Supermarkets

Aeon has a system in product development that fully utilizes the customers' opinions.

Of these, customer feedbacks are referred to in the four processes of product planning, quality design, prototyping and evaluation, and information gathering/improvement.

1. Product planning

When planning a new product, they analyze customer feedback in general and consider development areas. Specifically, they will understand the needs from the opinions obtained through inquiries from customers, questionnaire surveys, purchase history of members, etc., and think about what kind of products they will develop.

2. Quality design

For example, for a product called "blended spice with a scent of soy sauce," there was an opinion that it would be a waste to throw away the bottle. It was released. Several other products have been improved and developed based on reviews.

3. Trial manufacture and evaluation

They will conduct a monitor test (consumer survey) to evaluate the quality and purchase intention of the prototype. Products that have passed rigorous monitor tests after many improvements will take the next step.

4. Information gathering/improvement

Even after the product is released, it will be useful for the next product development through voices on SNS and evaluation in-home use tests (in-home surveys). While new forms of products are being created one after another, renewed products released in the past will also be manufactured.

TOPVALU products undergo many rigorous inspections during the manufacturing process to ensure product safety.

For example, when selecting a factory where TOPVALU products are manufactured, a factory survey on quality and an AEON Supplier Code of Conduct (CoC) audit is conducted. We outsource manufacturing to a factory that has cleared the standards.

CoC is a standard unique to Topvalu that makes contractors comply with protecting the human rights and safety of workers and conducting business activities that consider the global environment at business establishments and manufacturing plants related to raw materials. The contents of the audit are interviews with factory managers and employees, and confirmation of equipment and documents.

As for products and raw materials produced overseas, only those that have passed their strict inspection are imported.

In addition, all information about genetically modified foods and allergens is included in the package. It's not just about making safe products, it's well communicated so that consumers can eat with peace of mind.

TOPVALU products are shipped with various certifications to support the creation of sustainable ecosystems.

• "MSC certification (eco-label for the sea)" and "ASC certification" for marine products produced in consideration of marine resources and the marine environment
• "FSC certification (forest ecolabel)" for forest products in properly managed forests
• "Organic / Organic JAS Certification" for products grown organically without using any chemical fertilizers or pesticides
• "SQF certification" for livestock products produced in a safe environment
• "Global GAP certification" for agricultural products produced by people working on international standard agricultural production process management

is attached.

For packaging TOPVALU products

• Clearly labeled nutritional components and allergens
• The amount of carbohydrates is displayed separately for sugar and dietary fiber.
• The English name of the product is also displayed
• "AEON Co., Ltd." is listed as the seller based on consistent quality assurance.
• The phone number for inquiries is written
• Information on genetically modified foods is displayed
• The location of the factory is specified

The product information is well documented, which is also one of the reasons for its popularity.

In collaboration with AEON Group companies that can sell at low prices, TOPVALU products are sold at bargain prices. There are four points.

1. Production planning

Planned material production that accurately calculates the required production quantity can minimize the surplus production volume of the outsourced manufacturer and the cost of processing it. As a result, the price of the product is also cheaper.

2. Purchase all

By purchasing all the quantities ordered from the outsourcer, the surplus inventory of the outsourcer is reduced and extra costs are suppressed.

3. Reduction of distribution cost

By doing the distribution in-house, they can promote efficient distribution and reduce extra costs.

4. Reduction of sales and advertising costs

Since it is their brand, there is no need to add operating expenses and advertising expenses to the product price.

As a satisfaction guarantee, if the customer is not satisfied with the product for some reason, refunds, returns, or replacement of the product are permitted at the store of purchase.