As a family company we may not have the scale or impact of other, larger companies, however we are proud of our continued focus and the projects we have implemented with positive outcomes environmentally and also for communities in which we operate. We would also like say thank you, because without the support and partnership of our customers we would not be able to achieve these corporate social responsibility initiatives.
PHILANTHROPY
Our total combined philanthropic value in goods and time donated was approximately $130,000. Food wastage and hunger is such a major issue in our society and our industry specifically, therefore our main activity continues to be focused on finding ways to support philanthropic organisations and charities in their mission for food relief across Australia.
Our goal continues to be zero food wastage.
In 2020 we are also proud to announce our partnership with Feed Appeal on the Squeaky Gate Rural Grants Program. A partnership with a long term commitment to help nourish local communities in need.
CO2 EMISSIONS
Our investment in renewable energy continues as we focus on the reduction of direct carbon emissions that are within our control, as associated with the day to day operations of our business locally.
With solar panel installations at Melbourne head office and QLD site, combined are estimated to reduce approximately 670 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. We have also focused on investing in and improving our supply chain technology and process to reduce interstate product transfers and therefore associated emissions.
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
Whether it is our canned fish suppliers in various regions of Europe and Asia, sourcing Fairtrade coffee beans for our sister company dc Specialty Coffee Roasters from South America, Africa and Asia, our tomato products for Val Verde from Italy or supply from local Australian farmers for Squeaky Gate Australian extra virgin olive oil, we have always recognised our responsibility to ensure sourcing across the supply chain is sustainably and ethically conducted. This includes our zero-tolerance commitment to violations of human rights right across our supply chain and operations.
With processes already in place with our supply partners, this year we formalised our anti-slavery policy with a commitment to working with our partners to assess potential areas of risk, ensure transparency and take measures in the prevention of any forms of slavery or human rights offenses.
PACKAGING WASTE
While many of our products are packaged in recyclable or recycled materials such as carton, glass or tin, it is our continued goal to find ways to reduce the amount and impact of packaging across the supply chain and to maximise the opportunity for recycling. We are a proud participant and signatory to the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and in this year achieved a rating of “Advanced” across all dimensions of Overall Core and Recommended Results as compared to fellow APCO members in the Food & Beverage sector. We also received a score of 80%, versus industry average of 56%, for our “Packaging Sustainability Strategy”.
WORKFORCE
We recognise that our workforce diversity and inclusion brings important benefits culturally and commercially across our business. Exactly 50% of our Board of Directors and Advisory Board combined are female. This is well above the industry average of 29.7%.
We often refer to our foundations as a family business and the sentiment behind this extends to our employees as part of the Conga Foods family. We understand the importance of mental health and wellbeing and offer additional wellbeing leave above mandatory requirements as well as an assistance program available free to all employees, for confidential advice and support on personal or professional matters.
