Gullon Cookiesin its commitment to the environment and the community, presents the progress of its responsible business strategy in its 2023 Sustainability Report, after the presentation and approval of the Annual Accounts and Non-Financial Information, which reflects its commitment to responsible business practices and its contribution to social development.
This document certifies the impact of the cookie factory on environmental, social and governance criteria during the 2023 financial yeara year in which in economic-financial sustainability it registered a growth of more than 18% compared to 2022, after increasing its production (in kilos) and sales (in euros), obtaining a business volume of more than 630 million euros billing.
It should be noted that this growth is the result of its commitment to innovation, offering a high quality product that meets all food safety standards. Since 2016 and until now, it has allocated 200 million euros to to boost the production capacity of the Gullón and VIDA factories, enabling the installation of new production lines and the expansion of storage spaces product. As a result of this effort, the last financial year saw the launch of the new family of Vitalgrain and Hookies products, designed to meet the nutritional needs of customers and consumers.
The year 2023 also saw a strengthening of Galletas Gullón’s sustainability strategy, based on the 2021 Responsible Business Plan, demonstrating the positive impact of its activity in five areas of action: Economic, Social, Labor, Environmental and Ethics and Responsibility ; through Actions aligned with the 2030 Agenda that contribute to the fulfillment of 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Thanks to its commitment to this sustainable roadmap, in 2023, the Aguilarense cookie company has broken into the MERCO ESG Food ranking for the first time, a reference corporate monitor that evaluates the reputation of companies, being recognized as one of the most responsible companies in the food sector in terms of environmental, social and good governance performance.
In the words of Paco HeviaCorporate Director of Gullón Cookies“We are deeply committed to sustainability and responsibility in all aspects of our activity. At Galletas Gullón we firmly believe that adopting sustainable practices is not only a moral obligation, but also an opportunity to innovate and lead change towards a better future.. We therefore strive to integrate sustainability principles into our business strategy, working hand in hand with various stakeholders to foster inclusive and sustainable progress.”
Attracting talent and creating jobs
Galletas Gullón is committed to local development and the creation of quality employment in rural areas, maintaining a special link with Aguilar de Campoo and its surroundings. In fact, it stands out as an important driver of employment in Castilla y León, generating more than 2,000 direct jobs.
Specifically, in 2023, the Aguilarense cookie company launched the largest job offer in its recent history with 300 vacancies, reaffirming its position as one of the region’s leading employers. In addition, it has been a pioneer in implementing the salary register, thus promoting equality and non-discrimination within our organization.
Regarding the commitment to gender equality and diversity, it has been strengthened with the update of the Gullón Equality and Diversity Plan in 2023, One step closer to real equality and inclusion in your work environment. This approach is reflected in all our actions and policies, from innovation in our products to the well-being of our staff.
The Junta de Castilla y León with the “Óptima Castilla y León” distinction, the Santa María La Real Foundation or the Campoo de Enmedio City Council have been some of the entities that have recognized these policies, a fact that strengthens and reinforces Galletas Gullón’s commitment to continue promoting and improving its employment strategy.
Environmental responsibility
In the Aguilar cookie factory’s goal for 2030 to reduce its emissions by 55% compared to 2021, in 2023 A new carbon footprint calculation and verification exercise has been carried out for the total of Galletas Gullón, thus including the calculation of Scope 3 related to other indirect emissions.
This audit revealed that it has reduced its emissions by 8.44% in 2022which implies the emissions made directly by the cookie maker and the indirect ones that can be attributed to the supplies of raw materials and the sale and use of cookies in consumers’ homes.
Likewise, in its commitment to the closest environment, it has renewed for the third consecutive year the collaboration agreement with the Las Lloras Geological Reserve Association (ARGEOL) to promote the protection of its cultural heritage and the biodiversity of the Las Lloras UNESCO Geopark. Parrots.
Social action and community support
One of the main objectives of Galletas Gullón is to generate a positive impact on society, therefore, as part of the Responsible Business Master Plan, it carries out different social action initiatives every year, in addition to collaborating with public administrations and social entities. The latter, In addition to including financial and activity support, they are characterized by including product contribution.
Specifically, in 2023, it multiplied by three the donations made the previous year with 86,000 kilos to social entities. Among the beneficiaries of these donations, organizations such as the Food Banks of Palencia, Burgos, Cantabria and Tenerife, the Red Cross or the San Juan de Dios center stand out, as well as sporting events and cultural activities in the region and the province.
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