Ardo CSR rapport 2024 - Flipbook - Page 75
We are Ardo
The path to a more
sustainable food system
Minimal environmental
impact
Agronomy
MIMOSA+
Food safety, quality
and innovation
Relationship with
our stakeholders
Sustainability
Sustainability
statements
statements
1. Principles of Good governance
2. Code of Conduct for employees
3. Safeguarding integrity
The Ardo family business has evolved significantly over the last six
At Ardo, we take responsibility together. We actively promote a culture
Since the very beginning, our business practices have been guided
decades. Following the merger of the two family-branches by the
centred on respect for business ethics, human and labour rights,
by integrity, honesty, fair dealing, and strict adherence to all
second generation in 2014, the family has consistently worked towards
safety and environmental sustainability. This commitment is twofold:
applicable laws. Consequently, every Ardo employee is required to
establishing a professional governance structure and preparing for the
it fosters a harmonious atmosphere among our colleagues internally
fully understand and adhere to our Code of Conduct in their daily
transition to the third generation.
and we extend these principles to our valued supplier partners
work. The primary objective is to promote a culture of respect for
externally.
business ethics, human and labour rights, safety, and the
Our corporate governance adheres to the principles outlined in the
environment.
2020 Belgian Code of Corporate Governance for non-listed companies,
Our guiding principles: People – Product – Planet
ensuring the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and
Ardo is a leader in the market with a clear ambition to feed the future
We foster a transparent business culture by encouraging
efficiency. Central to this is a clear governance structure that enables
while preserving nature’s gifts.
employees to report potential instances of fraud, bribery,
our Board of Directors to operate effectively, always making decisions
People - Ardo is building reliable & long-term relations with all
corruption, or other unethical behaviour promptly. This implies
in the best interest of the company.
stakeholders: customers, farmers, suppliers, local communities,
that they should not be concerned about retaliation.
and industry. Ardo is respecting its employees and communities
Whistle-blowers are assured that they will be treated fairly,
We maintain a strict and transparent process for appointing
in all relevant aspects (diversity, safety, health, well-being,
and their allegations will be investigated thoroughly and
Board members, evaluating their contributions, and ensuring their
empowerment, and social commitment).
objectively.
commitment and integrity. To support this, we have established
Product - Ardo supports a healthy, plant based global food transition
specialised committees, including an audit committee and a
by offering safe & high-quality fresh frozen vegetables, fruits & herbs
To ensure awareness, we regularly inform our employees about
nomination and remuneration committee, both chaired by independent
covering both today's and tomorrow’s needs. Ardo has a clear ambition
our anti-bribery, fraud, and corruption policy. This information is
Board members. Additionally, our executive management structure is
to continuously improve the quality KPI’s of its products.
distributed in various ways, including our onboarding information
clearly defined, and we provide fair and responsible remuneration for
Planet - Ardo is minimising environmental impact in growing and
package, company posters and our intranet. Moreover, an excerpt
both directors and executive managers.
processing vegetables, fruits & herbs through initiatives like MIMOSA+1,
from the whistleblowing procedure is accessible on our website
promoting organic production & biodiversity, increasing use of green
to inform third parties and provide direct access to our grievance
Equal treatment of shareholders and respect for their rights are
energy, reducing water consumption, optimising packaging, minimising
mechanisms.
core to our governance approach. We also prioritise transparency
waste, and reducing our carbon footprint.
and public reporting, ensuring adequate disclosure of our corporate
governance practices. Finally, our codes of conduct, policies, and
charters reflect our commitment to ethical behaviour across all
interactions with associates, directors, suppliers, customers, and
business partners.
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Respect for
our employees
1
Minimum Impact Maximum Output Sustainable Agriculture
