Our Sustainable Procurement Approach
Our products are made possible by the work of our partners: farmers, processors, distillers, packaging suppliers, laboratories, certification bodies, and others.
To ensure irreproachable quality and products sourced from traceable and sustainable supply chains, we are stepping up our engagement with our partners. This way, we ensure that sourcing practices comply with Aroma-Zone’s standards.
We aim to manage all our procurement activities and ensure the sustainability of our supply chain by creating value and supporting our suppliers in addressing their environmental and social impacts.
The program we launched in 2023 is reflected in several commitments :
1. The foundation of all our partnerships : the Sustainable Procurement Policy and the Code of Conduct
The Sustainable Procurement Policy is the framework established by Aroma-Zone for any commercial relationships. It must be signed by each business partner when a contract is concluded or renewed.
Click here to download our Sustainable Procurement Policy – EN version
The Code of Conduct sets out regulatory standards relating to safety, working conditions, fair and respectful treatment of employees, and ethical practices. It requires the supplier and its upstream supply chain to comply strictly with these standards.
2. Assessment of our business partners by an independent third-party CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) expert
Aroma-Zone uses EcoVadis, a globally recognised leading CSR assessment body (international standards), to evaluate the sustainability performance of our suppliers. All our direct partners (and some indirect suppliers) are invited to complete this assessment and then implement an action plan to improve performance and reduce the identified risks.
The assessment covers a range of CSR issues, grouped into 4 themes: Environment, Social & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement.
It is a strategic tool for mapping the risks and efforts requiring attention within a supply chain, as well as influencing our suppliers’ carbon performance.
3. Taking CSR into account in our purchasing decisions
Our Responsible Purchasing Policy structures our entire procurement process. It is built around several key pillars: economic performance and quality, risk management and supply chain continuity, environmental and biodiversity preservation, and the development of responsible and ethical relationships with our partners.
Click here to download our Responsible Purchasing Policy – EN version
These commitments are applied in our processes: we incorporate CSR performance into our tendering processes and supplier assessments, alongside EcoVadis assessments, as a key criterion in the selection and monitoring of our partners. We also ensure that all our buyers receive training in Sustainable Procurement to guarantee that these issues are systematically considered in their decision-making.
4. Audit of on-site practices
We share deep-rooted values with our partners. These values are fundamental to us, and we are determined to make sure they are upheld at all costs.
It is therefore essential to schedule on-site audits for the most strategic supply sources or those that may be identified as risky, regarding the criteria we have defined. These on-site visits enable us to ensure that environmentally sustainable practices, as well as our ethical and operational standards, are rigorously implemented.
This is what we began implementing in 2023 and are continuing to do, sometimes in collaboration with third-party providers specialists in auditing CSR or quality matters. We consider this approach as a crucial step towards building trust and ensuring complete transparency with our consumers.
5. Traceable supply chains and short supply chains
The traceability of our supply chains is a key concern of our approach.
A supply chain encompasses all the actors involved in the production of a raw material, from the cultivation of a plant through to its harvesting and processing.
Because the direct relationship with producers is the core of Aroma-Zone’s DNA, we develop sustainable supply chains, local when possible, prioritising proximity, regional anchoring and the preservation of traditional skills.
We pay particular attention to:
The traceability and transparency of our supply chains, by identifying the origins and stakeholders in each sector.
Building direct relationships with producers, by limiting intermediaries when relevant.
Establishing, on a case-by-case basis, purchasing terms that promote fair and sustainable remuneration for producers.
Supporting our partners in adopting more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices (agroecology, regenerative agriculture, soil conservation, water management, biodiversity protection, etc.).
Adhering to best practices in harvesting to preserve natural resources and ecosystems.
