Trends and developments
As a company, we are not separate from the world around us. Developments in the food sector, European livestock farming and society require us to continuously anticipate what is happening around us. That is the only way that we can remain successful and properly meet the social challenges we are faced with as a company. That is the key to future success.
THERE IS A GROWING GLOBAL POPULATION
THIS REQUIRES GREATER FOOD PRODUCTION.
The global population is expected to number 9.8 billion by 2050. That means that within a relatively short time from now, there are going to be lots of extra mouths to feed. At the same time, global prosperity is increasing. Animal protein that is produced in a safe, affordable and sustainable way can play an essential role in meeting this increasing demand. This provides opportunities for the VanDrie Group.
AT THE SAME TIME, INCREASING ATTENTION IS BEING PAID TO
CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY AND HEALTH.
With the growing demand for food, the demand for natural raw materials is also increasing. Land, water, phosphates and fossil fuels are expected to become increasingly scarce. At the same time, many people worldwide have no or poor access to adequate and healthy food. According to the figures from the FAO, more than 800 million people suffer from hunger every day and over 1 million people are malnourished. On the other hand, almost 2 billion people are overweight and 650 million of whom are suffering from obesity. There are big differences in the use of animal products worldwide, varying from overconsumption to considerable protein deficiencies. It is obvious that we are moving on a global scale towards a more circular, moderate form of animal protein consumption that is in keeping with a healthy lifestyle. This certainly applies to Western European consumption where the majority of the VanDrie Group’s sales take place.
THIS MEANS THAT INCREASINGLY HIGH DEMANDS WILL BE IMPOSED ON FARMERS AND FOOD PRODUCERS.
We must move towards a more sustainable food system in which natural raw materials are used as much as possible and circular solutions are sought. The new generation of farmers, food producers and its employees must search for innovative production methods to limit the negative climate impact. Good training is a must in that regard. The route towards a more sustainable food system requires flexibility and perseverance in order to anticipate the impact of climate change in the short and long term and to utilise the opportunities that arise as a result of this and to cope with threats. At the same time, the available food must be distributed more effectively, food waste and therefore the unnecessary loss of raw materials must be prevented. In order to achieve this, close cooperation is needed with chain partners and other stakeholders. From producer to consumer, everyone in the food chain has an important role to play in that process.
CLIMATE GOALS REQUIRE FAR-REACHING STEPS TO REDUCE THE IMPACT.
In the Paris Agreement of 2015, 195 countries – including the countries in which we are active – agreed to limit the rise in the average global temperature to just under 2 degrees Celsius, and if possible 1.5 degrees Celsius, by 2050. During the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, concrete agreements were made to curb climate change. For example, a decision was made to stop and reverse deforestation by around 2030 and to reduce global methane emissions by 30 percent in 2030 compared to 2020. This will definitely have an effect on the production chain and the policy of the VanDrie Group in the coming years. We must ensure that our plans are in line with the UN Climate Convention. In the coming years, we will take further steps to this end. Examples of this include objectives related to the purchase of raw materials from high-risk areas, reducing methane emissions in the husbandry link and substantially reducing the quantity of CO2 emitted in our direct operations.
THE PRESSURE IS INCREASING INTERNALLY BECAUSE THE LABOUR MARKET IS TIGHT
We are seeing that the labour market is under pressure in all countries in which the VanDrie Group has production locations. Vacancies are difficult to fill, whether they are for technical staff or practically trained employees. We are seeing more and more political discussion about labour modalities (for example about the ratio of permanent and flexible employees, offering accommodation and attracting employees from abroad). In the coming years, we will continue to need lots of people in order to fill all the important jobs and to handle the required transition as a food producer. Our challenge is how to go about doing that in a proper, socially responsible way.
THE IMPACT FOR THE VANDRIE GROUP
We are expecting that as a result of the trends and developments outlined, the call to make our contribution to a sustainable food supply concrete and clear will grow stronger and stronger. This also reflects a need that is felt just as strongly within the VanDrie Group. With all the objectives and requirements that are being set to be achieved by 2030, the VanDrie Group is faced with a challenge that requires maximum commitment and attention. We are working hard to solve the problem areas that we are experiencing, to make our contributions clear and to seek feasible and affordable solutions for improvements to our value chain.
It is therefore logical that the trends, developments and issues in the world around us form the basis of our strategy. Our strategy describes how the VanDrie Group is dealing with the challenges within its key strategic pillars. Our SWOT analysis shows where the opportunities and challenges lie for our organisation.
Our market position
We actively connect with customers and consumers, we fulfil our customers’ wishes, we are committed to the eco-design of our products (improving sustainability) and we spread our risks across our sales channels.
Sustainability
We limit the impact on the environment and the surroundings, we optimise our raw material flows and we prevent waste.
Animal health and welfare
We safeguard the intrinsic value of animals in the entire chain and improve animal health in general, and in so doing, reduce the use of antibiotics.
Food safety
We use our unique track & trace system,
expand our quality policy and limit risks of food safety violations.
Good employment practices
We train our employees to meet the high social and statutory requirements.