Newrest’s CSR charter and its commitments in remote areas

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Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an integral part of Newrest’s identity and guides all the Group’s strategic decisions worldwide, including in remote areas. The CSR charter’s objectives include adopting sustainable purchasing practices; reducing food waste; implementing waste reduction, sorting and recycling processes, and being committed to its employees’ growth. These principles are at the heart of Newrest’s remote operations, driving initiatives that not only enhance the company’s performance but also positively impact both communities and their environment.

Sourcing products from farmers and cooperatives

Newrest forges partnerships with local farmers and cooperatives to provide fresh, locally sourced products to residents of remote sites. This farm-to-fork approach ensures that the food goes directly from the farmer to the resident’s plate.

In Laos, Newrest has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture, underscoring its significant role in the country’s development and its commitment to contributing positively to the local community. This aligns with Newrest’s CSR charter, which emphasizes sustainable and inclusive growth. Purchases from cooperatives account for up to 55% of Newrest’s local procurement. Moreover, Newrest shares its expertise and knowledge on various agricultural topics, including seed germination and supply, pest control, and crop organization. This aims at fostering a sustainable production approach that generates regular income and improves living conditions for the local community. Still in Laos, Newrest has officially obtained the Organic Farming Certificate from the Khammouane Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Department (PAFO). This certification rewards its commitment to healthy production methods that take care of both consumers and the environment.

In Peru, Newrest sources fruits and vegetables from nearby farms to supply its remote operations. This decision not only contributes to local production but also supports employment as well as regional know-how. Looking ahead, Newrest intends to increase the volume of locally sourced products, diversify product categories, and provide producers in remote areas with specialized training sessions to empower them.

Managing waste in remote areas

Newrest’s commitment to reducing food waste

In the catering industry, fighting against food waste is a crucial daily responsibility. This commitment is part of Newrest’s CSR charter, which includes goals such as reducing food waste and improving waste management strategies.

By raising awareness and training staff and contractors, Newrest promotes a more efficient and responsible use of food, as seen in Colombia on the Continental Gold site. Collaborating closely with clients, Newrest organizes tastings to offer meal options better suited to the needs of guests.

On the same remote site, local teams implement the “Alimentemos no desperdiciemos” (Let’s Feed, Not Waste) campaign to encourage residents to request only what they will consume. Additionally, Newrest provides communities with training sessions about best practices to reduce food waste.

Camp operations generate organic waste, which is turned into compost to enrich local agricultural crops or maintain green areas on-site.

Newrest’s comprehensive waste management strategy

Newrest sorts out its different waste streams, whether it’s during the delivery of raw materials, production, or service distribution.

The teams make sure to handle liquid and solid waste separately. Every day, they weigh and record the waste produced at each stage. They use the waste module in Winrest to better manage operations, quality, safety, and costs.

In the absence of adequate recycling solutions, Newrest ensures optimal waste recovery through awareness and training programs.

Building expertise locally

Newrest prioritizes hiring local populations in the remote areas where it operates, aligning with its goals of community involvement and generating qualified nationals. This initiative is also part of Newrest’s CSR charter, which promotes developing talents and diversity.

In remote sites, Newrest provides local employees with specific training to contributes to the development of their expertise. A variety of topics are available to suit their needs, such as cooking best practices, compliance with HACCP standards, hospitality expertise etc. For example, in Bolivia, the “Newrest School” program was launched for men and women from the communities of Minera San Cristóbal in 2024. This program provides training to 72 community members in Good Manufacturing Practices for Food, National and International Cuisine, and Bakery & Pastry.

In Colombia, Newrest launched a program called “Mi primer empleo”. This initiative provides training sessions to help high school graduates, housewives, and heads of families obtain their first job. The current retention rate is 100%.

In Angola and Gabon, the Group even created academies. In 2024, Newrest Gabon established a training center (CDF) at its Port-Gentil unit. This center is equipped with a hot kitchen, a cold kitchen, and a training room for hotel services.

Finally, Newrest has also established partnerships with universities and schools in different countries to help train young people. In Guyana, Newrest has developed strong connections with the Carnegie School of Home Economics. The Group hired nine graduates from the school and has initiated internship programs.

Newrest’s efforts in local sourcing, waste reduction, and community empowerment in remote areas are aligned with its CSR charter. By fulfilling its social and environmental goals, the Group yields tangible results for both its sustainability and the growth of local communities.