WELLNESS THROUGH WHOLESOME VEGETABLES

Throughout the years, the key focus of the Bonduelle Group’s strategy has consisted of establishing vegetables as the food of the future, in order to be recognized as “the world leader in promoting wellness through wholesome vegetables”.
This approach is based on four pillars: respecting the planet and our commitments, promoting the development of the men and women who work for us, building our brands and our products in all of their forms, serving our customers.

Learn More:

Sustainable Development at Bonduelle

Business and Corporate Responsibilty Report (2015-2016)

Corporate Social Responsibility: Our Commitment to Your Well Living (2014-2015 Report)

BONDUELLE HAS IDENTIFIED SIX SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES.

AXE 1. AGRICULTURE

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

The Bonduelle Group has a long history of supporting growers in mastering agriculture by combining farming practices that respect the environment and high quality production in order to offer consumers healthier vegetables.

ACTIONS TAKEN

• Implementing a supply charter that defines the relationships between Bonduelle and agricultural producers
• Creating the Agricultural Research and Development Centre
• Launching the VegeGo! program on intensive environmental agriculture with a double objective: preserving soil quality and conserving natural resources (reducing fertilizers, decreasing soil compaction...)
• Promoting the use of cover crops between the various vegetable cropping cycles to enrich the soil by totally natural means, thereby improving soil structure and biodiversity
• Using observation networks to prevent pest damage
• Developing disease-resistant varieties using completely natural cross-breeding techniques
• Investing in electronic laser sorting equipment for processing

AXE 3. SHIPPING

RESPOND TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

Shipping plays a vital role in Bonduelle’s operations, moving vegetables to plants and finished products to food distribution centres. Shipping is fully integrated into the sustainable development policy striking a balance between economy and ecology.

MEASURES TAKEN

• Commitment to maximize the amount of Canadian vegetables in the Canadian brand Arctic Gardens
• Steps taken to quantify greenhouse gas emissions (GHE) that Bonduelle generates in Canada and in the US when shipping these
products (starting in 2013-2014)
• Expanded warehouse capacity in St-Denis, Ingersoll and Strathroy, thereby decreasing shipping needs between plants
• Acquired plants in the US (Wisconsin, New York) in 2012 which reduces shipping in these areas

AXE 4. HUMAN RESOURCES

PROMOTING THE WELL-BEING OF OUR EMPLOYEES

Putting people at the heart of its business is a priority for Bonduelle, a family-owned group founded in 1853. Thanks to its recruitment, integration and training policy, as well as many professional development opportunities, the group contributes to the personal development and well-being of all its employees.

ACTIONS TAKEN

 - Safety and health in the workplace:

• Created a health and safety committee to improve working conditions
• Installed a day counter that shows the number of accident-free days in the plant
• Created a rewards program for plants without any accidents for a year or more

 - Communication/training:

• Created new internal communication tools like newsletters, communication screens (Bonduelle Channel) in the plants to communicate information about the Bonduelle Group, Bonduelle Americas and the local plant
• Surveyed employees on the work environment
• Created a Bonduelle Managers Program that supports managers in acquiring new skills so that they can play a more important role in the future, a commitment to the group’s continuity
• Implemented an employee assistance program
• Established the objective to meet 100% of the permanent employees every year for performance evaluation

AXE 5. QUALITY AND NUTRITION

DELIVERING PERFECT, HEALTHY PRODUCTS

Well-known internationally, the quality of Bonduelle’s products line is subject to strict controls. Monitoring farming practices, the supply charter and regular audits help us satisfy consumers who can enjoy healthier products that meet their expectations.

ACTIONS TAKEN

• Maintaining Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification in the 11 North American plants
• Funding various projects related to nutrition, vegetables and food discovery (2 calls for proposal per year) through the Louis Bonduelle Foundation

AXE 6. COMMITMENTS TO THE COMMUNITY

• Member of The Global Compact, UNO’s program for human rights, anti-corruption and working conditions since 2003
• Collaborate with stakeholders on sustainable development initiatives in agriculture and food transformation
• Implement a consultation process with stakeholders

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Obtained a B+ level of GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) certification that attests to the Bonduelle Group’s commitment to building a consistent approach to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Download the complete sustainable development brochure for Bonduelle Americas:

Sustainable Development - Canada (4.7 MB)

Sustainable Development - USA (5.3 MB)

For more information about Bonduelle's sustainable development policy, please consult Bonduelle Group's Sustainable Development page.