour Faces New Challenges: Product Labeling and Supplier Pressure

In a significant development that could impact the shopping experience for expats and locals alike in Spain, French retail giant Carrefour has been making headlines with its stringent new policies on product labeling and supplier compliance.

Nutri-Score Labels: A New Standard

Carrefour, which has been using the Nutri-Score nutrition labels on its own-brand products since 2019, is now demanding that all its suppliers include these labels on product information displayed online. The Nutri-Score system, launched in France in 2017, provides a colour-coded ranking of a product's nutritional quality on a scale from A to E, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices.

In a recent statement, Carrefour emphasized the importance of widespread adoption of the Nutri-Score to facilitate comparisons between products. Despite nearly 5,000 Carrefour products already committed to this approach, only 41% of national brands currently offer this labeling. To enforce compliance, Carrefour has given its suppliers three months to display the Nutri-Score on their products listed on the retailer's e-commerce site. Non-compliant brands will be named and shamed on Carrefour's website and excluded from the retailer's "Alternative for Better Eating" tool[1].

Danone's Resistance

This move has not been without controversy. French dairy giant Danone, known for its brands such as Activia and Alpro, has expressed dissatisfaction with recent changes to the Nutri-Score scheme. Danone plans to remove the labels from its dairy and plant-based drinks sold in Europe, citing inconsistencies in the new categorization that places these beverages in the same category as soft drinks[1].

Broader Commitment to Sustainability

Carrefour's push for Nutri-Score labels is part of a broader commitment to sustainability and consumer health. The retailer has also set ambitious targets to combat deforestation, ensuring that 100% of its own-brand products containing palm oil are sustainably sourced by 2022. Additionally, Carrefour aims to replace palm oil in its Carrefour Bio products in several European countries, including France, Spain, Italy, and Belgium[4].

Market Dynamics in Spain

For expats in Spain, these changes reflect the evolving retail landscape. Carrefour, along with other major retailers like Mercadona and Día, has been expanding its e-commerce presence in the country. Compliance with EU regulations, including strict phytosanitary requirements and packaging standards, remains crucial for suppliers looking to enter the Spanish market. The emphasis on sustainable packaging and reducing environmental impact is also gaining traction, with retailers preferring materials like recycled plastics and biodegradable options[2].

In conclusion, Carrefour's new policies on Nutri-Score labels and supplier compliance mark a significant step towards enhancing consumer transparency and promoting healthier eating habits. As the retail sector in Spain continues to evolve, these changes are likely to have a lasting impact on how products are labeled, marketed, and consumed.