The Clube de Produtores Continente (CPC, Continente’s Producers Club) is a well-founded and long-established initiative by MC that has been delivering stellar performances since 1998, across several strategic areas. In pursuing its mission of supporting national producers and promoting the best production practices, CPC has significantly contributed to Sonae’s sustainability goals. The focus on local producers is a strategic dimension that allows for fresher products to be offered at MC stores while reducing the environmental impact of transportation and improving the well-being of local communities offering new businesses and economic opportunities.

In addition, MC has been closely involved with each CPC member, providing them with training and opportunities to share experiences and find new partnerships. In 2023, 83 producers were involved in the CPC Academy.

In 2023, this dedication translated into the purchase of €570m of certified national products, an in-crease of 10% yoy, bringing together c.340 producers, and reaching c.11,350 hectares of agricultural land and 34% of all of MCs food purchases.

These initiatives cover several areas such as improved production practices, packaging, and nutritional solutions. For example, the Regenerative Agriculture Programme through a cultivation protocol, includes a set of diagnostic tools and supports decision making for producers, to ensure better soil conditions, safeguard plant nutrition and manage available water, was, extended to 7 producers in 2023. Also, the Agroecology Program, was designed to support 23 producers to establish an action plan for their farms based on 3 key factors: Water, Biodiversity and Carbon (ABC).

In addition, MC put forward its Sustainability Statement to be adopted by all CPC members. This is a commitment based on eleven principles, including topics such as nature and biodiversity conservation, promotion of regenerative agriculture and circularity, and a wide range of initiatives to promote sustain-able production techniques and consumption habits. These initiatives cover all areas of the agro-food sector and include better production practices, better packaging, and better nutritional solutions.