ESG & Modern Slavery Statement
At Degusta Food Service, we are committed to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into every aspect of our business operations. Our mission is to create sustainable value for our stakeholders while contributing positively to the communities we serve and minimising our environmental impact. This policy outlines our approach to ESG and sets forth our commitments to accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SOCIAL IMPACT GOVERNANCE POLICY
1. Environmental Impact
Our impact on the environment and how we are working to reduce our carbon footprint, waste, and resource usage:
Carbon Emissions:
We are committed to reducing carbon emissions. The steps we have taken so far are:
We are committed to replacing our entire delivery fleet with electric vehicles. Since 2023, we have transitioned from a 0% to a 30% electric fleet of vehicles and will continue to strive for 100%.
We charge our vehicles at night, which is considered more environmentally friendly because electricity demand is typically lower during off-peak hours, which means the power grid relies less on fossil fuels to generate electricity, making it a cleaner option.
We do not import any produce by air freight, which is associated with a higher carbon footprint due to the environmental impact of planes. Our produce comes via lorry and/or sea shipping.
Currently implementing an AI route planner to optimise our delivery system and find the most eco-friendly options.
We are promoting becoming the one-stop-shop solution to our customers to avoid 7-10 daily drops from different suppliers and minimise our footprint
Energy Consumption:
We consciously keep our refrigerators as airtight as possible, thereby limiting the energy spent on maintaining low temperatures.
Our forklifts and other in-house machinery are electric.
Waste Reduction & Recycling Rate:
Based at the Central Market in Bristol; all waste is managed by a local, independent & innovative waste management company whose recycling rates average over 90%. The remainder is directed to ‘Energy from Waste’, with only a very small percentage of pre-treated residuals ending up in landfills. They use state-of-the-art recycling technology, which enables them to refine and recover the maximum amount of recyclable material from waste.
Sustainable Sourcing:
We have 10 years of building close relationships with our suppliers which is based on trust & transparency. We work directly with producers; and each one has the ability and confidence to call DeGusta directors directly. This enables us to work closely together and share a common goal of honesty, integrity and mutual respect.
During COVID-19, when many of our customers halted or delayed payments to us, we continued to pay our suppliers (including farmers and cooperatives) in full and on time to ensure they did not suffer as a knock-on effect.
Many of our suppliers are deeply rooted in traditional farming methods and have a long-standing commitment to the land and the people who serve them; we ask our suppliers to commit to reducing their environmental impact, ensuring we can work together across the entire value chain.
We actively seek to select products with minimal or no plastic packaging; we minimise the use of added plastic packaging and use compostable plastic where possible in our warehouse. We also use reusable crates for deliveries.
Responsible Sourcing: We are committed to sourcing materials from suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and adhere to ethical and environmental standards.
2. Social Impact
Employee Well-Being and Safety:
Employee well-being is a top priority for us, and this is reflected in the family culture we have developed here and our high staff retention rates. Forty-three percent of our current staff have been with us for 8 years or more, and we have a low staff turnover rate.
We are wholly committed to helping our staff to develop through training and encouragement to grow and progress within DeGusta.
Employee safety is paramount: We have strict H&S policies in place and a culture of adherence to these, driven top down by management who commit to compliance.
All employees are offered appointments funded by DeGusta for physical assessments to provide physical education for injury prevention or assist with rehabilitation as required, promoting health and well-being.
We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking internally and across our supply chain reflected by our modern slavery statement.
Diversity and Inclusion:
See DEI policy
Community Engagement:
We support Feed the Homeless, Bristol, to whom we regularly provide produce. We are always open to collaborate with local communities and charities.
We have a commitment to donate 1000 kilos of produce each year.
Fair Labor Practices:
We comply with, and require that our suppliers declare that they are compliant with local and national fair labour practices and anti-human trafficking law. DeGusta is a member of the Living Wage Foundation.
3. Governance policy
3. 1. Introduction
This Governance Policy outlines the governance framework for DeGusta Ltd. The company is managed by two equal shareholder-directors, who jointly oversee the company’s strategic direction, operations, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards. This policy ensures effective management, accountability, and sustainable business practices in line with the interests of the directors and the company's long-term success.
3. 2. Governance Structure
Board of Directors: The company is governed by a Board of Directors, consisting solely of the two shareholder-directors. Both directors have equal authority and responsibility for decision-making, strategy, and operational oversight. Major decisions, including business expansion, investments, or policy changes, will require the mutual agreement of the directors.
Management Responsibility: The directors are also responsible for day-to-day management, with each director overseeing specific functional areas of the business, such as operations, sales, finance, and logistics. Operational tasks may be delegated to key employees, but ultimate responsibility remains with the directors.
3.3. Decision-Making and Dispute Resolution
Decision-Making: All significant business decisions, including financial decisions, supplier agreements, and strategic planning, will be made jointly by both directors. Any matter that cannot be resolved by mutual agreement will be addressed through an agreed-upon dispute-resolution process, which may include mediation or, if necessary, seeking external advice.
Equality of Power: Since both directors are equal shareholders, the governance model ensures that no single director has more authority than the other, promoting fair decision-making and accountability.
3.4. Legal Compliance and Ethical Standards
Legal Compliance: DeGusta complies with all relevant UK laws, including the Companies Act 2006, Health & Safety regulations, and UK Import/Export regulations. DeGusta also adheres to EU trade rules governing the import of produce.
Ethical Sourcing: The directors are committed to ethical sourcing practices, ensuring that all produce from European suppliers meets high-quality and sustainability standards. We ask our suppliers to confirm that they adhere to fair labour practices and environmental responsibility.
3.5. Financial Management and Transparency
Financial Oversight: The directors will ensure proper financial oversight and accountability, with financial records maintained in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Regular financial reporting will be conducted to track business performance.
3.6. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
As a privately held company with two directors, stakeholder engagement will primarily involve communication with suppliers, employees, and customers. The directors will ensure transparency in business operations and foster positive relationships with all key stakeholders.
3.7. Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
The company is committed to sustainability in its supply chain and operations. Efforts will be made to reduce carbon emissions, minimise waste, and adopt eco-friendly packaging solutions. The directors will regularly assess opportunities to improve the business's environmental impact.
MODERN SLAVERY STATEMENT- DEGUSTA FOOD SERVICE
MODERN SLAVERY STATEMENT:
Introduction
Here we have outlined the steps taken by Degusta to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in its supply chains and operations. This statement highlights the company’s commitment to ensuring that slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking are not tolerated within our business and supply chains.
Our Policies and Approach
We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. The following policies and practices are in place to prevent any form of modern slavery in our business and supply chains.
Code of Conduct: We require all of our employees and suppliers to adhere to the minimum standards of ethical behaviour expected within our operations, including a commitment to ensuring freedom of labour and fair working conditions.
Employees: Employees are encouraged to speak up about any concerns about risks of modern slavery and human trafficking without fear of retaliation. Any concerns raised will be thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.
Supplies: Suppliers are required to commit to complying with local, national & international laws & standards related to worker rights and fair treatment.
As part of our supply chain, we consider the greatest risks of modern slavery to lie in agricultural production, transportation, and food processing. Our suppliers are required to comply with national and international laws regarding workers' rights and fair treatment.