Italian Passion Meets Sustainable Production

“Many consumers are concerned about sustainability and make purchase decisions based on consumer goods companies’ and retailers’ commitment to eco-consciousness.”

That proclamation, from a January 2023 report by research firm Doppio, underscores why offering sustainable products is important for grocery retailers today. Data from that report reinforce just how key sustainability can be: 37% of shoppers interviewed said they would be willing to pay a premium of 11% to 17% for sustainable options.1

Southern Italy-based The La Doria Group knows the time is right for pursuing a path focused on sustainable production.

“We are committed to operating with respect for people and the environment during all stages of the production and distribution chain,” says Antonio Ferraioli, Chief Executive Officer of The La Doria Group. “We produce high-quality private label tomato products and pulses, pursuing a sustainable development model in the process.”

The Mission

Setting emission reduction targets based on scientifically sound goals and centering activities around what is good for both people and the planet are the practical ways in which La Doria is addressing sustainability — climate change, in particular.

Earlier this year, the company confirmed what Ferraioli calls “an ambitious investment plan.” Reducing its carbon footprint is a key component.

“We are aware that the majority of our carbon footprint is made up of emissions from our supply chain, and in the near future our efforts will be focused on this aspect, asking our partners for concrete support,” Ferraioli says.

Product Specific Initiatives

While La Doria’s sustainability initiatives are prevalent companywide, they are particularly noteworthy in the company’s tomatoes (100% cultivated in Italy) and pulses. For example, La Doria monitors tomato producers in Puglia, Basilicata, Campania and Lazio to ensure they comply with the company’s ethics code in terms of the environment, human rights and workplace practices.

“The collaborative relationships and ongoing contact with tomato suppliers have enabled the Group to guarantee continuous product quality improvements and the minimization of waste,” says Ferraioli, who notes that collaboration with the businesses growing the tomatoes begins with the supply of the seeds. “Subsequently, collaboration is undertaken with the farmers on the plant protection treatments to be used, the technologies to be introduced for these treatments, and the efficient use of resources — for example, water for irrigation.”

Pulses are purchased all over the world to support economic and geographical sustainability in the constant quest for higher quality, he adds.

Looking Ahead

La Doria formalized its commitment to sustainability in its 2023-2030 Sustainability Plan.

Ensuring access to healthy, affordable and sustainable food; tackling climate change; protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity; ensuring fair economic compensation in the food chain; and strengthening organic farming are the ambitious goals laid out in that plan.

“We have made a lot of progress toward those goals, but we still have a long road ahead of us,” Ferraioli says. “We must keep concentrating on cutting energy consumption and reducing waste in the operating activities at our facilities and create an inclusive environment and a corporate culture that encompasses the full range of our employees’ and their talents.”

1Doppio, January 2023 “Digital Grocery Performance Scorecard”

Tracking Progress

La Doria’s Sustainable Development Goals encompass social, economic and environmental components.

“We believe that three words can effectively tell the sustainability story of our company and encapsulate the issues that are most relevant to us: land, commitment and passion,” says Antonio Ferraioli, Chief Executive Officer of The La Doria Group.

Highlight of progress made in those areas in 2022 include:

Land

100% of La Doria’s products are of guaranteed quality according to international food safety standards

100% traceability of products

98% of waste recycled

Commitment

53 ethical field audits carried out over two years

98.8% of metal can requirements satisfied internally

17km average distance from most-used outsourced warehouses

94% economic value generated distributed to our stakeholders

Passion

100% fresh Italian tomatoes

100% products made at our facilities in Italy

44% energy needs satisfied internally

18 top Italian and overseas clients with us for at least ten years