Responsible Sourcing

• You are interested in fresh vegetable produce which is sourced in a responsible manner. @StraussGroup #lettuce #tomatoes #parsley #eggplant

Consumers are interested in fresh vegetable produce which is sourced in a responsible manner. You want to be assured that vegetable growers are treated fairly, while being held to the highest food quality standards. In Israel, which is the only market in which we sell fresh produce, agricultural conditions are difficult and often, farmers are squeezed in cost terms between crop market prices and governmental regulations. We understand the importance of sourcing from local farmers, responsibly, and contributing to a positive local economy.

As consumers, you want to be sure your fresh produce is safe. You want to know that your vegetables are not sprayed with overdoses of harmful pesticides and herbicides, and that the interaction with food growers pays due attention to methods, quality assurance and strict controls of chemicals used. You want us to take responsibility for the quality of our fresh produce, and prevent potential health problems rather than solve them.

You want to know that we are engaged in sustainable agricultural practices. Because you care about the environment. This means using efficient farming methods avoids wasted resources, especially water. Farming accounts for 70% of water use in the world today (WHO). Drip irrigation, which is standard in our farming communities in Israel, can save up to 50% or more of water used to irrigate crops and up to 30% of fertilizer use. Modern automated crop control methods can save large amounts of energy.

• @StraussGroup works closely with 30 local growers in Israel to ensure best quality fresh produce for you and your family #quality #safety

Working closely with growers for the best fresh foods

In Israel, we work with over thirty growers, who supply us with vegetables for our fresh packaged vegetables range and for manufacturing our vegetable-based chilled spreads. We bring healthy, fresh vegetables to thousands of kitchens all over Israel. Fresh vegetables including lettuce, tomatoes, eggplants, cabbage and carrots are basic ingredients in the Israeli diet, and Israeli consumers pick their vegetables carefully, unwilling to compromise on freshness and taste.

We maintain long term relationships with our growers and work closely with them, providing agronomic support, focusing on safety, quality and resource efficiency. We set strict standards. If you are a grower, you know what we mean. We also approach our relationship with growers as a partnership, in which we aim to support them in many ways, to help overcome the risks and challenges of farming.

Growing Quality

Strauss’s fresh chilled salads and dips brand, Achla, is a well-known brand in Israel which includes a line of favorite Israeli and Mediterranean-style salads. These salads are often recipes handed down from generation to generation, with tastes and flavors brought to Israel from the many different homelands of the people who now make up the Israeli society.

In order to bring consumers an experience closest to home-made salads, we are committed to the quality of these products through all stages, from each and every ingredient used to the customer’s first taste. ‘Great Taste Starts in the Field’ is not only the slogan of the Achla brand, but the guiding principle behind it.

• @StraussGroup maintains partnership relationships with growers, based on a mutual commitment to quality and long-term supply #carrots #onions #garlic

Two years ago, we took the strategic decision to locally purchase most of the agricultural raw materials including hummus, eggplants, peppers, carrots, onions, garlic, and parsley, to further improve quality of produce used in production, and we began to work directly with growers in Israel, rather than with wholesalers, implementing new standards and ways of working. We formed partnership relationships with growers, based on a mutual commitment to quality and long-term supply. Previously, much of our produce had been imported.

Our new local procurement policy has had vast effects on the agricultural market and on consumers. Our new dialog with growers produced a successful cooperation, producing to our specifications, creating a new quality standard in the market and setting an example for the farming community. In return, we provide growers with stability, a commitment to purchase and a network of support.

Growers are selected carefully by our professional and knowledgeable agronomist team who manage vegetable procurement and grower relations. They must demonstrate a shared commitment to the Strauss quality which starts with the selection of specific crops, and continues through the adoption of sustainable farming methods, careful monitoring and handling during harvesting. Growers commit to uniformity and continuity in supply, and to deliver produce according to specification while complying with regulatory requirements of health, safety and Kosher standards. Ethical behavior, credibility and professional approach are not less important than high quality produce.

Strauss teams work closely with growers to ensure best practices are used in growing their vegetables. We perform audits to examine the compliance with regulations on handling of waste and produce surplus, use of pesticides and other chemicals, and employment standards. Growers keep a log detailing all aspects of growing practices, monitoring produce through its life cycle.

• @StraussGroup In 2012, we issued our Strauss Growers Quality Manual, a complete guide for ensuring the quality of agricultural produce #quality

The Strauss Growers Quality Manual: In 2012, we issued to our growers our newly-written Strauss Growers’ Quality Manual, a complete guide for ensuring the quality of agricultural raw materials. The purpose of the manual is to ensure common growing standards, required monitoring of safety and quality and serve as a basis for positive and sustainable relationships with growers. The manual provides clear instructions for different stages of growing, and emphasizes risk prevention while focusing on critical factors in the supply chain which influence the quality and safety of products. The Manual was launched at a special meeting for all our growers from all over the country, who were trained in its contents and had the opportunity to tour our manufacturing plant in Karmiel, actually seeing how salads are made with their produce, and the vital importance of quality in the process.

Working closely with growers, Strauss aims to fulfill its promise of taste, quality, integrity and fair market, allowing you to enjoy the great taste of salads with a taste of home, with reassurance that we are protecting your health and the environment by ensuring the highest possible standards throughout our agricultural supply chain.