Along with the publication of its fourth Sustainability Report, Greenyard has also introduced its Sustainability Roadmap 2025. The Roadmap defines how the company will realise its ambition to become a driving force in the transition to healthier lifestyles and more sustainable food supply chains.

The impact of climate change is undeniable. All over the world, we are being confronted with extreme weather conditions, severe droughts, relentless heat waves and declining biodiversity. It is clear: business as usual is no longer an option.

The consequences are also being felt across a wide range of business sectors. We depend on nature and favourable climate conditions, our business runs on what nature can provide. Growing fruit and vegetables is a critical, yet fragile activity. Greenyard embraces its responsibility and is committed to act as a driving force towards healthier lifestyles and more sustainable food value chains.

Improving life for everyone
Greenyard is in a unique position to make a significant and positive contribution. The shift towards plant-based diets is seen as the way forward to feed a growing world population while respecting the natural boundaries of our planet.  As a global leader in supplying fruit and vegetables, and together with its customers and growers, Greenyard aims to have a significant and positive impact in this critical transition.

Moreover, the company uses its role as a connecting partner between growers and consumers to create shorter, more efficient and more sustainable food value chains. The ultimate aim is to improve life: the life of consumers enjoying the company’s healthy products, the life of all its customers and partners and ultimately life on earth.

An integrated approach, based on three pillars
Greenyard’s Sustainability Roadmap is based on three pillars that are crucial to create more sustainable food supply chains.

1. Building sustainable food supply chains
   Greenyard is committed to building sustainable food supply chains through long-term relationships with its growers. The company supports them in their efforts to apply the highest environmental and social standards.
2. Improving environmental footprint
   Fruit and vegetables have a relatively low environmental impact compared to other food categories. Nevertheless, Greenyard continues to work hard to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, to limit its water footprint and to prevent waste.
3. Teaming up with customers
   Greenyard’s unique business model is based on close collaboration with its customers. The company jointly develops healthy and sustainable food concepts with its customers and takes action to create ever shorter and more efficient supply chains.

Ambitious targets and commitments
Each of these pillars is translated into a number of ambitious targets and clear commitments. The company aims a 50% reduction of its CO₂ emissions by 2025 and develops a net zero strategy towards 2050 in line with the Science Based Targets initiative. Other highlights include a 25% reduction of food waste by 2025 and 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. The company also wants to have 100% of its grower base in high and medium risk origins certified by 2025.

And there is more. This ambitious roadmap will also contribute to Greenyard’s cost efficiencies. Lower waste and reducing energy consumption for instance, will automatically translate into reduced expenses.

Strong collaboration is the key to success
With its ambitious Sustainability Roadmap 2025, Greenyard clearly embraces its responsibility. Yet, to successfully drive the transition towards improved life, strong collaboration throughout the entire food value chain is required. Choosing the path of healthy and sustainable solutions will call for time and for investments. It will demand for efforts from all stakeholders involved, from growers to consumers. Only together, we can make this happen.

Discover the full Sustainability Report here.