BREA, Calif., April 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its long-standing commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen, Ventura Foods has issued its first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report. The leading producer of custom and proprietary dressings, sauces, mayonnaises, oils and other flavorings outlined its work and commitments around three pillars – products, people and planet.
"People's expectations of the food they feed their families are rapidly increasing. People want to know where their food comes from and how it's made," said Ventura Foods President & CEO Chris Furman. "In this Report, we share how we at Ventura Foods source ingredients and make our products, support our people and local communities, and help care for our planet."
Innovating products that are safely produced and responsibly sourced
In its Report, Ventura Foods addresses its core commitment to food safety and the expectations the company has of suppliers as outlined in its Supplier Code of Conduct. Ventura Foods also commits to study the societal and environmental impacts of its packaging materials and top agricultural commodities, and develop plans to address its findings by the end of fiscal years 2017 and 2018, respectively. Also covered by its product commitments, the company is leading the way in delivering the simpler, healthier choices consumers want today, as evidenced by its innovative solutions to clean label for branded and customer products.
Supporting people and local communities
Recognizing that the company would not exist without the support of its employees, Ventura Foods strives to ensure their well-being, foster an inclusive environment, and support the local communities where it operates. These commitments are manifested in the company's benefits and programs that support personal and professional development, as well as its support of more than 50 worthwhile community organizations.
Helping improve the environment and conserve natural resources
Ventura Foods has been steadily reducing the waste it generates, as well as the water and energy it uses, for some time. For example, since 2010, the company's PURE (Producing Useful Renewable Energy) program has led the recycling into biofuel of millions of gallons of used cooking oil at locations across the U.S.
With the launch of its first CSR Report, Ventura Foods has also committed to completing comprehensive audits to identify additional opportunities and implement initiatives to further reduce waste, water and energy by the end of fiscal years 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
"Our inaugural CSR Report highlights our hard work today and plans for the future so our employees, customers, suppliers, community partners and others better know who we are and what we stand for," said Furman. "We look forward to continuing our work on this important journey."
About Ventura Foods
Ventura Foods is a leading producer of custom and proprietary dressings, sauces, mayonnaises, oils and other flavorings. Our customers include foodservice companies, restaurants and retailers. In addition, our consumer brands available at retail include Marie's® dressings, LouAna® oils, Dean's® dips and Gold n' Soft® spreads. The company – a privately held joint venture of CHS, Inc. and Mitsui & Co. with approximately $3 billion in annual revenue – has grown significantly in the past five years by fulfilling our mission of "helping our customers delight their customers."
SOURCE Ventura Foods
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