Givaudan have announced the first ‘Fair for Life’ certification of its clove leaf oil collection network in Madagascar, reinforcing its commitment to fair and ethical trade relationships in the country wher it partners with hundreds of smallholder producers to source clove leaf oil, an essential natural ingredient for its flavor and fragrance creations.

Fair for Life certification aims to enforce good working conditions for all participants in the supply chain, and validates the social and environmental responsibility of the collection network. Fair for Life also covers fair prices and the administration of a fair trade premium for community development projects, while ensuring full traceability of the certified raw material.

Givaudan CEO Gilles Andrier said: “By taking this first step to certify our collection network, we are further demonstrating our commitment to responsible sourcing practices and, in line with our 2020 strategy, partnering for shared success with our communities, suppliers and customers. Fair for Life is a guarantee that Givaudan Madagascar and its local partners ensure the traceability of clove leaf oil from the farm to the new processing plant NATEMA1.”

The Fair for Life certification program for fair trade and responsible supply chains is conducted by the ECOCERT Group, a global player in the certification of environmental management systems and fair trade.

Philippe Thomazo, CEO of ECOCERT Group, said: “We are pleased to see that Givaudan has chosen Fair for Life as an innovative fair trade certification program. In 2016, we certified their clove leaf essential oil in Madagascar, wher they have been supporting and building long-term and respectful relationships with their local suppliers. This demonstrates their sincere commitment to go further in the implementation of their Responsible Sourcing program.”

Givaudan introduced its Responsible Sourcing Policy in 2016, the first of its kind in the flavors and fragrance industry, as an expression of its commitment to providing safe products of consistent quality that meet or exceed customer expectations, dealing ethically and respecting human rights wherver it does business. The Company has set itself the goal of compliance in the four core areas of responsible sourcing: health and safety, social, environment and business integrity.