Corporate Social Responsibility

As a responsible food producer Kavli recognises its responsibility to deliver safe food. Product quality and food safety have very high priority throughout our organization, and we are continually seeking to improve our standards further.

We maintain the same product quality and safety standards regardless of where the product is produced or sold and we place great demands on our production sites to ensure they employ quality and food safety standards to the requirements of the Global Food Safety Initiative.

HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
Kavli is committed to ensuring that our products are safe throughout the whole food chain – from raw materials to finished products. To ensure this is done, we employ risk assessments based on HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles as the basis for all product manufacture and supply. HACCP is a method of risk assessment aimed to identify hazards potential in production process in order that they can be prevented, eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level. Kavli use the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) food safety management system to maintain product safety. This management system is a globally recognised method of risk assessment, aimed at identifying potential hazards in the production process so that they can be prevented, eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level. Kavli use multidisciplinary teams to create, approve and implement procedures for quality control and risk assessment based on these HACCP principles. These routines apply from supply and storage of raw materials through manufacturing, distribution of finished products and traded goods.
Allergens
Some foods and ingredients can be allergenic. Wherever possible Kavli will avoid using ingredients known to be associated with allergenic reactions in consumers. Kavli wants as many people as possible to be able to consume our products. At the same time, we know that some people can adversely react to certain ingredients used in food production. These ingredients are called allergens and Kavli seeks to avoid using known allergens where there are suitable alternatives. This includes all food products produced or supplied by Kavli, as finished packaged products merchandised commodities. All Kavli businesses have in place procedures for allergen management to be able to control the risks associated with allergy-causing substances and all Kavli products that contain allergens will be clearly and accurately labelled in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Food Fraud
Kavli is committed to protecting the consumer from counterfeit commodities and food and has therefore incorporated practices and procedures to ensure that that fraudulent activity is prevented in its supply chain. Food can be the effect of unethical actions or false representation with the purpose of financial gain. This may however pose a threat to consumers and a business’s viability. As a leading manufacturer of food products Kavli is a commitment to producing safe, legal and healthy products that match or exceed the customers ‘ expectations of quality. Kavli therefore conduct risk assessments in relation to the threats and vulnerabilities within our supply chain to ensure that our products and consumers ae protected. Kavli to do this, by making sure that all supplies of the raw material are sufficiently audited and tested for potentially fraudulent actions, such as the deliberate substitution, dilution, addition or misrepresentation of materials. Kavli also ensure that its facilities, processes and distribution chain is designed and maintained in such a way that prevents the intentional addition of counterfeit materials in our products or merchandise.
Foreign Objects
Kavli is committed to protecting the consumer from counterfeit commodities and food and has therefore incorporated practices and procedures to ensure that that fraudulent activity is prevented in its supply chain. Food can be the effect of unethical actions or false representation with the purpose of financial gain. This may however pose a threat to consumers and a business’s viability. As a leading manufacturer of food products Kavli is a commitment to producing safe, legal and healthy products that match or exceed the customers ‘ expectations of quality. Kavli therefore conduct risk assessments in relation to the threats and vulnerabilities within our supply chain to ensure that our products and consumers ae protected. Kavli to do this, by making sure that all supplies of the raw material are sufficiently audited and tested for potentially fraudulent actions, such as the deliberate substitution, dilution, addition or misrepresentation of materials. Kavli also ensure that its facilities, processes and distribution chain is designed and maintained in such a way that prevents the intentional addition of counterfeit materials in our products or merchandise.
Emergency Preparedness
Kavli has established defined routines that should be followed if specific events occur so that the customer and the consumer should not be affected by such events. As a manufacturer, it is important that we can deliver the goods in the right quantity and quality every time. In the event of serious incidents or disasters, it is crucial that Kavli can restore their production and return to normal operations as quickly as possible. In order that such crises and events are handled quickly and efficiently, Kavli employs clearly defined procedures and protocols that seek to restore normal operations as soon as is practically possible. Kavli have established plans for crisis management within all of its plants.

As a supplier of food products Kavli have a responsibility to contribute to a healthy and varied diet. Kavli, therefore, take into account the health aspects of the consumer in the development of new and existing products. We are responsive to what customers think and the consumer’s attitudes and wishes where we believe this is appropriate and possible.

At Kavli we believe in the following:

GMO
Kavli does not use genetically modified ingredients in its products.

Kavli undertakes to only use raw materials and ingredients that are produced using traditional production methods and we will ensure that we do not use ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as ingredients in our products. Kavli has strict rules in place with its suppliers with regard to the specification and supply of ingredients to ensure this.

Kavli is aware that it is possible that very small amounts of genetically modified material may enter materials by accidental cross-contamination in the supply chain. The maximum proportion of such trace contamination tracks from genetically modified material sources will be such that it does not require GMO labelling as required by European GMO legislation.

Palm Oil
Kavli will only use sustainably produced palm oil in its products.

Palm oil has properties that make it suitable for use in a variety of food products. To ensure that the shipment of palm oil and the palm oil contained in compound ingredients used by Kavli does not have a negative impact on the local environment or the community where palm oil is grown, we aim to use only sustainably produced palm oil that does not have a negative impact on the region where the Palm trees are grown or the people who live there.

We will therefore only buy palm oil from:

  • plantations that operate in line with local laws and regulations;
  • plantations that are developed in the preserved areas;
  • plantations that grow with the permission of the local communities.
Soy
Soy is one of the world’s most important commodities. Kavli only use soy produced in accordance with environmental and ethical good practice according to RTRS (Round Table Responsible Soy)

Soy is one of the world’s most important crops with respect to the production of protein and fat. Most of the commercially produced soybean is used for animal feed, but it is also a common ingredient in the production of meat, milk, eggs and farmed fish.

When sourcing soy for use in products, Kavli will take responsibility for soy consumption and undertake to only use soy that is produced in a sustainable way, from sources that are produced with respect for people, animals and the environment as defined by the “Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS)”.

Sugar, Fat, and Salt
Kavli recognise that Health Authorities would like to reduce the intake of sugar, fat and salt in the population. It is our intent to help in this work by customizing our products where possible to reduce the levels of these components in our products.

Many government agencies recommend consumers to reduce their intake of added sugar, fat and salt in the daily diet. A varied diet and a healthy lifestyle are crucial to reducing the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Kavli supports the view that the intake of sugar should be limited in line with the advice of health authorities and from organizations such as the WHO (World Health Organization) but believes that some added flavour and sweetness is important for the taste and enjoyment of our products.

Kavli has committed to keeping the level of added sugar as low as possible whilst at the same time maintaining the great taste of our products. Kavli’s goal is to reduce sugar levels in products, and where possible replace sugar (fully or partly) with other suitable and approved sweeteners.

Kavli also aims to reduce the use of saturated fat and to avoid the use of trans-fats in the raw materials which are included in our products by carefully selecting the ingredients we use.

Sodium is a natural component of many raw materials. Sodium chloride as salt will affect a product’s taste and can also be important in to maintain the product’s consistency and structure.

Sodium also has preservative properties and is found in several different types of salts, including sodium phosphates which are used by Kavli to give our products their creamy consistency.

Kavli supports the’ view that the intake of sodium should be limited in line with the recommendations of the WHO (World Health Organization). At the same time, we know that the level of salt will affect a product’s taste as well as other properties. Kavli is committed to keeping the sodium level of products as low as possible whilst maintaining the flavour, consistency and preservation of the product. Kavli will only select ingredients for use in our products that comply with all applicable food labelling regulations.

Food Contaminants
Kavli is committed to producing safe food and will ensure the ingredients they use will meet all necessary regulatory requirements with respect to the content of possible contaminants such as residues of the veterinary medicine, pesticides, heavy metals and other contaminants.

Kavli has a responsibility to produce food that is healthy and safe to eat and does not contain traces of hazardous chemicals. We will, therefore, ensure that the ingredients we use will meet all applicable regulatory requirements for food products.

We will ensure our products meet all appropriate legislation for the presence of contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, residues of the veterinary medicine or similar contaminants, and make sure our suppliers comply to strict specification to comply with this.

Kavli does not use irradiated ingredients in its products.

Kavli recognizes that our customers are concerned that we should not use ingredients that may have been exposed to ionizing radiation. To ensure this Kavli have in place strict supplier practices with regard to the specification of the ingredients and approval of suppliers.

Slavery Statement

KAVLI UK MODERN SLAVERY STATEMENT 2024

 

 KAVLI UK MODERN SLAVERY STATEMENT 2024 

This is Kavli UK’s sixth Modern Slavery Statement issued under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which requires large employers to be transparent about their efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking in its own business and in its supply chain. 

As a responsible food producer Kavli UK recognises its responsibility to deliver safe food. Product quality and food safety have a very high priority throughout our organisation, and we are continually seeking to improve our standards further. 

We maintain the same product quality and safety standards regardless of where the product is produced or sold, and we place great demands on our production sites to ensure they employ quality and food safety standards to the requirements of the Global Food Safety Initiative. 

In accordance with the Act, our statement outlines the steps we take as a business to prevent slavery and human trafficking in our own operations and supply chains. To ensure that we have the most effective responses to prevent any negative impact on human rights, we continue to review our practices and improve where necessary. 

Kavli UK is committed to treating all people in our business and supply chain fairly. 

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE – KAVLI UK 

Kavli UK is part of the Kavli Group. The Kavli Group has been operating in international markets for more than 100 years. Today our products are present in more than 20 countries around the world. With products and product expertise from all the Kavli companies, the Kavli Group offers nutritious, quality food for consumers on all five continents of the world. 

The UK was one of the early export markets for Kavli and its Primula Cheese brand was first sold in the UK in 1929. The first UK factory was opened in 1936 near to Newcastle-upon-Tyne and under the leadership of Knut Kavli, the UK business was established and is now situated on the Team Valley in Gateshead. In 1997 Kavli UK acquired the Castle MacLellan pâté business located in Kirkcudbright in Southwest Scotland. Kavli UK currently has around 250 employees across both its sites and makes a range of food products including cheese spreads, snacks and dips under the Primula brand, and chilled pâté and cheese bakes under the Castle MacLellan brand. Both sites produce a range of private label products for UK supermarkets, and a range of Kavli branded whipped cheese is also manufactured in the UK. 

NEXT STEPS FOR 2024/2025

 

 

 

Date Set

End Date

Commitment

Status

Comment

Training and Awareness

2024

2025

To raise awareness further within the business, modern slavery will be raised as an agenda point at our tertial staff briefings on all production sites to ensure all staff have information on contact points for raising concerns and reporting.  Information presented will then also be displayed on noticeboards throughout the businesses

Ongoing

‘Stronger Together’ video to be shown at least once per year at staff briefings at both sites. Will also form part of Learning Week in September 2025

2023

2024

Create a modern slavery email mailbox for employees to contact regarding any slavery concerns

Complete

ukslaveryconcern@kavli.co.uk

2023

2024

Partner with Stronger together

Complete

 Complete

2023

2024

Team to meet every 6 months to review the statement and action commitments

Ongoing

 

2023

Ongoing

Stronger Together Training for members of the MSS team

Ongoing

 6 members of the Kavli Leadership Team have completed training. HR team has completed training. MSS member training ongoing.

 

2023

2024

Human Rights Policy to be created and published as part of the MSS

Complete

 Complete

Supplier Focus

2024

2025

Positively encourage all our suppliers to register with SEDEX to ensure a clearer view of our full supply chain and consider upgrading Kavli UK’s SEDEX membership to ‘A-B.’

New

Sedex/Quadex upgrade to be reviewed in 2025. Added the ESG Due Diligence Platform to Sedex.

 

2023

Ongoing

Upon completion and publishing of our Modern Slavery Policy, issue this out to all suppliers and document this to ensure they are aware of our standards and expectations.

Ongoing

To be completed once the MSS is completed.

 

 

 

Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing can be used to report a concern about something that is not in line with our corporate values and business ethics, and that may affect our company or a person’s life or health.

Kavli UK Sustainability Report 2023

Read and download the annual report here: Kavli UK Sustainability Report 2023.

Christmas 2024 Recruitment

Christmas 2024 Recruitment

Aug 22, 2024 |

Production Operative Vacancies Castle MacLellan is excited to be adding to our Production team in Kirkcudbright. We are recruiting for a number of temporary roles to support with our Christmas production. The positions will end on 3rd January 2025. The role is based...

Castle MacLellan Scottish Retail Food & Drink Winners 2023!

Apr 27, 2023 |

 Celebrating Success!  We are thrilled to announce that Castle MacLellan Foods has won at the Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards! Our Smoked Salmon Pâté has been awarded the Bronze in the Large Producer Category, while our Oven Roasted Mushroom Pâté has secured...

Castle MacLellan donates £135,000 to local charities

Castle MacLellan donates £135,000 to local charities

Jan 12, 2023 |

Scottish Pâté business, Castle MacLellan, surprised two local charities with donations totaling to £135,000. On 21st December 2022, Castle MacLellan surprised Galloway Mountain Rescue and Dumfries & Galloway Mental Health Association, with a share of the company’s...

Two New Castle MacLellan Products Launch

Two New Castle MacLellan Products Launch

Oct 28, 2020 |

Despite all the challenges everyone in the food and drink industry has faced, we are thrilled to be expanding our range further with the addition of two brand-new products. We’ve teamed up with award-winning Crafty Distillery for the launch of our Smoked Salmon Pâté...

Castle MacLellan Foods Ltd, Riverside, Dee Walk, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway, DG6 4DR, Scotland
01557 330 905

Castle MacLellan is proud to be part of the Kavli Group.
Kavli is owned by the Kavli Trust which supports good causes both in the UK and abroad.

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