January 7, 2024

Code of Conduct and Corporate Social Responsibility Policy

BelGioioso Cheese, Inc., founded in 1979 is North America’s leading producer of award-winning specialty Italian cheeses.  BelGioioso’s commitment to tradition, quality and excellence carries with it the value of knowing how to make Italian cheeses just as they were long ago from recipes passed down by generations. As the company has grown, this passion has grown into our corporate responsibility with regard to both our employees and the communities in which we operate.  This Statement sets forth for our customers BelGioioso’s practices with regard to issues that affect the welfare of its employees and the communities in which we live.

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS:

BelGioioso will comply with the national and local laws and regulations of each country and state in which we operate.  This includes but is not limited to those relating to labor and employment, health, safety, sanitation, environmental regulation, and industry standards.  BelGioioso also shall not engage in any act of corruption, extortion or embezzlement, nor in any form of bribery as required by applicable laws.

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES:

CHILD LABOR: BelGioioso shall only employ individuals who are at least 18 years of age.

VOLUNTARY LABOR: BelGioioso will not utilize prison, forced, bonded, or indentured labor, or use corporal punishment or other forms of mental and physical coercion as a form of discipline in the manufacture of its products.

COMPENSATION: BelGioioso will provide wages and benefits that meet or exceed applicable laws and that are competitive with the prevailing local wage for similar industries.  Compensation for overtime work and other premium pay situations will be provided as required by applicable laws.

BENEFITS: BelGioioso will provide benefits options that meet or exceed an employee’s basic needs and provide, at a minimum, those mandated by law.

WORKING HOURS AND BREAKS: BelGioioso will identify local legal limits on work hours and not exceed them.  BelGioioso will provide employee’s meal and rest breaks in accordance with applicable laws.

DISCRIMINATION:  BelGioioso will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic characteristic, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), marital status, familial status, military status, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, discipline, termination, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT: BelGioioso shall provide employees with a safe and healthy working environment.  Every facility will comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and OSHA standards and all workers are trained in safe work practices.  BelGioioso will provide all workers with personal protective equipment appropriate to their job duties.  BelGioioso shall identify hazardous materials, chemicals, and substances, and ensure their safe handling, movement, storage, recycling, reuse and disposal. All the applicable laws and regulations related to hazardous materials, chemicals and substances shall be followed. 

GIFTS AND GRATUITIES: BelGioioso employees shall not offer to give or accept a gift, cash or other item of value including personal service from an existing or prospective customer, supplier, or a representative of either in pursuance of business or in conjunction with negotiating business on behalf of the company.  Business-to-business gifts during the holiday season are acceptable so long as they are shared with others in the company.

FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING: BelGioioso is a privately held, family-owned company.

ENVIRONMENT:

As an industry leading cheese producer, BelGioioso has an inherent respect for the environment and an obligation to protect it. It is therefore, our policy to pursue the optimum in environmental quality, health and safety in every aspect of our enterprise – from our producers who provide us with the milk to the manufacturing of, packaging and delivering our products to our customers. In that spirit, it is BelGioioso’s mission to:

• Process and package our products in ways that protect the health and safety of our employees, neighbors, consumers, and the environment.
• Meet or surpass the requirements of environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.
• Participate in public policy decision-making through positive working relationships with government agencies, trade associations and others.
• Integrate environmental, health and safety considerations into every day decisions.
• Educate, empower and expect employees to behave as individuals and as teams in ways that make environmental, health and safety a priority.
• Measure and continually improve upon the results of our environmental, health and safety management systems.

Gustavo Badino
Executive Vice President