FAQ / glossary

Vegetables, pulses, fruit and aromatics, we are convinced that this plant-based range is key to the well-being of customers of all restaurants, everywhere, and at all ages. For chefs who cook for school canteens, we have been offering a complete range of services for 50 years: carefully selected, prepared and affordable products; advice from our culinary advisors; and our Greenology offer that supports them in new trends, nutritional habits and recipes.

Our teams are constantly working to develop solutions that offer healthy, plant‑based products with the best possible nutritional profiles, by prioritizing simple, high‑quality ingredients—good for us and for the planet. This continuous improvement approach is based on the ongoing assessment and optimization of our food products. Learn more about our commitment to sustainable food. 

There are no preservatives in our canned vegetables. The vegetables are first of all blanched to stop them transforming, then put in hermetically sealed boxes and cooked following a sterilization process that destroys all kinds of germs. Furthermore, canned vegetables do not need any preservatives, as stated in the current regulations.

First, let’s recap which vegetables are naturally high in sodium:

At Bonduelle, we believe in simple, wholesome, and flavorful plant‑based food, rooted in harvesting products at full maturity from the best available growing regions all year round.

By nature, almost all of our products contain no added sugars. When this is exceptionally not the case, we fully assume it for culinary reasons—just as a Chef would.

Any added sugar content is strictly governed by our nutrition policy and limited to a maximum of 2.5% of the product’s total weight, i.e. no more than 1 sugar per 100g of product.

This approach is fully aligned with our mission to promote healthy, natural plant‑based eating and with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.

All the studies show it: reducing simple sugar consumption is highly recommended. We therefore naturally included the issue of sugar content in our nutritional progress plan. So, in 2008, within the framework of our Visa Santé project, we implemented maximum added sugar and total sugar thresholds, depending on the product’s Visa Santé classification. We are also currently reformulating our recipes to gradually reduce sugar content.

Example of our freshness sachet aimed at the food service market (2013 data): -45.5% sugar for Peas and Peas/Carrots, -15% sugar for our grated carrot salad and -10% sugar for our sliced carrots.

Then, since 2011 and in accordance with our development charters, glucose-fructose syrup has been banned at Bonduelle when developing new products.

Firstly, it should be reminded that vegetables that are naturally rich in sodium: celeriac (269mg/100g), celery (109mg/100g), spinach (70 mg/100g). Vegetables that are low in sodium (content < 5mg/100g): cucumber, courgette, chicory.

• Regarding Bonduelle products that naturally contain salt: cut&washed salads and basic frozen products do not contain any added salt. The salt quantity indicated on the label comes from the vegetables’ natural sodium content.
• Regarding Bonduelle products that have added salt: “ready-made” products (canned, frozen, prepared) such as tabbouleh, ratatouille, vegetable galettes, cheesy baked dishes, risottos, stir fries, etc.

Since 2008, within the framework of our Visa Santé project, we have implemented maximum salt thresholds, depending on the product’s Visa Santé classification. We have therefore reformulated our recipes, gradually reducing salt levels, without ever compromising on taste. – For Prepared products: 50% decreased in salt content for traditional mustard beetroot and tabbouleh. – For canned food: 5% decrease in salt content per year between 2007 and 2012. – For processed frozen food: 20% decrease in salt content for vegetable galettes, between 13 and 25% decrease in salt content for our cheesy baked dishes.

At Bonduelle, we believe in simple, wholesome, and flavorful plant‑based food, rooted in harvesting products at full maturity from the best available growing regions all year round.

By nature, almost all of our products contain no added sugars. When this is exceptionally not the case, we fully assume it for culinary reasons—just as a Chef would.

Any added sugar content is strictly governed by our nutrition policy and limited to a maximum of 2.5% of the product’s total weight, i.e. no more than 1 sugar per 100g of product.

This approach is fully aligned with our mission to promote healthy, natural plant‑based eating and with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.

Bonduelle products do not contain GMOs. We are experts in vegetables, living products. Alongside our seed suppliers, we have developed know-how in varietal selection and hybridization that’s unique in Europe. We select the seeds that we provide to farmers, and today, because of current debate, we have decided to take the precautionary measure of not using genetically-engineered vegetable seeds. As a global vegetable specialist, however, we have a responsibility to stay informed of progress that could improve the nutritional, sensory, and economic qualities of our vegetables.

We consider team diversity to be a key element of the Group’s performance and of enriching each of our employees, and we will continue our efforts in this area, notably through recruitment and management policies that promote diversity at all levels of the company. Each year, we publish in France the “Gender Equality Index,” which assesses the situation of our entities based on 4 or 5 indicators, expressed as a score out of 100.

Learn more about Bonduelle’s Gender Equality Index.

We have relatively few products that contain ingredients of animal origin. Nevertheless, we are mindful of animal welfare.

In all areas where it operates, the Bonduelle Group places importance on producing its products close to consumer zones. Today, around 80% of products distributed in France by the Bonduelle Group are produced and grown in France, and around 90% of products that it distributes in Europe are produced and grown in Europe (figures may vary from year to year depending on the harvests which are affected by various factors, such as weather, disease and the presence of pests). However, some products may be grown and even made outside the country of production or consumption for various reasons (choice of varieties, harvesting methods, etc.). In such cases, the Bonduelle Group relies on close and long-lasting partnerships to remain consistent with its policies on long-term priorities, growth, food safety and respect for the environment so as to offer products that meet customer requirements.

For the Bonduelle Group, quality is a key priority. Bonduelle’s quality policy is proof of its commitment to consumers and the sustainability of the group’s activities around the world. It is continuously improved, both internally and with suppliers. This approach is combined with the actions taken by the group to ensure customer and consumer satisfaction, in particular by providing transparent information about its products and by developing the accessibility of vegetables. In addition to quality, Bonduelle’s approach to production is based on pleasure, taste and responsibility (environmental and social).

The phase‑out of palm oil in products manufactured and marketed by Bonduelle is nearly complete: a few flavorings that are essential to certain recipes still use palm oil as a carrier. This approach is part of a continuous improvement process based on the ongoing assessment and optimization of our food products.

Our approach to reducing the environmental impact of packaging is based on five key areas:  

1 — design recyclable and/or reusable products and packaging (100% recyclable and/or reusable packaging);   

2 — choose recycled and environmentally friendly materials;   

3 — reduce the weight of products and packaging;   

4 — increase collection, sorting and recycling;   

5 — reduce the environmental impact of packaging, for example by incorporating materials of renewable origin into the design (wood, cardboard, etc.).   

This policy structures Bonduelle’s packaging ambitions, thus contributing to its mission as a positive impact company that is committed to the circular economy. 

Bonduelle has adopted a policy on the respect of workers’ rights, applicable to the entire Group, its subsidiaries, and its suppliers. This policy aims to prevent major risks such as forced labor, child labor, discrimination, and any infringement on health, safety, and human dignity. It is based on internationally recognized principles, including the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the OECD Guidelines, and the principles of the United Nations Global Compact. 

Compliance with this policy is ensured through a structured monitoring system, which includes the integration of contractual requirements into supplier relationships, the conduct of social audits, an alert mechanism accessible to stakeholders, and regular follow‑up on corrective action plans when gaps are identified. Bonduelle is also committed to a process of continuous improvement, aimed at progressively strengthening its practices and those of its value chain with regard to human rights. 

Bonduelle has a strong economic footprint in the regions where it operates, with more than 30 sites located at the heart of farming areas. 

100% of Bonduelle sites are involved in positive‑impact projects designed to support and benefit local communities. 

Since 2004, the Bonduelle Group has been committed to promoting better nutrition. The Louis Bonduelle Corporate Foundation is working to bring about sustainable changes in eating habits that respect people and the planet. And of course we provide several tons of vegetables to charitable organizations every year for redistribution in local communities.

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La section Actualités contient les dernières nouvelles relatives au groupe.

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You can find the lastest financiel publications by clinking here and Group annual results presentation by clicking here.

The number of shares outstanding is presented in our Information sheet.

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You can contact our investor department at the following address: finance@bonduelle.com or by phone : 03 20 43 60 60

The Consolidated financial statements are closed on 30/06 every year.

Sum of net depreciation assets (plus some non-current assets) and working capital. The capital used are the counterpart of the financial assets in the balance sheets.

A negotiable share representing a fraction of a company’s capital, given to shareholders in exchange for a capital contribution. Shares give its owners certain rights: a share of profits as a dividend, votes in general meetings, the right to information, and bonuses during liquidation.

The owner of at least one share in a company.

The full list of a company’s shareholders.

A professional working in a bank or brokerage company, a financial analyst produces research in to listed companies for investors. They analyse the company’s environment, its strategy, accounts, and profit outlook. Based on this information, the analyst creates an estimate of the company’s profits for the next three years.

The shareholder meeting is an annual meeting attended by all shareholders, to approve the accounts and vote on resolutions on the agenda. Decisions are made by majority vote.

The share of its own capital held by a company. Shares that are part of a shark repellent provision do not have the right to vote and receive no dividends.

The organisation responsible for supervising markets. The body has a general competence to protect savings, monitor the compliance of transactions and the quality of information provided by issuers.

A document issued by a broker to their client following a purchase/sale order, which describes the conditions for executing this order.

The Group’s net profit divided by the number of shares that make up its capital.

The sum needed to finance shares and credit granted by the company to its clients (trade debts), minus the credit granted to the company by its suppliers (supplier debts).

The acronym for the warrant for the subscription and/or acquisition of redeemable shares. The warrant gives investors the option, rather than an obligation, to acquire shares. These shares may be distributed to shareholders during a capital transaction, for example, or purchased later on the secondary market.

The value given to the company by the stock market on a given date. It is equal to the share price multiplied by the number of shares that make up the capital.

Capital belonging to shareholders. This includes capital subscriptions, the reserve from profits in prior years, and profits from this financial year (before distribution), as well as the share of profits for the financial year put into reserve (after distribution).

Free cash flow is equal to the EBITDA, along with the variation in provisions for risks and expenses, minus the net financial fees paid and taxes paid, adjusted for:

• Change in working capital required
• net investments

It is an indicator that can be used to manage the use of resources, and therefore monitor changes to debt.

Turnover is the income (excluding tax) generated by a company with third parties as part of their standard, everyday business. It corresponds to the sum of sales of goods, manufactured products, services, and associated activities.

The ISIN (International Securities Identification Number) code is a set of two letters and ten numbers that provides trustworthy identification of an asset’s value and its country of origin.

Dormant partners are associates whose liability is limited to the sum of their contribution. They are different from general partners, who are the only ones able to manage the company.

Financial statements detailing the financial situation of a group of companies as if they were a single entity. For companies listed in Europe, they must comply with IFRS standards.

This sets the market share price at a given time by reconciling supply and demand.

The share price recalculated to take into account operations that changed the amount of capital such as the division of shares or capital increase. The adjustment is used to compare how share prices have changed over time.

Reduction in net profit per share due to the creation of new shares such as when capital is increased, during a merger/acquisition, or a conversion of obligations in to shares.

The share of the company’s net profits distributed to shareholders. For Michelin, a limited stock ownership company, this sum is paid to managers and voted in the General Meeting.

A document containing all legal, financial, and accounting information pertaining to a company for a given financial year. As soon as it is submitted to the FMA, it becomes a public document and can be viewed by anyone at any time.

The right to vote is attached to shares and enables shareholders to adopt a position in the resolutions presented at the General Meeting.

The operating profit is the profits from operations and investments in the financial year. It displays the increased wealth created by the company’s industrial and sales performance. It is different from the GOS (Gross Operating Surplus) that focuses on the operating cycle in that the operating profit also takes the investment process into account through calculated fees (sums for depreciation and provisions). The profits are then divided in to financial fees, corporation tax, dividends, and the reserve profits. The operating profit concept is widely used (especially to calculate financial profitability as it is not affected by a company’s financial structure).

This is an intermediate balance that corresponds to the operating profit before the depreciation deductions of tangible and intangible assets and before any loss of value.

Net borrowing, or the net financial borrowing, is the balance of its borrowing, available credit, and financial investments. It represents the company’s credit or debt standing with regard to third parties outwith the operating cycle. This is the balance used to calculate leverage.

Euronext is a European grouping of stock market companies (i.e. companies that work to manage one or more financial markets) created by grouping together the operational businesses of the Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and, later, the Lisbon stock exchange and the LIFFEmarket under a single parent company (Euronext NV).

The company capital available for market exchanges. The higher the float the higher share liquidity.

Net borrowing in relation to equity.

The difference between the cost of acquiring a company and the value of its equity at the time it joined the group.

Corporate governance refers to all procedures, regulations, laws, and institutions designed to coordinate how a company is managed, directed, and controlled.

International accounting standards from the IASB (International Accounting Standards Board). Since 1 January 2005, they have been mandatory for all listed companies in Europe (for consolidated financial statements only) in order to facilitate their bookkeeping.

An instrument used to measure the performance of a market or sector’s values, representing the average (simple or weighted) of shares in the representative sample it makes up.

Operating profit in relation to net sales excluding taxes.

A negotiable debt security issued by a company or public body with interest redeemable at a fixed maturation date for a predetermined sum.

A legal document organising the relationships between a company’s different shareholder groups, establishing mechanisms with the primary aim being to provide a strategy and regulate changes to the distribution of capital when shares are transferred.

Liabilities are all of a company’s resources (a resource used for the company). Liabilities are assets with a negative financial value, forming an obligation to a third party in which it is likely or certain that resources will be transferred to this third party without any equivalent expected in return (Article 212.1 of General French Accounting Plan).

The minimum percentage of shares present of represented with the right to vote required so that the General Meeting’s deliberations are valid.

The profit or loss after corporations tax. The Group’s net profit excludes the share of net profit from minority interest.

The net result before financial results, taxes, and the shareholder share of profits are taken in to account.

Financial results describe the impact that the mode of funding has on profits. From a financial standpoint, only the product and fees directly related to company debt and investment are used by reclassifying other items as operations or one-off actions. As most companies are not financial businesses, in most cases we talk about the net financial charges of a product.

Operating profit after tax (calculated directly on these profits) in relation to average financial asset. This ratio measures the profitability of shareholder invested capital and loans from banks and other financial partners. ROCE is different from ROA in that it takes taxes into account.

The initial value of a share set in the company statutes. The company capital is the nominal value multiplied by the number of shares.