Cover Story
Responsible bakery performance
Emulsifier specialist Palsgaard incorporates corporate social responsibility knowledge within all of its practices, including its strong bakery ingredients portfolio.
P
alsgaard considers corporate social responsibility crucial to its working practices and this shows in the many varied aspects of its latest CSR report. It offers a balanced assessment of the company’s performance that is constantly evolving and demonstrates Palsgaard’s interest in the environment, their employees and communities. Jakob Thøisen, Palsgaard’s CEO, explains, “Having your heart in your work has always come natural to the company. Already when the company was founded over a century ago, the mission, vision and values encompassed the concepts known today as Corporate Social Responsibility. We have already reached considerable achievements, but we continuously carry out enhancement measures.”
These additional measures have been outlined in the company’s recently published second CSR report after its first report won the award for Best First Time CRS Report by the FSR (Danish
Auditors). FSR has been awarding CSR- active companies for the past 17 years and its managing director, Charlotte Jepsen, said at the time, “The FSR Awards have weight and substance and the awards are an endorsement of the quality of companies’ CSR efforts.” Palsgaard has built on the framework of the initial report by clarifying the focus areas and establishing action plans for implementing its strategic goals. Thøisen says, “This strategy includes targets for environmental and safety improvements in our production and for extending the skills of our employees.”
Supplier of the Year
It carries these considerations into its work in the bakery industry as well. This was rewarded in 2010 when Grupo Bimbo, the largest industrial bakery company in the world, named Palsgaard Supplier of the Year. The award was given for its role in helping Grupo
Bimbo develop new products in a safe and socially responsible way, from a selection of more than 1,000 suppliers. Knud Erik Mogensen, Palsgaard’s business development manager for bakery and confectionery, says, “This award increased the international cooperation with Grupo Bimbo as the company has expanded globally in recent years. We have increased our cooperation and new customers have become interested in what we can offer as our position was recognised through the reward.”
Grupo Bimbo has a strong focus on food safety and social responsibility, and expects its suppliers to share its values. Javier Gonzalez, Bimbo’s director, explains, “We recognise Palsgaard for their supply of quality products, level of technical service and their innovation capacity. Palsgaard has demonstrated commitment to the environment and to their social responsibility activities.”
Local commitments
Grupo Bimbo has formed its own Social Responsibility Programme to support activities with the aim of solving some of the problems facing society today. A similar ethos also runs through Palsgaard’s responsibilities in terms of local dedication and employee satisfaction. It is an important part of its business strategy with a staff turnover of just 4.8% in 2011 and more than 250 people having received the Palsgaard medal for 25 years of service. The medals have been awarded since 1933. Located in scenic surroundings among agricultural and forest land, and owned by the Schou Foundation, Palsgaard invests in varied sectors including wind farming, real estate, forestry, research and the local community. The formula
12 Kennedy’s Confection September 2012
kennedysconfection.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56