Strauss Group extensively reports on an annual basis its Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) performance as part of its responsibility and transparency vis-à-vis stakeholders. The Group has published a sustainability report for 17 straight years. To simultaneously manage overall environmental, social and economic impacts while maintaining a commitment to transparency and dialogue with stakeholders, the Group has released its sustainability report together with its annual report over the last three years.

This year’s sustainability report shows that Strauss Group is in the process of implementing its ESG strategy across all areas. Strauss continues to increase investments in promoting diversity, equality and inclusion both in its workforce and in local markets in which it operates. The report also indicates the Groups’ continued investment in promoting diverse food choices tailored to the needs of different communities, and in advancing sustainable food development through The Kitchen FoodTech Hub and other means.

The Group reported several initiatives to lower environmental impact, including reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, treating waste, and promoting sustainable packaging. The Group has set annual goals and tasks to improve performance in each of these areas, while developing dedicated projects to reduce negative impacts on the environment and to increase positive impacts on people.

Strauss Group CEO Shai Babad: “Over the past year, we have defined a new purpose and launched a business strategy to implement ESG principles based on an understanding that sustainability is an essential part of our business. In our view, when we offer better choices, we create a better future for our business and our communities, as well as for the planet and the environment.”

Strauss Group VP Communications, Corporate Brand & Sustainability Osnat Golan: “Sustainability is not a goal but a continuous journey enabling us, first and foremost, to be a better company. Our commitment to nourish and nurture a better tomorrow is an engine for implementing sustainability concepts in the daily management of our business. Translating that commitment into a positive impact is facilitated by expanding our investment in products and solutions to meet the unique needs of our customers and communities. We are also examining every link in the food chain, and driving dozens of annual initiatives through collaborations, knowledge and technology to ensure improved economic, social and environmental impacts.”

Strauss Group’s reporting is conducted in accordance with the GRI international standard and in the spirit of the SASB and TCFD international standards. Based on the report, the Group continued to exhibit improved performance in most international ESG ratings. Strauss is also continuing to carry the banner of diversity it first raised about 20 years ago. This year, it led diversity-driven employment projects in both the Arab and ultra-Orthodox sectors. The Group’s marketing teams continued to operate according to a “reality-shaping” strategy that includes presenting diverse figures across all segments of the population in all official publications. Strauss also reported that 48% of its managerial positions are held by women as it nears its 50% target, while maintaining a majority of women on its board of directors.

Based on its commitment to creating a better future, the Group continued to support people from diverse circles via direct contact with the communities in which it operates. Over 1,500 employees worldwide attended the highlighted Summer of Volunteering event. It also provided routine and emergency humanitarian aid and food donations in Israel, and assisted both Ukraine war victims and Strauss employees in the country throughout the year.

The Group continued to promote its sustainable dairy farm project for improving the welfare of cows at farms with which it works. Strauss expanded the More Than a Cup, Florada and Tribos projects through which its supports about 50,000 growers and coffee farmers in developing countries. It also continued to promote the reduction of food waste, and increased its rate of waste not directed to landfills to 89%.

Click here to see the full report.

Key Report Data

Environment

• 1,530 tons of food products unsuitable for sale were donated to needy families
• 19% decrease in the intensity of direct greenhouse gas emissions (scopes 1+2) compared to 2016
• 5% of packaging materials can be recycled or reused (based on tons purchased)
• 67% increase in the use of renewable energies (compared to 2021)
• 7% of waste did not reach landfill and was either recycled, reused or converted into energy
• 1 billion disposable bottles were saved by Strauss Water consumers
• 5% local suppliers
• 100% of milk suppliers participated in programs to improve sustainability and the welfare of cows

Social

• NIS 23.6 million (both money and its equivalent value) was invested in creating social impact
• 18,700 volunteer hours were donated by employees
• 4% women hold managerial positions (excluding Brazil)
• 5% of employees belong to underrepresented communities (excluding Brazil)
• 84%of Strauss’revenues were generated from health and wellness products
• 50,000 coffee farmers received support through Strauss Coffee projects
• 29% of Strauss Israel’s product portfolio is free of peanut allergen
• 10% of food sales in Israel and the US are vegan
• 2% of Strauss Israel’s product portfolio is gluten-free

Corporate Governance

• 6% of board of directors are women
• NIS 873 million was raised by The Kitchen FoodTech Hub’s portfolio companies
• 16,538 Strauss Group employees