Sourcing responsibility guidelines

Social responsibility and human rights

Apetit evaluates sourcing-related human rights risks and the realisation of social responsibility by means of the Amfori BSCI risk country classification, third-party audits and supplier risk assessments based on suppliers’ self-evaluation forms.

Risk country suppliers of main raw materials, subcontracted products and frozen vegetables are required to have their production facility audited by a third party (BSCI, Sedex or similar) and to provide Apetit with access to the audit report. The validity of certificates and audit results are systematically monitored. This requirement also applies to indirect sourcing from risk countries, i.e. sourcing where the primary production of the raw material in question takes place in a risk country.

In sourcing activities in low-risk countries, Apetit conducts a supplier risk assessment based on self-evaluation forms.

All of Apetit’s direct suppliers are required to sign the Apetit Group’s Supplier Code of Conduct, which is based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) associated with human rights as well as social and environmental responsibility.

Sourcing from low-risk countries

Main raw materials, subcontracted products, frozen vegetables, spices, herbs and food packaging

The primary production and manufacturing of the food raw ingredients sourced by Apetit are approximately 95 per cent located in low-risk countries. In sourcing related to main raw materials, subcontracted products and frozen vegetables, Apetit requires that the raw material be traceable to the production facility. The supplier also needs to have the capacity to trace a raw material to primary production if the client requires it. As a rule, plant-based raw materials must be within the sphere of contract farming.

Apetit assesses the realisation of social and ethical practices and environmental responsibility management among its suppliers based on audits conducted by Apetit or a third party, self-evaluation surveys as well as cooperation between the supplier and the company.

A valid GFSI-compliant food safety certification or audit is required of suppliers.

Sourcing from risk countries

Main raw materials, subcontracted products and frozen vegetables

Approximately 5 per cent of Apetit’s sourcing of food raw materials takes place either directly from risk countries or in the form of indirect risk country sourcing.

In risk country sourcing related to main raw materials, subcontracted products and frozen vegetables, Apetit requires that the raw material be traceable to the production facility. As a rule, plant-based raw materials must be within the sphere of contract farming.

To promote social and ethical operating practices and the effective management of environmental responsibility, Apetit requires its suppliers to be audited by a third party (BSCI, Sedex or similar) and to provide Apetit with access to the audit report. In the case of indirect risk country sourcing, the supplier needs to have the capacity to trace the origin of the raw material.

A valid GFSI-compliant food safety certification is required of suppliers.

Spices

A valid GFSI-compliant food safety certification is required of Apetit’s suppliers of spices. The capacity to manage the responsibility of the supply chain is emphasised in the selection of suppliers.

Other processed raw materials

A valid GFSI-compliant food safety certification is required of Apetit’s suppliers. If the raw material is significant with regard to its quantity or attributes, to promote social and ethical operating practices and the effective management of environmental responsibility, Apetit requires its suppliers to be audited by a third party (BSCI, Sedex or similar) and to provide Apetit with access to the audit report.

Certified raw materials

Fish

Apetit observes the WWF Sustainable Seafood Guide recommendations regarding sustainable fish stocks and fishing zones. Apetit does not source fish that is rated “red” in the WWF Sustainable Seafood Guide.

Apetit mainly sources MSC-certified wild-captured fish. Wild-captured fish from Finnish inland fisheries is also sourced without a certificate. Fish suppliers are always evaluated and audited in accordance with the sourcing responsibility policy.

MSC certification is always required for fish sourced from risk countries. Fish must be traceable to the production facility and the fishing vessel. Production facilities are also required, in accordance with the sourcing responsibility policy, to provide up-to-date accounts of their sustainability with regard to ethics, social responsibility and the management of environmental responsibility.

Soy

Apetit only uses RTRS-certified (Credits level), Proterra-certified or Donau Soja certified soy. This policy also applies to the use of soy as animal feed.

Palm oil

Apetit does not use palm oil in its own production operations. Only RSPO-certified palm oil is allowed to be used in subcontracted products.

Eggs

Apetit only uses cage-free eggs in its products.

GMO

Apetit does not use GMO (genetically modified) raw materials in its products. Suppliers are required to provide a certificate or analysis upon request.