Dessert Holdings Supplier Code of Conduct

Department: Procurement

Last Updated: September 16, 2024

Contents:

This Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the standards and expectations Dessert Holdings has for all our suppliers, subcontractors, and their employees.

OVERVIEW

Dessert Holdings is committed to conducting business in a responsible and ethical manner. We expect our suppliers to share this commitment. The Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the standards and expectations for all our suppliers, subcontractors, and their employees. Compliance with this Code is mandatory for maintaining a business relationship with Dessert Holdings. Supplier must be in compliance with and require its subcontractors and any person under its control to comply with, all applicable local, state, national, and international laws, rules and regulations relating to ethical and responsible standards of behavior, including, without limitation, those dealing with human rights (including human trafficking and slavery and conflict mineral sourcing), environmental protection, sustainable development and bribery and corruption. Supplier certifies that it has adopted and implemented appropriate and effective policies to ensure compliance with these obligations, including, without limitation:

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

  1. Minimum Age for Employment: Supplier will not employ anyone under the legal working age, as defined by applicable local law. Suppliers must comply with all age-related working restrictions as set by local law.
  2. Forced Labor and Human Trafficking: Supplier will not use forced, bonded, or involuntary prison labor. All workers have the right to engage in work willingly, the right to freedom of movement, and the right to terminate their employment without penalty upon providing reasonable notice.
  3. Abuse and Harassment: Supplier will not use or tolerate any forms of physical or sexual harassment or abuse or bullying of their employees.
  4. Discrimination: Supplier will not discriminate on the basis of any condition or characteristic that is protected by any applicable law. Dessert Holdings is an equal opportunity employer. Supplier agrees that, as applicable, it will abide by applicable laws or regulations that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or based on disability, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. 
  5. Freedom of Association: Supplier will recognize and respect each employee’s right to associate with any legally sanctioned organization. The rights of labor unions must be respected.
  6. Work Hours, Work Week and Payment of Wages: Supplier will comply with all applicable laws related to work hours, work weeks, and payment of wages.
  7. Health and Safety: Supplier will provide employees with working conditions that are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations regarding worker health and safety.

BUSINESS INTEGRITY

  1. Honesty and Integrity: Supplier will promote honesty and integrity in its business conduct by raising ethical awareness among its employees and providing direction and education on ethical issues.
  2. Anti-Bribery: Supplier certifies that, in performing work under any agreement with Dessert Holdings, Supplier, on behalf of itself and its affiliates, partners, owners, officers, directors, employees, and agents, understands all applicable terms of the Foreign Corrupt Practice Act of 1977 (United States) and the Foreign Public Officials Act (Canada) and has not and will not pay, offer, or promise to pay, or authorize the payment, directly or indirectly, of any monies or anything of value to any government official, government employee, political party, or candidate for political office for the purpose of influencing any act or decision of such person or of the government to obtain or retain business, or direct business to any person, and Supplier has not and will not pay or accept bribes, arrange or accept kickbacks, or participate in illegal inducements in business or government relationships.

QUALITY AND FOOD SAFETY

We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse organization. Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain a highly qualified, diverse, skilled, and knowledgeable workforce and to fully comply with laws of equal opportunity. In addition, we strive to promote an inclusive work environment where all team members feel welcome, respected, and safe.

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

  1. Continuous Improvement: Supplier will work to continuously improve its environmental performance by setting and then working toward quantifiable goals that reduce the environmental impact of its activities.
  2. Environmental Goals and Metrics: Supplier commits to setting and achieving specific, measurable environmental sustainability goals that align with Dessert Holdings’ commitment to minimizing environmental impact. These goals should focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, optimizing the use of water and energy, and minimizing waste and pollution.
  3. Sustainable Resource Use: Supplier shall implement practices that promote the sustainable use of natural resources, including water and energy conservation, and the use of renewable energy sources where feasible.  Supplier will not engage in the deforestation of primary forests or the conversion of other natural ecosystems, such as wetlands, grasslands, and peatlands.
  4. Legal Compliance: Supplier will be expected to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations in their operations and to develop and implement plans and programs to correct any non-compliant practices. Supplier will be expected to certify its compliance with this Section at Dessert Holdings’ request and to authorize Dessert Holdings and its designated agents (including any third parties) to engage in monitoring activities, including on-site inspections based upon reasonable notice. Supplier agrees that Dessert Holdings may audit Supplier in order to verify compliance with the terms herein or any agreement with Dessert Holdings. At Dessert Holdings’ option, Dessert Holdings may select an independent third party to conduct the audit on Dessert Holdings’ behalf in order to certify to Dessert Holdings that no breach has occurred or will occur. Supplier shall fully cooperate at no additional charge to Dessert Holdings, in any audit conducted by or on behalf of Dessert Holdings.

DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY

Supplier shall comply with all applicable data protection and privacy laws and regulations. Supplier must implement and maintain data security measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal data and sensitive company information. Supplier agrees to notify Dessert Holdings immediately of any data breaches or security incidents that could impact Dessert Holdings or Dessert Holdings’ data.

Conclusion

Suppliers must cooperate fully with any audits conducted by Dessert Holdings or on its behalf, at no additional charge. Adherence to this Supplier Code of Conduct is essential for maintaining a business relationship with Dessert Holdings. We reserve the right to terminate our relationship with any supplier that fails to comply with this code.