Ardo CSR rapport 2024 - Flipbook - Page 3
Foreword by the CEO
our 68 agronomists support farmers with advice on cultivating their
We are proud of the positive impact our initiatives have delivered over
land in the most efficient and sustainable way, leveraging the latest
the past few years:
technologies. Initiatives like MIMOSA+ aim to make crops more resilient
to climate change while simultaneously reducing CO2 emissions.
• We achieved 39% reduction in CO2 emissions in Scope 1 and 2
Daily efforts focus on soil fertility, water conservation, biodiversity,
compared to our 2020 baseline.
crop rotation and the responsible use of water and fertilisers.
• We increased the share of products sold without pesticide residues
Ardo is, and aspires to remain, a pioneer in promoting regenerative
from 56% to 76%, despite challenging climatological conditions.
agriculture, reducing CO2 emissions in our factories, and setting
As the new CEO since a few months, I am very proud to present our
high standards for our suppliers. The recent addition of The Nest as
• We secured a sustainability-linked loan and completed numerous
8th CSR report and especially to lead a company where sustainability
a shareholder can only bolster or even accelerate our sustainability
initiatives to enhance circularity in our plants and promote
is engrained in its DNA. I am excited about the achievements we have
initiatives.
biodiversity.
made, the initiatives we are implementing, and our ambitions for the
future.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, I am proud to announce
Furthermore, we have also signed the STBi commitment letter at the
that, starting in 2025, Ardo will provide financial incentives to farmers
end of 2023, and we are actively developing our targets and roadmaps.
We must take climate change very seriously. Recent events in Valencia
adopting regenerative agricultural practices. This initiative underscores
and many other exceptional climate events, along with declining
our dedication to fostering a resilient and sustainable food system by
I would like to conclude by addressing our employees: amidst all
yields per hectare, highlight the urgency for action! To scale up
empowering farmers to improve soil health, water management, and
these efforts, we genuinely care about your safety and well-being.
individual initiatives, building partnerships and securing support from
climate resilience.
Thank you for your dedication and hard work in helping us achieve
governments are essential for us to succeed as a society. That is why
our shared vision.
Ardo fully embraces partnerships with organisations such as SAI1,
At the heart of our passion are, of course, our high-quality frozen
The Shift and "Het Wortel Collectief", along with a growing number of
vegetables, fruits, and herbs, which bring health, convenience,
partnerships with our customers and other value chain partners.
affordability, and sustainability to consumers and customers alike. It is
Sabine Sagaert, CEO Ardo
important to note that frozen vegetables contribute to over 80%2 less
Sustainable agriculture is crucial, not only for ensuring long-term food
waste at the retailer level and an additional 20 to 40%3 less waste at
security for our children, but also for maintaining the sustainability
the consumer level. Furthermore, the CO2 footprint of vegetables and
of our business in the long run. This enables us to continue providing
fruit is inherently lower than that of most other foods.
1
3
healthy frozen vegetables, herbs, and fruits. Our approach to working
2
with farmers is exceptional and exceeds all standards. Every day,
3
SAI = Sustainable Agriculture initiative
Pacific Coast Food Waste Commitment (2021) United States,
Heller and Keoleian (2017) United States
Study from Wageningen University in Dutch households
