French retail giant Carrefour has announced its new initiative requiring suppliers to prominently display Nutri-Score labels on their online product information. Since 2019, Carrefour has utilized the Nutri-Score nutrition labels for its own-brand products and is now extending this requirement to include the products of its suppliers.
Nutri-Score is a color-coded system introduced in France in 2017, allowing consumers to quickly assess the nutritional quality of food products on a scale from A to E. While some major European retailers and manufacturers have embraced this labeling system, others have expressed concerns regarding its implementation.
In a recent development, renowned French dairy company Danone announced plans to withdraw Nutri-Score labels from its dairy and plant-based beverages sold across Europe. Danone has raised objections to revisions in the Nutri-Score framework that unfairly categorize dairy and plant-based drinks alongside sugary soft drinks.
Carrefour has set a three-month deadline for suppliers to comply with this labeling requirement. According to a statement from the retailer, “To facilitate comparisons between one product and another, and to be fully effective, the Nutri-Score must be adopted and used widely.” Presently, while Carrefour boasts nearly 5,000 products that comply, only 41% of national brands have adopted this practice on their products.
To ensure transparency and assist customers in making informed decisions, Carrefour emphasizes that suppliers must submit the Nutri-Score for each of their products. Failing this, Carrefour will calculate the score based on available data and will disclose on each product page which brands opted out. Moreover, national brands that refrain from providing their Nutri-Score will be omitted from Carrefour’s “Alternative for Better Eating” tool on their website.
Carrefour regards the Nutri-Score as “an essential selection criterion to help its customers eat better.” The company asserts that this system is widely recognized, clearly indicating the nutritional quality of products in a straightforward manner.
This initiative is part of Carrefour’s broader commitment to maintaining high standards with its suppliers. Previously, the retailer launched its Top 100 Climate Suppliers initiative, which penalizes manufacturers lacking a climate-positive trajectory by 2026.
In conclusion, the food and beverage industry is closely monitoring Carrefour’s moves regarding the Nutri-Score as part of the evolving landscape of food and drink consumer trends. By prioritizing transparency and fairness in nutritional labeling, Carrefour aims to lead within the competitive food and drink business.
