How to feed the future?

Ardo CSR 2023

The path to a more sustainable food system

At Ardo, we are determined to play our part in putting our global food systems on a sustainable path. We see it as our purpose to meet the growing demand for nutritious, plant-based food, while preserving nature’s gifts for future generations.

Our five sustainability pillars

Minimal environmental impact 

Supplying people all over the world with nutritious food requires a healthy planet. Therefore, we aim to minimise our ecological footprint as much as possible, starting with our processing and production activities. By adopting state-of-the-art technologies and implementing circularity principles, we strive to use all natural resources to their full potential, while minimising our carbon emissions and waste. In this way, we hope to build a sustainable future for generations to come.

Ardo's CO2 emissions (scope 1 and 2) have already been reduced by 20% since 2020 and will be further reduced by 40% by 2030. To this end, Ardo will produce at least 30% of its electricity from renewable sources.

Ethanolanisation
Ardo & organic farming: interview with organic farmer

Agronomy and MIMOSA+

We and our farmers in particular, are experiencing the effects of climate change first-hand. Extreme weather conditions have resulted in lower yields per hectare over the last few years. Whilst we have always maintained a strong focus on our agricultural activities, the need to intensify our efforts in adopting practices that enhance the climate resilience of our crops has become increasingly evident. 

This has led to the launch of our MIMOSA+ programme, which encourages the implementation of regenerative farming practices. These promote soil health, enhance biodiversity, protect water resources and limit climate impact, all while ensuring optimal yields. This approach aligns with our belief that the future of food depends on harmonising with nature.

It is our gift to the world to provide people nutritious, plant-based food, both today and for generations to come. All while preserving nature’s gifts and minimising our ecological footprint.

Gabrielle Kalkwijk CEO Ardo

Gabrielle Kalkwijk, Ardo CEO
Market and harvest report - June 8th 2020

Food safety, quality and innovation

Food safety and quality management are among our main priorities as we aim to provide nutritious food to our consumers. To enhance the quality of our fresh frozen products and offer more convenience, we continuously innovate and contribute to the global shift towards a healthy, plant-based diet.

Respect for our employees

At Ardo, our commitment to sustainability extends to the heart of our organisation – our employees. As a family business, we strive to ensure our people thrive in their work environment. Hence, we prioritise their well-being and professional development by offering comprehensive support on multiple levels. Respecting each individual, we are dedicated to ensuring that every employee can work in a safe environment.

Relationship with our stakeholders 

Our commitment to sustainability is deeply rooted in our DNA, fundamentally shaping how we collaborate with both local and global partners. Looking ahead to 2030, our mission is to further support our customers in their sustainability journey, to ensure responsible sourcing practices with our external suppliers across the globe, to support farmers in their transition to MIMOSA+ practices and to contribute to the well-being of the communities surrounding us.

We aim to enhance our resilience to climate change through our MIMOSA+ programme, which focuses on restoring the health of our soils and the implementation of sustainable agriculture practices

Emilie Haspeslagh Sustainability Director

Emilie Haspeslagh, Ardo Sustainability director

MIMOSA+

In 2011, Ardo pioneered the MIMOSA (Minimum Impact, Maximum Output, Sustainable Agriculture) programme, emphasizing sustainable agriculture.

Our journey has witnessed significant milestones, with achievements like attaining 77,6% residue-free production and, we're targeting 80% residue-free production by 2025.

With MIMOSA+, we want to drive sustainable agriculture further and look beyond the crop.

The main goal of MIMOSA+ is to align farming practices with regenerative principles, focusing on:

  • Improving soil health.
  • Encouraging carbon sequestration.
  • Supporting biodiversity.
  • Reduction of fertilisation.
  • Realisation of optimal irrigation.
  • Implementation of soil cover for more than 240 days a year.
Ardo Let's meet in the field 2023 sustainability