Vandemoortele is proud to announce a ground-breaking long-term collaboration with French milling expert Axiane – part of the Axéréal Group. We are one of the first leading European industrial companies to sign a long-term contract where sustainability, supply security and value creation through innovation are not just aspirations but foundations of our business strategy.
This multi-year collaboration, ceremonially signed at our Arras factory, is a testament to our commitment to these three pillars, ensuring that Vandemoortele growth happens in an innovative way, by responsible sourcing.
Sustainable collaborations
Aligning with the current climate of environmental consciousness and in support of the recent EU-wide farmer protests for fair value distribution, Vandemoortele is actively contributing to a fair remuneration for sustainable agricultural practices. Recognising that 97% of our emissions are linked to our supply chain, it becomes imperative for us to collaborate closely with our suppliers to initiate change.
97% of our emissions are linked to our supply chain. to initiate change, a close collaboration is imperative.
Under this agreement, the Axéréal Group will support farms in the production of crops from regenerative agriculture. Practices will be guided by results-based objectives, going beyond the obligations of means. This collaboration with Axiane is more than just a contractual agreement; it's a shared mission to kickstart substantial CO2 reductions.
Leading the way
Sabine Sagaert, Managing Director Bakery Products and Johan Declerck, Raw Materials Manager at Vandemoortele say: "By committing to this approach, we want to affirm our support for the transformation to carbon-free practices in all parts of the industry. Our vision is anchored in the long term, as we know the challenges are ambitious and the transformation processes complex. With this multi-year contract, we also engage our customers and their consumers to join us along this journey of sustainable food."
Vandemoortele is leading the way in low-carbon wheat. The wheat, integral to this initiative, was sown in the fall of 2022 using regenerative agricultural practices, aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing soil health with better water retention and improved biodiversity. Harvested in the summer of last year, these efforts have now come to fruition. They are marking a first milestone in our journey towards sustainability and have resulted in the availability of low carbon flour already now in 2024.
>> Learn more on our sustainability goal 'Protecting Nature'.
Shaping a tasty tomorrow
"It's a great source of pride to be able to unite the wheat-flour-bread industry around shared ambitions aimed at limiting our environmental impact. By signing this long-term contract, we will be supporting farmers in their sustainable practices, helping to reduce our respective GHG emissions. In this way, we are making a real difference by offering a turnkey "Carbon-free Regenerative Agriculture" service", reacts David Hubert, Managing Director, Axiane Meunerie.
"The transformation of the agricultural model, thanks to practices derived from regenerative agriculture, is a necessity if we are to support and promote our low-carbon industry, from the soft wheat producer right through to the bread and Viennese pastry manufacturer", concludes Jean-François Loiseau, Chairman of Axéréal.
In conclusion, Vandemoortele and Axiane are allies in shaping a tasty future sustainably.
