NutriAsia recognized at Asia Pacific Procurement Awards for sustainable procurement initiatives
FOOD PRODUCTS manufacturers NutriAsia, Inc. recently won the Asia Pacific Environmental & Social Impact Award at the Asia Pacific Procurement Awards 2023 held in Singapore. This award, presented by procurement network Procurement Leaders, underscores the company’s dedication to challenging industry norms and enhancing sustainable value within their organization.
The NutriAsia Corporate Procurement Group was cited for the range of innovative solutions and winning programs that address challenges in the Philippines, recognizing the company’s commitment to doing good business.
One example of NutriAsia’s sustainable procurement practices is its direct-to-farmer sourcing program. While the company still uses traders, NutriAsia has amplified efforts to reach new sources by working directly with farm communities across the country, even as far as Davao del Sur, which has become a key supplier for their cavendish bananas—a crucial ingredient to create its world-renowned banana catsup.
By establishing partnerships with local farming communities, the company is able to support sustainable agriculture practices while ensuring the quality and freshness of their ingredients. Working with farmers has also created new job opportunities for hundreds of families in the region, providing some relief to their recent hardships.
Strategic partnerships with small and medium enterprises, as well as national government agencies, have also allowed NutriAsia to help balance the supply and demand of the market. Since 2021, the company has worked with V&C Agrifarms, a food processor based in Bukidnon, to harness greenhouse technology for their bell pepper production.
NutriAsia’s commitment to supporting local farmers extends beyond direct-to-farmer sourcing. The company also has an active partnership with the Department of Science & Technology (DoST) to support local farmers in improving their farming techniques. In one instance, DoST aid was directed to V&C Agrifarms to help them adopt more sustainable and efficient practices. Moreover, NutriAsia and DoST collaborate on discovering new ways to extend the shelf life of fresh ingredients through pickled mixes that minimize waste and avoid losses for the local farmers creating them.