Today Ardo officially opens its new sustainable head office on the site in Ardooie, where the company’s history started more than 60 years ago. On this occasion, the group publishes its recent sustainability efforts and unveils its plans for the upcoming years. Still awaiting the audited results, the year-end expectations for fiscal year closing June 30th on operational result are foreseen to show again about 2% growth.
The new head office ‘Rootbox’, built according to the BEN building principles, has a very low energy consumption and only uses energy coming from green sources. As an example, the climatization in the office building is provided by reusing cold and heat generated by the Ardo plant next door.
“We want to provide a creative space for our team members to inspire each other and close to our roots in fields. Our future is and remains plant based.” says Gabrielle Kalkwijk, CEO.
Continued sustainable growth for ARDO
Despite a full twelve-month continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ardo Group is about to continue its growth track on operational profitability. The year-end expectations for fiscal year closing June 30th on operational result are foreseen to show again about 2% growth. This is fully driven by the companies continued focus on efficiency improvements in all processes for the customers impacting our cost base as well, and an increased share of organic and healthy convenience. Ongoing concern remains the recovery of food service, continued inflationary environment and long-term threats related to climate change.
Ardo to feed the future
As recent months have demonstrated, climate change is a real and imminent threat, directly impacting agriculture and our crops. Ardo’s offering of fresh frozen vegetables, fruit and herbs is in line with the new healthy, plant-based diet promoted by the EU Green Deal. By freezing the products immediately after harvest, they retain a maximum flavour and nutritional value.
“With the motto “Feed the future” Ardo announces how it plans to make sure consumers will still be able to enjoy sustainable food products for decades to come.” says Jules Noten, Chairman of the Board.
Minimum impact, maximum output
10 years ago, Ardo launched Mimosa, to align their operations with our environment’s needs and become more resilient to climate change. Since then, they have implemented sustainable farming practices leading to the silver and gold SAI (Sustainable Agriculture Initiative) certification of all their farmers. With the aid of innovative technologies like robot guided weed control, drones, precision sowing and the implementation of regenerative agricultural principles, Ardo has reduced the use of chemical fertiliser and pesticides. Currently, 76% of Ardo produced products are now residue-free making Ardo a front runner in residue-free growing in Europe and by 2025, Ardo wants to raise that number to 80%.
For more information:
Ann Engelbert
Ardo
Email: ann.engelbert@ardo.com
Tel: +32498287243