On Thursday, 7 February, at Fruit Logistica, the VBR revealed its renewed sustainability strategy. This unveiling was done by the group's chairperson, Rita Demaré and its General Secretary, Luc Vanoirbeek.
The Responsibly Fresh mark of quality was presented in 2012. This label remains the VNT's signature label. However, the new baseline, ‘Goodness by nature’ emphasizes products that are naturally healthy, that are being cultivated sustainably.
Rita Demaré and Luc Vanoirbeek with the new logo
“We came up with the original sustainability plan together. This is typically Belgian", Luc Vanoirbeek says. "We, at VBT, decided that the strategy needed to be renewed. Not because the first plan was unsuccessful. But, because the market has changed dramatically over the past six years. "
In 2012, when it was started, Responsibly Fresh was also presented at the trade show in Berlin. Over the years, the cooperatives and fruit and vegetable growers have made efforts towards sustainable development.
This was done using Responsibly Fresh. These efforts will continue unabated. However, in the renewed strategy, the cooperatives and their farmers will involve the other stakeholders in the chain in doing sustainable business.
The three new focal points of the renewed approach are:
1. Doing business cooperatively is doing business sustainably
2. That which has been produced sustainably, tastes healthy.
3. Progress with respect for nature
The parties involved are from the fruit and vegetable sector. They want to contribute to the realization of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. They want to do so using these new sustainability efforts.
The VBT owns the Responsibly Fresh quality mark. There are several Belgian cooperatives that are currently participating. They are BelOrta, Belgische Fruitveiling, Coöperatie Hoogstraten, Limburgse Tuinbouwveiling, and the REO Veiling.
For more information:
Luc Vanoirbeek
Verbond van Belgische
Tuinbouwcooperaties (VBT)
136 Tiensevest
B-300 Leuven
+32 (0) 162 000 80
info@vbt.eu
www.vbt.eu