Moving into production brings challenges that are different from those in distribution. We are dependent on factors beyond our control, such as the weather, animal health and possible outbreaks of diseases. We are aware that the Group now faces concerns not experienced before.
The way we look at Jerónimo Martins’ presence in this sector is also different. At the time, opinions on our move into agrifood production varied and some said it would make life harder for other producers. These have died down because everyone started to realise that our intention has been to do things right, to work hand in hand with other producers, helping them to develop their business with us.
ANTÓNIO SERRANO
CEO OF JERÓNIMO MARTINS AGRO-ALIMENTAR
HOW DOES JERÓNIMO MARTINS AGRO-ALIMENTAR SEE ITS SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES, NOW AND IN THE FUTURE?
Our high-profile move into the sector brings responsibility and scrutiny to the scale of our operation, which makes us even more motivated to comply with the best international standards, not just in sustainability but also in occupational safety and animal welfare. And we’re doing this because it’s the only way we know how to do business.
“Ten years in agribusiness means we’ve only just started out on our journey.”
WHAT DOES JMA’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY MEAN TO THE GROUP?
Ten years in agribusiness means we’ve only just started out on our journey. We’ve set up different business areas, each maturing at its own pace and with its own phases of development. Some have reached adolescence, others are in their infancy, and there are none that we can say have fully matured.
These ten years have enabled us to realise that this is a business area of importance to the Group and to Portugal. It’s been a decade of building things up, with the challenges and complexities this entails, but I can say they’ve been ten wonderful years.
