Danish Crown Embraces Sustainability Initiatives

Danish Crown is set to take on a larger role in the entire value chain from farm to table, as part of its strategy. The goal is to strengthen the future of Danish agriculture and the company's owners by directly connecting agricultural and food production with the growing global demand for food, which is expected to increase with the world's population reaching 10 billion. This will be achieved through a heightened emphasis on sustainability, as well as a need for more attention on the work environment and social integration at work. Jais Valeur, Group CEO of Danish Crown, stated that while the company has been successful in creating value for society through high-quality and safe food production, it is now time to step up and take a collective responsibility in developing more sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food products. The new CSR strategy is centered around collaboration to find long-term and genuinely sustainable solutions. It also focuses on sustainable agriculture and food production, providing good jobs for all, and driving market and innovation with customers and consumers. Acknowledging the environmental impact of meat production, Valeur stated that Danish Crown will lead initiatives to improve sustainability standards in all areas, from crop cultivation, animal housing systems, and animal welfare, to resource use and the work environment at their production facilities. In spring 2018, Danish Crown plans to host a stakeholder conference inviting NGOs, researchers, politicians, suppliers, farmers, and customers worldwide to develop new, sustainable solutions that can add value throughout the value chain. Valeur emphasized the need for collaboration in tackling the complex task of operating more sustainably, given the long global value chain. The company's CSR strategy also aims to attract and retain employees, with a specific focus on providing job opportunities for refugees and others on the fringes of the job market. The company also plans to increase its efforts in occupational health and safety, and improving the work environment. Danish Crown will be implementing specific initiatives based on its CSR strategy in the coming months. More information about the CSR strategy can be found in the company's new CSR report at www.danishcrown.com/csr-report.