Marketplace

In 2010, as part of our ‘Marketplace’ programme, we began to develop a ‘Sustainable Procurement Roadmap’. Our aim is to embed ‘best practice’ environmental stewardship, and ethical practices, into our procurement processes.

To achieve this, we recognise the need for our Group procurement team to have the capacity to both identify, and act upon, the ethical, environmental and commercial challenges, they face in securing a sustainable supply of quality ingredients used in the manufacture of our food products. In 2011, we will develop a procurement sustainability awareness programme and will include sustainability assessments in category sourcing plans.

Our customers and consumers are increasingly concerned about the quality and provenance of the food they eat. They also want us to make sure that their food is sourced ethically, with concern for the environment, and that generally accepted animal welfare standards are practiced. Across 2011, we will look at ways to further enhance our brands environmental and ethical credentials through the adoption of recognised farm assurance and certification schemes and by doing so ensure that animal welfare standards are not compromised.

We will also continue to play an active role in the various Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Working Groups and to improve our performance against the new ‘management indicators’ and annual reporting.