Crop’s Group Code of Conduct

(last updated November 2025)

 

Foreword from the Co-CEOs

Dear colleagues,

At Crop’s Group, we are united by one simple yet powerful belief: Do Food Good. We have the privilege – and the responsibility – to grow, create, and deliver food that nourishes people, while caring for our customers, our colleagues, our communities, and the planet on which we all depend.

This Code of Conduct sets out the principles that guide our actions – first as employees and teammates, then in the way we work with our farmers, customers, and partners, and finally in how we behave as a responsible company in the world in which we live and work. The code translates our values into daily practice:

  • Passion: the drive to deliver top quality and to achieve our dream together.
  • Customer Focus: our farmers and customers are at the heart of everything we do.
  • Intrapreneurship: working with an entrepreneurial spirit, growing as professionals and as a team.
  • Wholesome: building open, honest, and respectful relationships, embracing diversity and inclusion.
  • Sustainable: caring for nature and its resources, so that future generations can also have a healthy future.

Complying with these principles is not a choice – it is the core of who we are, the foundation of our license to operate, and the trust we strive to earn every day. This Code of Conduct is supported by our global and local policies and guidelines, and serves as a compass whenever we face small or major decisions.

We encourage everyone to fully embrace this Code, to live our values with passion, and to always engage in dialogue whenever questions, concerns, or ideas arise. Together we protect our well-being, our culture, and the strong reputation of Crop’s Group – and we bring our promise to life: Do Food Good.

Virginie & Pieter Delbaere

Co-CEO’s

 

Introduction

At Crop’s Group, we believe in sustainable growth built on respect, integrity, and responsibility. Our Code of Conduct helps us make the right choices and serves as a guide for everyone who is part of our company: employees, suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders.

This code describes how we work – with respect for safety, human rights, working conditions, the environment, ethics, and product quality. It is more than a document: it is a promise to each other, to our customers, and to the communities in which we operate.

Together, we are building safe and healthy food, a better planet, and lasting relationships.

 

1.PASSION: Our commitment to healthy, safe, and plant-based food

Our passion is to offer healthy, safe, and plant-based food solutions that contribute to a sustainable transition. In doing so, we have a fundamental responsibility to earn and maintain the trust of consumers and customers.

  • Food safety and quality: we strictly follow all hygiene, traceability, and quality standards.
  • Innovation: we develop products that respond to the growing demand for healthy and plant-based alternatives.

 

2. CUSTOMER FOCUS: Our customers, suppliers & partners (Ethical business conduct)

2.1 Integrity and transparency

  • All communication and collaboration are based on honesty and transparency.
  • Contractual agreements and payment terms are always respected.
  • Suppliers must endorse our values and Code of Conduct.

2.2 Corruption and business gifts

  • Definition of corruption: any deliberate offer, promise, or gift intended to circumvent rules or obtain improper advantages.
  • Participation in corruption is strictly forbidden; any attempt must be reported to the Executive Committee.
  • No employee may accept favors, benefits, or financial rewards in exchange for preferential treatment.
  • Business gifts: symbolic gifts or reasonable meals are permitted if they are customary locally, legal, and ethically acceptable, and do not create the impression that business decisions are being inappropriately influenced.
  • Any disproportionate benefit must be reported immediately to your line manager or HR.
  • Representation/entertainment expenses must be reasonable and properly documented.
  • Discounts must always be recorded in line with sales contracts.

 

3. INTRAPRENEURSHIP: Initiative & responsibility

  • The company’s interests always take precedence over personal or other interests, but never over health and safety.
  • Avoid any behavior that could harm or put Crop’s Group at risk.
  • Always act legally and fairly in line with applicable laws and internal rules (which may be stricter).
  • Avoid conflicts of interest. If a conflict of interest does arise, report it immediately to the Executive Committee.
  • Company resources may be used only for business purposes. Private use is permitted only with prior written approval. Fraud such as theft, forgery, or misuse of resources is prohibited.
  • Private activities must remain fully separate from company activities.
  • When in doubt, always consult HR or your line manager.
  • Confidential information must never be shared with third parties – even after the employment contract ends.
  • Customers and suppliers must always be treated fairly; contracts and payment terms must be strictly respected.
  • Employees must protect and use Crop’s Group property properly – safeguarding it against loss, damage, misuse, theft, or destruction.
  • Employees are expected to behave on social media in a respectful and professional manner, in line with Crop’s Group values. Sharing confidential company information, making offensive or discriminatory statements, or publicly undermining colleagues, partners, or the company is not allowed. If you are unsure about what is appropriate, consult HR or your line manager.

 

4. WHOLESOME: Respect & integrity

4.1 ETI Principles and human rights

4.1.1 Workplace health and safety

At Crop’s Group, safety comes first.

  • We provide a safe and healthy working environment with the right equipment, training, and procedures.
  • Accidents and material risks are addressed proactively and preventively.
  • Employees are entitled to training and protective equipment tailored to their role.
  • We strive for a zero-accident workplace and continuously invest in improvements.

4.1.2 Freely chosen work – no forced or involuntary labor

At Crop’s Group, work is always voluntary:

  • No one may be forced to work, including through debt bondage, guarantees, or the withholding of official documents.
  • Employees are free to terminate their employment contract, provided they respect the legal notice periods.
  • Crop’s Group guarantees that no forms of forced labor are used anywhere in the supply chain (by suppliers or partners).

4.1.3 Freedom of association and collective bargaining

Crop’s Group respects employees’ right to organize:

  • Employees may establish or join trade unions, bargain collectively, and take part in consultations without adverse consequences.
  • Crop’s Group recognizes the role of the works council and trade union representation, and commits to transparent communication.
  • Where trade unions do not legally exist, or where no representation is in place, Crop’s Group encourages alternative forms of employee representation.

4.1.4 Child labor is prohibited

Crop’s Group never employs children:

  • The minimum age is 18, in line with international standards (ILO Conventions).
  • Young people may only participate in the framework of dual learning/apprenticeships, under safe conditions and provided this does not interfere with their education.
  • If child labor is identified among suppliers or partners: it must be stopped immediately and reported to the line manager and management, who will take corrective measures.

4.1.5 Fair remuneration

Crop’s Group pays wages that comply at a minimum with:

  • national legislation,

  • sectoral and collective labor agreements.

    All employees receive transparent payslips, and no deductions from wages may be made as a disciplinary measure.

4.1.6 Working hours

  • Working hours, breaks, overtime, and holidays follow national legislation and relevant collective labor agreements.
  • Overtime is performed only on a voluntary basis and is compensated correctly.
  • Crop’s Group commits to:
    • keeping overtime to a strict minimum;
    • if overtime is necessary, ensuring it takes place only on a voluntary basis;
    • if overtime is necessary, fully complying with legal requirements and paying all wages and premiums due correctly;
    • not paying compensation that exceeds locally legally required amounts, in order to remain sustainably competitive for its customers.
  • Workload must not undermine employees’ safety, health, or family life.

4.1.7 No discrimination or harassment

Crop’s Group guarantees equal treatment for all employees.

  • No discrimination on the basis of origin, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, political beliefs, or trade union membership.
  • Intimidation, bullying, or unwanted sexual behavior is prohibited.
  • Any suspicion of discrimination or harassment must be reported immediately, and Crop’s Group will take effective action.

 

4.2 Respect, privacy & culture

  • Respect the personal dignity, privacy, and rights of every employee.
  • We strive for a workplace free from discrimination, intimidation, or favoritism.
  • We build a culture of trust, respect, and professionalism, without intolerance of any kind.
  • The works council and consultation bodies are a cornerstone of our open communication culture.

 

4.3 Psychosocial well-being

  • Inappropriate or transgressive behavior at work is not tolerated and may endanger your well-being.
  • Transgressive behavior includes, among other things, bullying, violence and aggression (verbal and physical), and sexually unacceptable conduct.
  • The employer commits to taking appropriate measures if such incidents nevertheless occur.

 

4.4 Diversity & inclusion

  • Crop’s Group is committed to ensuring a working environment that complies with the fundamental principles of equality and non-discrimination as set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the relevant EU directives on equal treatment.
  • Diversity includes, but is not limited to, differences in origin, ethnic or social background, language, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability, health status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable European legislation.
  • Any form of direct or indirect discrimination, intimidation, harassment, bullying, or exclusion based on these characteristics is prohibited and will not be tolerated by Crop’s Group.
  • Crop’s Group actively promotes an inclusive and respectful work culture in which diversity is valued and every employee can feel heard and respected.
  • Managers bear a particular responsibility to champion and uphold these principles within their teams.
  • Reports of (alleged) violations of this article are investigated by Crop’s Group carefully and confidentially, in compliance with applicable European laws and regulations.
  • Non-compliance with this provision may lead to appropriate disciplinary measures, including – in serious cases – termination of the employment relationship.

 

5. SUSTAINABLE — Caring for nature & the future

  • Sustainability includes not only the social component described above, but also an environmental component to which Crop’s Group pays continuous attention and for which clear objectives are defined within its sustainability strategy.
  • Crop’s Group produces and operates in accordance with applicable environmental legislation at local, national, and European levels.
  • Our environmental performance is continuously monitored, and we strive to reduce our environmental impact both in the field and at our production sites, across all relevant environmental domains (= climate – air – water – waste – etc.).
  • In line with Crop’s Group’s sustainability strategy, every employee is expected to consistently demonstrate behavior that helps reduce our shared environmental impact:
    • sorting waste selectively to enable optimal recycling;
    • reducing water consumption wherever possible;
    • reducing energy consumption wherever possible;
    • any other behavior that may help lessen environmental impact.
  • All employees receive the necessary environmental training and education to support these behaviors.
  • Collaboration with suppliers is based on sustainable and responsible sourcing. (Supplier Code of Conduct)

 

6. COMPLIANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY

6.1 Illegal or non-compliant conduct / Compliance

  • Every employee is responsible for complying with this code and must always “do the right thing.”
  • If in doubt, you can be guided by these principles or seek advice from HR, your line manager, or the Executive Committee.
  • A reporting channel (whistleblower policy) is available for concerns.
  • Any violation may lead to disciplinary measures, dismissal, and legal action.

6.2 Review mechanism

This policy is subject to an established evaluation and review cycle. It is assessed periodically to ensure it remains up to date, effective, and applicable. If the evaluation shows that adjustments are needed, the policy will be revised and updated. In this way, the Code of Conduct stays aligned with changing circumstances, laws and regulations, and the needs of the organization and its employees.

 

7. Signature form

By signing, you confirm that you have received, read, and understood the Crop’s Group Code of Conduct.

By signing, you also declare your commitment to our values and to your colleagues, and to contributing to our shared purpose: Do Food Good – in a respectful, ethical, and sustainable way.

The Code of Conduct is a guide, not an exhaustive document. It is impossible to foresee all situations that may arise during your work. If you are unsure whether a particular situation aligns with our Code of Conduct and values, let the core principles of this code guide you: honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Do you have questions or concerns?

  • Discuss them first with your line manager or HR.
  • If a concern or issue cannot be resolved through these channels, you can contact the Executive Committee or use our confidential reporting channel (whistleblower policy).

At Crop’s Group, we place great value on an open culture of dialogue, respect, and professionalism. Every report or concern is taken seriously, handled confidentially, and followed up without retaliation.

I hereby declare, .................................................................................................., that I have received, read, and approved a copy of the Crop’s Group Code of Conduct.

 

  • Name: ......................................................
  • Date: ......................................................
  • Signature: ......................................................