SPAR’s “free” products arrive with renewed packaging

The SPAR free from product line has been available in Hungary since 2009, specifically tailored to the needs of gluten- and lactose-sensitive customers. The brand appeared on the domestic market as one of the first private label “free” portfolios. The initial range of 25 items now includes more than 55 products and is present in almost all product groups: from lactose-free dairy products to gluten-free baked goods and pasta to sweets, snacks, speciality products and convenience solutions. The portfolio is constantly expanding, and innovations offering combined “gluten and lactose free” products have already appeared on SPAR shelves.

Consumer trends clearly show the increase in the incidence of special diets and food intolerances – especially gluten and lactose sensitivity. Customers are more consciously looking for safe, easily identifiable, reliable products, which is why SPAR is experiencing dynamic sales growth in its own-brand SPAR free from gluten and lactose free range. Consumer feedback is taken into account during developments, which partly determines the design of new items or recipes.

The reliability of the products is guaranteed by multi-level certification. Gluten-free items are marked with the LÉOE trademark and the crossed-out grain symbol, along with the unique registration number associated with the trademark – this certifies that the products comply with applicable legislation and the AOECS Standard, the strict requirements developed by the European Coeliac Association. SPAR Hungary’s quality management systems and regular laboratory tests provide an additional guarantee of stable and high quality.

The new packaging is clean and modern, the pictograms clearly indicate lactose and gluten-free, and the color scheme and graphics specifically reflect the expectations of consumers with special needs. The goal was to make the products recognizable at first glance and easily identifiable on store shelves.

“The visual renewal of our popular product line is an important milestone, because for customers who prefer these products, quick and secure navigation is of paramount importance. The new design is modern, clean and easy to understand, thus simultaneously supporting conscious customer decisions and strengthening the uniform appearance of the product line”

– said Márk Maczelka, Head of Communications at SPAR Hungary.

The packaging replacement is taking place in a scheduled manner: some products are already available with the new graphics, while for other items the new look will appear after the existing packaging stocks run out.