Thoughtleader Thursday – Marianne van Keep about corporate social responsibility: 'You don't have to climb Mount Everest right away, just start with the Three-Country Point'.

In the interview series 'Thought Leader Thursday'Every Thursday we speak to an expert in the field of a specific issue. This time we talked with Marianne from Keep. She is director of Ssustainability at Verstegen Spices & Sauces. Topics discussed include the impact of the corona crisis on the chain, how they and others tackle this about the challenge of making the entire chain more sustainable. 

How are you tackling the corona crisis? 

We quickly started arranging things at the start of the crisis, and I am proud of that. We still had the old scripts for the Mexican flu and we immediately translated them for corona. Fortunately that goes well. 

Furthermore, I miss some solidarity in this crisis, especially from the large successful parties in the market. In any case, we have tried to shape this internally. We have a family pool has been established where family members of employees who have lost their jobs can register. We have also done this for employees employed by a large caterer. These people kunnand work with us temporarily.    

What was your CSR policy like before the crisis broke out?  

Verstegen is a family business. We think about what are we going to leave behind to our children and to the world. We were already consciously working on this before corona. When corona came, I naturally held my breath and wondered what this would mean. Will our company have the power to continue with this? And fortunately that happened, our owner-director was very clear about that. “Now more than ever,” was his message. Sustainability and biodiversity are our top priorities. The crisis only gives us a bigger one boost to get started with this.   

What do you see around you at other companies? 

We are actually privileged, because we have a strong position in the food market. Our turnover remains intact, but that is not a given for everyone. In terms of sustainability, it strikes me that even people and companies that are currently having a very difficult time are still working on becoming more sustainable. That is very positive. And at the same time, we see sectors that were less concerned with sustainability now having a hard time during this crisis.   

What do you do as a herb, spice and sauce manufacturer in the field of sustainability and biodiversity?  

Firstly, we want to be climate positive. We are already CO2 neutral, but we want to take further steps in that direction. Not just within our own walls. Very important is how it works within the supply chainthe chain is in order. That is not easy, but we are thinking about it. It fits in that we now see the farmer as a 'partner'. That's what we are there for from behind our desks gecome. We literally put on our boots. We visited the farmers and stood next to them. We are now looking: where can they do better and can we help with that?  

You should know that our spices come from all over the world. Our farmers are in countries such as Indonesia and India, and also in Central America. Of course, there are also issues regarding the environment and biodiversity. That is why we started projects in the field of agroforestry. You then grow all kinds of plants together and you ensure that there is coherence. We have now set up three major programs abroad. 

Is it special that you take responsibility for this issue? 

There are of course other companies that also do this, but the extent to which we do it makes us quite unique. Ultimately, the common thread within our two major themes is transparency. Because only when you are transparent can you really look together at what the issues are, and only when you can really solve the issues together. Agroforestry is an instrument, transparency is the goal.   

Do you think CSR policy goes beyond the walls of your own company? 

Certainly. What you do within your own organization to make it more sustainable is an absolutely necessary prerequisite. In 2021, there should no longer be a discussion about whether or not you have your affairs in order. Of course there are also challenges within an organization, but you still have to arrange this yourself. The challenge lies in the chain. And the great thing is that you can't do this alone. In fact, you will have to do that together. For us it is essential that you have to collaborate with stakeholders, governments and – yes – competitors.   

What is your message to companies that would also like to place more emphasis on CSR?  

Now we are a 'small, large company'. I understand that it is difficult for really small companies. We can afford to make people available for this, but not every company can do this. Smaller companies in particular are well served by practical tools. Fortunately, these are widely available through industry organizations. But you have to know where to find them. And that has to do with awareness. 

I am actively working on this myself, including within the Royal Dutch Spices Association. We continue to tell the sustainability story to our members. People can approach me with questions, even if they are competitors. In addition Sustainable Spice Initiative co initiated by us and here we are looking at tools worldwide. For example, why don't we just make a simple one code or conduct where you only have to enter your name. And why is it possible? due diligence shouldn't just a simple questionnaire be made? 

Also it is very important that everything happens step by step. Cut it into small steps and offer new tools each time. You don't have to climb Mount Everest right away, just start with the Three-Country Point. 

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