FAGE UK Limited – Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Introduction
This statement is made in accordance with Section 54 of the U.K. Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the actions of FAGE UK Limited (“FAGE”) to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to its business and to put in place steps that are aimed at ensuring that there is no slavery or human trafficking in its own business and its supply chains. This statement relates to actions and activities undertaken during the financial year ending 31 December 2020 and to activities that are planned for the future.
As part of the food manufacturing industry, FAGE recognizes that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. FAGE is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities, and to ensuring that its supply chains are free from modern slavery and human trafficking.
Our Business
FAGE is a leading international dairy company with a focus on yoghurt. FAGE manufactures, distributes and sells a wide range of dairy products, including yoghurt, dairy desserts, cream and cheese. Our U.K. subsidiary distributes our products in the United Kingdom.
Responsibility and policies
We hold ourselves accountable to our consumers, employees, associates and suppliers, and we strive daily to be worthy of their trust. We promote our people’s well-being by ensuring safe and healthy working conditions, respecting each individual’s rights, providing ongoing training and encouraging initiative, cooperation and professionalism. In addition:
Our Management has attended training programs on how to identify and risk assess human trafficking and modern slavery. It is accountable for designing and reviewing all FAGE policies in relation to its own workforce and is accountable for ensuring that Modern Slavery Awareness Training is delivered accordingly.
FAGE operates the following policies that link its approach to the identification of modern slavery risks and steps to be taken to prevent slavery and human trafficking in its operations:
• FAGE has a top down approach to zero tolerance towards modern slavery.
• FAGE uses only specified, reputable employment agencies to source labor and always verifies the practices of any new agency it is using before accepting workers from that agency. All agency providers have to be a registered member of the Gangmasters Licencing Authority.
• FAGE has adopted a documented supplier approval procedure to ensure that its suppliers comply with the policy and/or code of conduct and the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
• FAGE undertakes due diligence when considering taking on new suppliers and regularly reviews its existing suppliers through updated questionnaires and/or third party audits.
• FAGE implements a training program to ensure that procurement and supply chain employees are able to recognize and tackle the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking in our business.
Performance indicators
FAGE has reviewed its key performance indicators in light of the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. FAGE has set up management review meetings to evaluate company’s performance objectives.
High-risk activities
No activities were considered to be at high risk of slavery or human trafficking this financial year.
Training
FAGE has trained its [Procurement, Technical Compliance and HR] staff on modern slavery.
Training will be repeated on a regular basis, in order to cover training needs of involved personnel and ensure their relevant competencies.
The training agenda incorporates:
• our business's purchasing practices, specifically on how we can influence supply chain conditions to prevent purchases at unrealistically low prices;
• the avoidance of using labor engaged on unrealistically low wages or wages below a country's national minimum wage or providing products by an unrealistic deadline;
• how to assess the risk of slavery and human trafficking in relation to various aspects of the business, including resources and support available;
• how to identify the signs of slavery and human trafficking;
what initial steps should be taken if slavery or human trafficking is suspected;
• how to escalate potential slavery or human trafficking issues to the relevant parties within FAGE;
• awareness of the external help that is available, for example through the U.K. Modern Slavery Helpline;
• messages, business incentives or guidance we communicate to our suppliers and other business partners and contractors to implement anti-slavery policies;
• steps FAGE should take if suppliers or contractors do not implement anti-slavery policies in high-risk scenarios, including their removal from our supply chains.
Board approval
This statement is made pursuant to Section 54 of the U.K. Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes our anti-slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending (2019). This statement has been approved by FAGE’s board of directors, who will review and update it annually.
Alexis Alexopoulos
Chief Commercial Officer