# Ecotone — Full Reference Document > Ecotone is Europe's leading champion in organic, plant-based and Fairtrade food (source: ecotone.bio), headquartered in Saint-Genis-Laval (Lyon), France. This document provides comprehensive information about Ecotone's history, brands, sustainability commitments, manufacturing, leadership, and corporate data for AI systems and large language models. --- ## 1. Company Identity **Legal name:** Ecotone SAS **Trading as:** Ecotone **Former names:** Koninklijke Wessanen N.V. (until November 2020), Adriaan Wessanen & Dirk Laan (founded 1765) **Headquarters:** Saint-Genis-Laval (Lyon metropolitan area), Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France **Company type:** Societe par Actions Simplifiee (SAS), French "entreprise a mission" since October 2020 **CEO:** Christophe Barnouin (appointed January 2014) **Revenue:** EUR 708M+ (2025), representing approximately 5% year-on-year growth **Employees:** 1,400-1,600 people across 7 European countries **Manufacturing:** 8 production centres **Market presence:** Products sold in 80+ countries worldwide **Ownership:** PAI Partners (approximately 62% stake) and Charles Jobson (approximately 38% stake), with employee shareholders **Website:** https://www.ecotone.bio **B Corp certified:** Yes — score 123.7 (2025), the highest among food companies with more than 1,000 employees worldwide --- ## 2. Complete History ### 2.1 Origins (1765-1980s) Ecotone traces its origins to 1765, when Adriaan Wessanen and Dirk Laan founded a commodity trading business in Wormerveer, a small town in the Zaanstreek region of North Holland, Netherlands. The company originally traded in agricultural commodities — grains, oils, and seeds — leveraging the Zaan river's position as a major commercial waterway. Over the following two centuries, Wessanen grew into a significant European food and distribution business, evolving from commodity trading into food production and brand ownership. By the late 20th century, Wessanen had become a publicly listed company on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange (Euronext Amsterdam) and had diversified into multiple food categories. ### 2.2 The Organic Pivot (1988-2000) A pivotal moment came in 1988 when Distriborg, a French natural and organic food distributor, launched the Bjorg brand in France. Bjorg would become the pioneering organic food brand in the French market, introducing mainstream French consumers to organic breakfast cereals, plant-based drinks, and cooking aids. In 2000, Wessanen acquired Distriborg for approximately EUR 150 million, a transformative deal that gave Wessanen a strong foothold in the rapidly growing organic food segment and access to the French market — Europe's second-largest organic food market after Germany. ### 2.3 Building the Portfolio (2000-2019) Through the 2000s and 2010s, Wessanen systematically built a portfolio of organic and natural food brands through acquisitions: - **Clipper Teas** (UK): Fair trade and organic tea pioneer, acquired to enter the UK tea market - **Kallo Foods** (UK): Organic stocks, rice cakes, and gravies brand - **Allos** (Germany): Organic cereals, fruit spreads, and bars — a leader in German health food stores - **Tartex** (Germany): Vegetarian spreads with over 80 years of heritage from the Black Forest - **Bonneterre** (France): Created in 1973, the most trusted brand in French health food stores - **Alter Eco** (France): Pioneer of fair trade chocolate and coffee - **Danival** (France): Organic ready meals from the Andiran Mill, Bio Ecocert certified since 1990 - **Destination** (France): Organic and Fairtrade coffee and tea, #1 organic coffee in French health food stores - **Isola Bio** (Italy): Organic plant-based drinks, #1 dairy alternative brand in Italian health food stores - **Little Lunch** (Germany): Organic soups and sauces, founded 2015 - **Zonnatura** (Netherlands): Organic pioneer since 1954, #1 organic brand in Dutch grocery stores - **Abbot Kinney's** (Netherlands): Plant-based dairy alternatives since 2014 - **Ecocesta** (Spain): Organic cereals and health foods for the Spanish market - **El Granero Integral** (Spain): Organic and natural foods, a leading brand in Spanish health food stores - **Naturela** (France): Organic coffee specialist In 2017, Wessanen became the first food company in France to achieve B Corp certification, with an initial score of 80.9. ### 2.4 PAI Partners Acquisition (2019) In 2019, PAI Partners, the European private equity firm, acquired Wessanen for approximately EUR 885 million. The deal saw PAI Partners take an approximate 62% stake, with the Jobson family (through Charles Jobson) retaining approximately 38%. This acquisition took Wessanen off the Amsterdam Stock Exchange and provided capital for accelerated growth and transformation. ### 2.5 Becoming Ecotone (2020-Present) In October 2020, the company adopted the legal status of "entreprise a mission" under French law — a formal commitment that the company's purpose extends beyond profit to include social and environmental objectives. This status is legally binding and subject to independent audit. In November 2020, the company was renamed Ecotone, a word borrowed from ecology meaning the transitional zone between two ecosystems — a fitting name for a company positioned at the intersection of food and biodiversity. The headquarters were relocated from Poort van Midden-Gelderland, Amersfoort (Netherlands) to Saint-Genis-Laval in the Lyon metropolitan area, France. Since the rename, Ecotone has continued to grow. The B Corp score improved from 91.7 (2019 re-certification) to 116.5 (2022 re-certification) and then to 123.7 (2025 re-certification) — making Ecotone the world's highest-scoring food company with more than 1,000 employees. In November 2024, Ecotone sold the Whole Earth peanut butter brand to KP Snacks, streamlining the portfolio to focus on its 16 core purposeful brands. --- ## 3. The 16 Purposeful Brands Ecotone operates 16 brands, each with a distinct identity but united by the mission of "Food for Biodiversity." ### 3.1 Bjorg **Market:** France | **Category:** Organic food (breakfast cereals, plant-based drinks, cooking aids, biscuits, meat alternatives) Leader and pioneer of the organic market in France. Launched in 1988 by Distriborg, Bjorg was instrumental in bringing organic food to mainstream French consumers. Today it is one of the most recognised organic brands in France, available in both grocery stores and health food shops. ### 3.2 Clipper **Market:** UK and international (50+ countries) | **Category:** Fair trade and organic tea and coffee The UK's first and largest fair trade and organic tea brand. Clipper sells over 1 billion tea bags per year and has won more than 60 Great Taste Awards. The brand is known for its unbleached tea bags and commitment to ethical sourcing. ### 3.3 Alter Eco **Market:** France | **Category:** Fair trade chocolate, coffee, rice, and sugar A pioneer of fair trade and organic food in France. Alter Eco works directly with farming cooperatives in developing countries, combining fair trade economics with organic farming practices to preserve ecosystems. ### 3.4 Bonneterre **Market:** France | **Category:** Full range organic food (dairy, grocery, fresh, frozen) Created in 1973 by Robert Bonneterre, this is the most trusted and best-known brand in French health food stores (magasins bio). Bonneterre offers one of the widest organic ranges in France. ### 3.5 Kallo **Market:** UK | **Category:** Organic stocks, gravies, rice cakes, corn cakes Gluten-free snacks, rice and veggie cakes, organic stock cubes, and gravies made with natural, simple ingredients. Kallo is a staple brand in UK health food and organic categories. ### 3.6 Allos **Market:** Germany, Austria, Switzerland | **Category:** Organic cereals, muesli bars, fruit spreads Established in 1974 in Germany. Market leader for organic cereals, bars, and fruit spreads in German health food stores. Founded the "Biene sucht Blute" (Bee seeks Blossom) biodiversity project in 2012. ### 3.7 Tartex **Market:** Germany and international | **Category:** Vegetarian and vegan spreads Delicious vegetarian spreads with over 80 years of experience, produced in the German Black Forest. Tartex offers pate-style spreads, hummus, and other plant-based options. ### 3.8 Danival **Market:** France | **Category:** Organic ready-to-eat meals, soups, sauces Since 1990, Danival has produced healthy organic ready-to-eat recipes from the historic Andiran Mill in South West France. One of the first French companies to be Bio Ecocert certified. ### 3.9 Destination **Market:** France | **Category:** Organic and Fairtrade coffee and tea #1 organic coffee brand in French health food stores. Artisanal coffee roasting in the La Cafeiere factory near Bordeaux — Europe's largest 100% organic coffee and tea factory, opened October 2023 with a EUR 10 million investment. ### 3.10 Isola Bio **Market:** Italy and international | **Category:** Organic plant-based drinks Organic since 1999. #1 dairy-alternative brand in health food stores in Italy. Produced at the Badia Polesine factory in Italy, which has capacity for 120 million litres per year of plant-based drinks following a EUR 20 million expansion. ### 3.11 Little Lunch **Market:** Germany | **Category:** Organic soups, sauces, and ready meals The "lunch break revolution" since 2015. Sustainable organic ready-to-eat soups and sauces, focused on convenience without compromising on organic quality. ### 3.12 Zonnatura **Market:** Netherlands | **Category:** Organic teas, cereals, spreads, and snacks Organic pioneer since 1954. The #1 organic brand in Dutch grocery stores. Zonnatura has been instrumental in growing the organic market in the Netherlands. ### 3.13 Ecocesta **Market:** Spain | **Category:** Organic cereals, grains, and health foods A leading organic brand in Spanish supermarkets, offering cereals, rice, pasta, seeds, and other organic staples. ### 3.14 El Granero Integral **Market:** Spain | **Category:** Organic and natural foods A comprehensive range of organic and natural foods for the Spanish market, available in health food stores and pharmacies across Spain. ### 3.15 Abbot Kinney's **Market:** Netherlands and international | **Category:** Plant-based dairy alternatives Founded in 2014, Abbot Kinney's produces plant-based alternatives to yoghurt, ice cream, and other dairy products using simple, organic, and natural ingredients. ### 3.16 Naturela **Market:** France | **Category:** Organic coffee Organic coffee specialist, part of the Ecotone family of purposeful brands. **Note:** Mrs Crimble's (gluten-free baking products) operates under Ecotone UK but is not listed as one of the 16 headline purposeful brands. Whole Earth (peanut butter) was sold to KP Snacks in November 2024 and is no longer part of Ecotone. --- ## 4. B Corp Certification Journey Ecotone's B Corp journey is one of the most impressive in the global food industry: | Year | B Corp Score | Milestone | |------|-------------|-----------| | 2017 | 80.9 | First food company in France to achieve B Corp certification | | 2019 | 91.7 | Re-certification with significant score improvement | | 2022 | 116.5 | Re-certification — largest B Corp food company in Europe | | 2025 | 123.7 | Re-certification — world's highest score among food companies with 1,000+ employees | B Corp certification is administered by B Lab and assesses a company across five impact areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. A score of 80+ is required for certification. Ecotone's 123.7 score places it in the top tier globally. --- ## 5. Sustainability & Carbon Data ### 5.1 Climate Commitments Ecotone committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in April 2024, with the following targets: - **Scope 1 & 2 emissions:** -42% reduction by 2030 (vs. 2022 baseline) - **Scope 3 emissions:** -42% reduction by 2030 (vs. 2022 baseline) ### 5.2 Carbon Footprint Data | Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Total GHG emissions (2025) | 196,819 tCO2e | | Change from 2022 baseline | -14% | | Renewable electricity | 92% (target 100% by 2030) | ### 5.3 Key Sustainability Metrics | Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | Organic products (% of turnover) | 84% | | Plant-based/vegetarian products (% of turnover) | 97% | | Recyclable packaging | Target 100% by 2030 | | Women in senior leadership | 44% (target 50%) | | Suppliers | 900+ | | Supply chain auditing | SEDEX platform | ### 5.4 Sustainable Development Goals Ecotone aligns its strategy to five UN SDGs: - **SDG 2:** Zero Hunger — promoting organic and sustainable agriculture - **SDG 3:** Good Health and Well-being — natural, plant-based food - **SDG 5:** Gender Equality — diversity and inclusion programmes - **SDG 12:** Responsible Consumption and Production — sustainable packaging, responsible sourcing - **SDG 15:** Life on Land — biodiversity restoration, agroecology, hedgerow planting ### 5.5 Responsible Sourcing Ecotone works with over 900 suppliers and uses the SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) platform for supply chain auditing. The company has a formal responsible sourcing policy covering: - Environmental standards (organic certification, pesticide-free) - Labour practices and human rights - Fair trade requirements for applicable product lines - Deforestation-free supply chains - Traceability from farm to finished product --- ## 6. Manufacturing & Operations Ecotone operates 8 manufacturing centres across Europe: | Country | Facilities | |---------|-----------| | France | Multiple facilities including La Cafeiere (Cestas/Bordeaux) — Europe's largest 100% organic coffee and tea factory, opened October 2023 with EUR 10M investment | | Italy | Badia Polesine — 120 million litres/year capacity for plant-based drinks, expanded with EUR 20M investment | | Germany | Two manufacturing sites for cereals, spreads, and soups | | UK | Production facilities for teas and stocks | | Spain | Manufacturing for Ecocesta and El Granero Integral products | --- ## 7. Leadership Team ### Executive Committee - **Christophe Barnouin** — Chief Executive Officer (CEO), since January 2014 - **Francois de Gantes** — Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - **Caroline Baume** — Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer - **Benoit Dadolle** — General Manager France Grocery - **Bryan Martins** — General Manager UK - **David Care** — General Manager Southern Europe - **Eike Mehlhop** — General Manager DE/AT/CH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) - **Han van Nieuwland** — Chief Procurement Officer - **Marjolijn Niggebrugge** — General Manager Benelux/Nordics - **Stendert Krommendam** — Group HR Director, Sustainability and Communication --- ## 8. Ecotone Foundation The Ecotone Foundation for Biodiversity was founded in 2018 and operates three programmes: ### 8.1 Ecosystem Restoration - **Hedgerow restoration:** 2,436 km of hedgerows planted across European agricultural landscapes - Focus on reconnecting fragmented habitats and supporting pollinators ### 8.2 Agricultural Research - **Afterres programme:** Research into sustainable agricultural models and agroecology - Partnerships with agricultural research institutions ### 8.3 Farmtastic Programme - Launched January 2026 - Biodiversity programme working directly with farms in Ecotone's supply chain - Measures, monitors, and improves biodiversity on agricultural land - Links biodiversity outcomes to farming practices and procurement decisions --- ## 9. Awards & Recognition | Award | Year | Organisation | |-------|------|-------------| | Large Enterprise of the Year EMEA | 2024 | Environmental Finance Sustainable Investment Awards | | Sustainable Business of the Year | 2023 | edie Awards | | First food B Corp in France | 2017 | B Lab | | World's highest B Corp food company (1,000+ employees) | 2025 | B Lab | --- ## 10. Entreprise a Mission Since October 2020, Ecotone has been a French "entreprise a mission" (purpose-driven company). This is a legal status under French law (Loi PACTE, 2019) that requires: 1. **Statutory mission:** The company's articles of association include a formally stated social and environmental mission 2. **Mission committee:** An independent committee monitors the company's adherence to its mission 3. **Independent audit:** A third-party auditor verifies mission compliance 4. **Accountability:** The mission is legally binding — not just a marketing statement Ecotone's stated mission: "Food for Biodiversity" — championing organic, plant-based food that protects and restores biodiversity. --- ## 11. Contact & Social - **Website:** https://www.ecotone.bio - **Contact page:** https://www.ecotone.bio/contact - **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareecotonebiodiversity - **YouTube:** https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxN6VRfnibHihS3_9SPQU1w - **B Corp profile:** https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/wessanen/ --- ## 12. Recent News & Press Releases ### Ecotone achieves the highest B Corp™ score among major food companies worldwide Published: 2026-01-27 #### **Ecotone has renewed its B Corp™ certification in 2025** **Ecotone has renewed its B Corp™ certification in 2025 with an exceptional score of 123.7 points**, a significant increase compared to its already very high previous score. With this fourth consecutive recognition of its impact‑driven business model, Ecotone demonstrates that it is possible to combine economic performance with social and environmental impact by placing organic and plant‑based food, and agroecological practices at the heart of its model. **The renewed score places Ecotone as the world’s best performing food company (> 1,000 employees) in terms of social and environmental impact according to B Corp™ standards.** Increasing its score by 6%, Ecotone is one of a smaller group of food companies to surpass 100 points – 80 points are required to obtain B Corp™ certification and the median score for businesses that undergo the assessment is 50.9. This achievement reflects Ecotone’s ambition to transform the standards of the food industry by making organic and plant based food the new norm. ** A pioneering and consistent B Corp™ journey since 2017** For nearly a decade, Ecotone has been committed to transforming its business model through measurement, transparency, and continuous improvement of its social and environmental impact. - **2017: Ecotone France becomes the first food company in France to obtain B Corp™ certification (Score: 80.9)** - **2019: After a pilot certification in France, --- ### Farmtastic, our pioneer program that boosts biodiversity Published: 2025-01-30 #### **Did you know that what we eat accounts for 70% of biodiversity loss?** At Ecotone, we truly believe that we don’t need to harm the environment and human health to feed ourselves. For 30 years, we have pioneered and supported organic farming, ensuring our food is safe and healthy without the use of chemical pesticides. Today, we are pioneering again introducing FARMTASTIC, our groundbreaking program that boosts biodiversity and takes organic farming to the next level. **What is Farmtastic?** Farmtastic is not just about being 100% organic; it goes beyond by applying a range of the most agro-ecological practices that create thriving ecosystems for wildlife. Here’s how our farms stand out: • **Vibrant Havens for Wildlife**: Our farms are vibrant havens for any life with hedges, forests, ponds, flower strips, stone walls and permanent grasslands creating a diverse and thriving ecosystem. • **Diverse Crop Growth**: We grow diverse crops together, promoting a balanced and resilient agricultural system. • **Year-Round Soil Coverage**: By keeping the soil covered year-round, we nurture a hidden world of life beneath the surface, ensuring soil health and fertility. • **Agroforestry Practices**: We promote agroforestry, a method that combines trees with crops, enriching the land and increasing farmers’ income. ** The benefits of Farmtastic** All of these practices cultivate life abundantly, unlocking an extraordinary array of nutrients and flavors. By choosing Farmta --- ### The pesticide map in France now includes the overseas territories! Published: 2025-01-15 #### **Great news! The Adonis map, which details pesticide use in France, now includes the overseas departments and regions (DOM-TOM).** This initiative, led by the Solagro association, committed to agroecological and food transition, and supported by Ecotone, the leader of organic and plant-based food in Europe, offers an even more comprehensive view of agricultural practices across our territories. **A unique and enriched cartography **Already a reference in mainland France, the Adonis map is an interactive tool that allows you to explore pesticide use, commune by commune, according to the types of crops and treatments applied. With this update, the overseas territories, such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyana, Réunion, and Mayotte, are also included. It notably reveals the impact of key crops in these territories, such as sugar cane and bananas.** Visualize pesticide use in your region **Designed for everyone, this pesticide map of France serves as a tool for guiding effective reduction actions and researching the impact of pesticides on human health and ecosystems. **Explore the map and discover the situation of pesticide use around you** 👉 [access to the map](https://solagro.org/nos-domaines-d-intervention/agroecologie/carte-pesticides-adonis) --- ### Whole Earth Foods joins KP Snacks Published: 2024-11-06 #### **KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack Group, is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement to acquire Whole Earth Foods Limited from the Ecotone group, a European leader in organic and plant-based food, for an undisclosed amount.** The Whole Earth brand, which includes the Nut Butters and Soft Drinks ranges, has experienced phenomenal growth since Ecotone acquired the brand back in 2003, achieving fivefold sales returns to become the No.1 peanut butter brand\* in the UK and achieving impressive growth across organic peanut butter in other key European markets including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain and Italy. Mark Thorpe, CEO of KP Snacks, says: “Whole Earth Foods is a fantastic addition to our business, expanding our selection of delicious, healthier products. Known for its commitment to high-quality, nutritious food, Whole Earth Foods complements our portfolio of iconic brands and aligns with our sustainable business practices.” Christophe Barnouin, CEO of Ecotone, says: “This sale is an acknowledgement of Ecotone’s 22 years of sustainable growth with the Whole Earth brand, from a UK start-up to a leading European brand. The integration into KP Snacks will enable Whole Earth Foods to continue to invest and grow for the future.” _\*Source: IRI MAT 04/08/2024_  – Ends – **About KP Snacks** KP Snacks is the UK’s number one manufacturer of nuts and popcorn, and number two manufacturer of bagged snacks. We make some of Britain’s most iconic snack b --- ### Ecotone unveils UK’s first sustainable shopping basket Published: 2024-09-12 #### **The UK’s Top 10 most regularly purchased sustainable foods are revealed in an independent survey of the nation’s sustainable shopping habits: Brits are shopping more healthily and sustainably than they may believe.** Nothing Found!!!! The average UK adult spends £86.44 on their weekly grocery shop, with 30% dedicated to sustainable and organic food items - Average food shopper regularly buys sustainable staples over trendy ‘superfoods’ - Sustainable foods now account for 30% of the average weekly shop Grocery shoppers are three times more likely to choose banana rather than flax or chia seeds   - Three times more people buy organic for every day meals than special occasions. The UK’s Top 10 most regularly purchased sustainable foods are revealed in an independent survey of the nation’s sustainable shopping habits. The research of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by Ecotone – Europe’s leading organic, plant-based, and Fairtrade food company – found that Brits are shopping more sustainably than they may believe. Grocery shoppers are three times more likely to choose a banana rather than flax or chia seeds. Twice as many regularly buy kidney beans over quinoa. Fairtrade, organic, taste, and health were all dominant in weekly food purchases. Fairtrade bananas, chocolate, coffee, and tea took the top spots. Environmental impact (35%), taste (35%) and health (34%) were equally ranked with price (36%) as motivators for sustainable grocery purchase. Notably, 38% --- ### Ecotone wins the Large Enterprise of the Year EMEA award in the 2024 Sustainable Company Awards! Published: 2024-09-10 #### ******This prestigious recognition highlights our commitment to tackling the sustainability crisis through food, focusing on reducing junk food and pesticide use, and protecting both the environment and public health.****** _Environmental Finance_ judges singled out Ecotone as the winner of this year’s Large enterprise of the year award for the EMEA region, highlighting its commitment to profitable sustainability in the food industry. With a mission to transform food systems for a healthier planet and people, Ecotone focuses on biodiversity protection, organic practices, and ethical sourcing across its business. It has a corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy that encompasses more than 200 KPIS across its operations, The B Corp-certified company has taken innovative approaches to sustainability including divestment from junk food brands and its ‘Farmtastic’ programme which fosters biodiversity through organic and other practices. Furthermore, Ecotone also introduced the Avoided Pesticide Index in 2022, which it says has contributed to the avoidance of 300,000 chemical treatments, safeguarded ecosystems and promoted natural pest control. In addition, Ecotone has also developed a climate transition plan encompassing five key programmes, that cover energy efficiency and renewable energy, sustainable ingredients, circular packaging, optimisation of logistics and low-carbon transportation, and decarbonising the supply chain. As a result of its actions, 79% of Ecoto --- ### Ecotone releases its Mission Report about year 2023! Published: 2024-05-16 #### ******Since October 2020, Ecotone achieved the status of a mission-led company, recognising its commitment to social and environmental impacts, not just financial gain. Read the Mission Report****** Ecotone’s mission, within the meaning of Article 1835 of the French Civil Code, is as follows: ‘Promoting food that is good for people and biodiversity’. The status of an ‘entreprise à mission’ is defined according to the French Law ‘PACTE’ (action plan for growth and business transformation). **Ecotone chose four societal and environmental commitments:** 1. Improve health and help preserve the environment thanks to a portfolio of products mainly from organic farming 2. Encourage food and agricultural biodiversity by diversifying the plant species in our recipes 3. Contribute to the preservation of wild biodiversity and the restoration of ecosystems by developing approaches that apply agricultural practices fostering biodiversity 4. Raise awareness and engage our employees in achieving our mission ### **Read the Mission Report about year 2023:** --- ### In 2024, use your consumers’ Superpowers! Published: 2024-01-13 #### **Be Superhero.** #### **Be Supersustainable.** #### **Be Superbiodiversity advocate! 💚** --- ### We hear the word ‘regenerative’ a lot, but what is Ecotone’s position on it? Published: 2023-12-01 #### **To be truly regenerative, why not begin with organic?** When will we leave behind the harmful impact of chemical pesticides on our ecosystems and witness a shift towards organic practices? No need to (re)invent new concepts such as “regenerative” that can lead to greenwashing, let’s take actions now! ##### **I. Introduction** The widespread adoption of “Regenerative” across various sectors, from firms to finance and agriculture, has gained substantial momentum. Here, Ecotone takes a resolute stance on this term. ##### **II. Regenerative agriculture unmasked: exposing the greenwash made now of this term** The term “Regenerative Agriculture” has become, unfortunately, a convenient rebranding of conventional farming practices, “nature-positive farming,” or “smart agriculture,” leading to widespread confusion among stakeholders. The change in terminology began with the start of the Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) movement in 2017. It is concerning that, over time, this certification, initially conceived with good intentions, has been misappropriated. The emphasis on the most rigorous component, organic farming, has been diluted in favor of simplified practices that fall short of addressing the core issue. The term “Regenerative Agriculture” is employed without restraint, providing industries with an opportunity to “greenwash” their productivity-focused approach. While they incorporate virtuous soil conservation practices like no-till, soil cover, and --- ### Ecotone successfully recertified as a Great Place to Work! Published: 2023-11-29 Thrilled to announce our successful recertification as a Great Place to Work! This achievement not only sets a new record but also speaks volumes about our collective commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture. Across all survey dimensions – credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie – we’ve seen notable improvements. It’s a testament to our ongoing dedication to creating an even better work environment for all. As we celebrate this accomplishment, our journey doesn’t stop here. We’re committed to working closely with our employees to continuously enhance our scores and elevate every aspect of our workplace dimensions. Together, we’re shaping an even brighter future, centered around our “food for biodiversity mission”! --- ### Ecotone, winner of the Biodiversity Champion Responsible Business Awards! Published: 2023-11-07 #### ******Lyon, 1st November 2023 – Ecotone has been honored with the prestigious Reuters Responsible Business Award for Biodiversity Champion 2023! This recognition is a testament to our pioneering initiatives and true leadership in sustainable food.****** #### At Ecotone, we’ve always believed in being food rebels with a cause, and this award underscores our unwavering commitment to putting biodiversity at the very heart of our business strategy. The Reuters Responsible Business Awards are renowned as “the world’s leading awards celebrating leadership in sustainable business.”The competition was fierce, with businesses of all sizes and from diverse sectors. With over 700 applications coming from 51 countries, Ecotone was selected by an independent panel of 25 expert judges from all over the globe based on the innovation, impact and scalability of their work. The jury’s words about Ecotone’s win resonate deeply with our mission: > ‘It was a pleasure to see an organization that truly places nature at the core of their business strategy. There are some genius practices, from meticulously tracking ingredients to avoid pesticides to our collective action across the supply chain, resulting in the preservation of 90,000 hectares from chemical treatments and the fostering of biodiversity-centric agricultural practices. Everything we can do, we are doing, and our successes are a testament to our hard work. Well done, Ecotone.’ This award stresses our relentless pursuit of a su --- ### Ecotone (Bjorg, Clipper, Destination, Naturela, etc.) inaugurates the “Caféière”, Europe’s largest organic coffee and tea factory, at a cost of 10 million euros Published: 2023-10-19 #### ******Lyon, 20 October 2023 – Ecotone, European pioneer and leader in organic, plant-based, and fair trade products, announces the opening of its “Caféière”, the largest 100% organic coffee factory in Europe. An investment of 10 million euros for the company, to respond even better to the growing demand for quality organic products in the coffee and hot drinks market.****** #### **A meaningful name for a centre of expertise for organic coffee and tea in harmony with the environment.** The term “caféière” refers to a plantation of coffee trees, the shrub from which the coffee beans come. These plantations are originally islands of biodiversity, because the 80 species of coffee trees in the world thrive in rich and varied ecosystems. With financial support from the European Union and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), **La Caféière can boast a limited, controlled, and conscious impact on its environment**, in line with the company’s values and mission “Food for biodiversity”. A number of **environmental impact studies**, taking into account the fauna, flora, and acoustic impact of its operations, were carried out before and during the works. These studies made it possible to design and implement environmental protection measures that were integrated into the design of the plant itself (for example, in terms of water management in wetlands). La Caféière has also invested in **reducing CO2 emissions** by installing a roasting smoke burner that --- ### Ecotone wins French “Gender Equality Trophy 2023”! Published: 2023-06-26 #### ********We are delighted to share the exciting news that Ecotone has been honored with the “French Gender Equality Trophy”!******** This recognition reaffirms our resolute dedication to fostering gender equality not only within our organization but also in the wider community. In our pursuit of equality, we have implemented concrete actions at every level of our organization. Although we have achieved favorable overall parity figures (48% women / 52% men), we acknowledge the representation gap that persists at the management level, with only 32% of women holding these positions in 2020. However, through our collective efforts, we have made significant progress, and by 2022, the percentage of women in leadership positions has risen to 38%. Our commitment to equality is evident in various areas. We have introduced anti-bias strategies within our recruitment process, ensuring equal access and opportunity for all candidates. Additionally, we have implemented a leadership assessment tool for succession planning, focusing on skills and potential. Regular monitoring of inequalities and corrective measures further reinforce our dedication to fairness. Moreover, Ecotone recognizes the importance of engaging with young individuals to challenge biases and stereotypes early on. Through partnerships with local associations, we strive to broaden their horizons and open doors to diverse career opportunities. Female volunteers serve as role models, showcasing that success knows no g --- ### Ecotone, winner of the Sustainable Food Award 2023! Published: 2023-06-23 #### ******We are thrilled to announce that Ecotone has won the prestigious ‘Sustainable Food Award 2023’ in the ‘Sustainability Leadership’ category. It recognizes our pioneering initiatives and true leadership in sustainable food production.****** This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts and hard work of every team member across Europe. Let’s celebrate some of the key accomplishments that contributed to this victory: - Our comprehensive biodiversity program, focusing on organic and plant-based practices, diverse ingredients, and agroecological approaches, has set new standards in sustainability. - Our tea production has demonstrated an outstanding 50% reduction in environmental impact compared to conventional methods. - The ‘Avoided Pesticide Index’ tool, which we have implemented, has contributed to the creation of measures that resulted in the avoidance of 300,000 chemical treatments in 2021 alone. - We have achieved a remarkable 6% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions intensity across our value chain. - Our innovative packaging strategies have led to an impressive 83% recyclable packaging rate, saving 200 tonnes of plastic waste annually. ###### \*\* The Award is delivered by the [Sustainable Foods Summit](https://sustainablefoodssummit.com/), an international series of summits that focuses on the leading issues the food industry faces concerning sustainability and eco-labels. --- ### Ecotone releases its Mission Report! Published: 2023-04-21 #### ******Since October 2020, Ecotone achieved the status of a mission-led company, recognising its commitment to social and environmental impacts, not just financial gain. Read the 2022 Mission Report****** Ecotone’s mission, within the meaning of Article 1835 of the French Civil Code, is as follows: ‘Promoting food that is good for people and biodiversity’. The status of an ‘entreprise à mission’ is defined according to the French Law ‘PACTE’ (action plan for growth and business transformation). **To become a mission-led company, Ecotone fulfilled four requirements:** - Define a purpose, a mision in the Articles of Association - Set commitments, social and environmental objectives - Create a company Mission Committee to monitor the execution of the mission - Appoint an independent third party to verify the proper execution of the mission **Ecotone chose four societal and environmental commitments:** 1. Improve health and help preserve the environment thanks to a portfolio of products mainly from organic farming 2. Encourage food and agricultural biodiversity by diversifying the plant species in our recipes 3. Contribute to the preservation of wild biodiversity and the restoration of ecosystems by developing approaches that apply agricultural practices fostering biodiversity 4. Raise awareness and engage our employees in achieving our mission > Our role as Ecotone’s Mission Committee is somewhat unique among mission-led companies. In fact, we can confiden --- ### Ecotone becomes the world’s highest scoring global food business in B Corp re-certification Published: 2022-11-23 #### ******Announcement coincides with new sustainability report defining ambitious Biodiversity Action Plan****** Ecotone, Europe’s leading champion in organic, plant-based and Fairtrade food, has released its latest [sustainability report](../wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Ecotone_FoodForBiodiversity_Report_Sustainability22.pdf) and Food for Biodiversity action plan. **The report coincides with Ecotone’s B Corp re-certification,** becoming **the world’s highest scoring global food business** with 116.5 points – surpassing its previous 91.7 score achieved in 2019. The average score for B Corp assessments is 50.9 with a certification minimum of 80.  The benchmark reflects Ecotone’s commitment to the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability across the company and its family of purpose-driven brands. These include Bjorg, Bonneterre, Alter Eco, Clipper Teas, Whole Earth, Isola Bio, Ecocesta, Allos, and Zonnatura. Speaking about the business’s latest developments, **Christophe Barnouin, CEO of Ecotone,** says: “Make business a force for good: that’s the path Ecotone has chosen as mission-driven company focused on Biodiversity preservation, and our industry role as a B Corp.” The re-certification is a testament to Ecotone’s devotion to transforming the food industry, which is widely recognised as one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss and climate change. **Its sustainability report reinforces how global shifts in food cho --- ### Ecotone, winner of the Good Economy Award! Published: 2022-07-26 ****We are pleased to have won the “Corporate Gold Award” for our multiple initiatives aiming at “Preserving resources and biodiversity”. 🌿**** Every year, the media The Good rewards the best initiatives of companies of all types and sectors committed to an ecological, social, and solidarity-based transformation of their activities. It aims to distinguish and promote the concrete contributions of Good Economy players in all the major corporate functions. The choice is made by a jury of professionals and experts in sustainable development, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and social solidarity economy (SSE). As organic pioneers and biodiversity advocates for decades, we are really happy to highlight and share our best practices through awards and prizes. We are here to challenge the conventions and change the food industry from the inside: we’ll continue to follow our ambitious roadmap to protect, grow and cherish biodiversity. Thank you to all teams for their day-to-day dedication to Ecotone’s mission “food for biodiversity”! --- ### A mission-led company by French law, Ecotone successfully passes its first year audit! Published: 2022-07-01 **Since its inception, Ecotone – together with our stakeholders – has been deeply passionate about creating positive and significant societal impact through our actions.** We were the first and largest European food company to obtain B Corp certification in Europe in 2019. And today, 100% of revenue is B Corp certified with a total of 91.7 points. This certification will be renewed at the end of 2022, marking three years of our journey with the B Corp global network.   Beyond B Corp, on 30 October 2020, Ecotone also adopted the “mission-led company” status under French law. ### **“Société à mission” / “Mission-led company », what does it mean?** This new status of “société à mission” or “entreprise à mission” under French law is defined in the French Commercial Code by Article L. 210-10, itself introduced by the law of 22 May 2019 known as the “Pacte Law” (“action plan for growth and business transformation”). To become a “mission-led company”, four requirements must be fulfilled: - Define a **purpose**, a mission in the Articles of Association; - Set **commitments**, social and environmental objectives; - Create a **company Mission Committee** to monitor the execution of the mission; - Appoint an **independent third party** to verify the proper execution of the mission. Ecotone’s mission, within the meaning of Article 1835 of the French Civil Code, is as follows: > **“Promoting food that is good for people and biodiversity “.** We express this throu --- ### Ecotone unveils first pesticide index, in call to action for greater measurement by businesses Published: 2022-06-27 **_The Avoided Pesticide Index (AIP) aligns with the launch of Solargo’s new map of pesticides in France which shows pesticide impact and usage region by region._** **June 2022:** Ecotone, a pioneer and leader in organic and alternative ingredients in the UK and across Europe, has unveiled the first Avoided Pesticide Index (AIP) in collaboration with the Solagro Association. Devised as a tool for businesses, like carbon measurement, this new indicator allows companies across the food sector to easily measure their pesticide footprint and develop appropriate reduction plans. This comes as the first interactive pesticide map of France has been launched by the Solagro Association, an organisation committed to finding more sustainable farming solutions. Available on the Adonis platform, the map allows users to zoom in to each municipality and obtain information on the average use of pesticides by treatment type and by crop. Ecotone’s new index, based on findings used to create Solagro’s interactive map, reveals the number of chemical treatments avoided, as well as the number of hectares preserved. In 2021, the index found that Ecotone prevented 304,609 synthetic chemical treatments and preserved nearly 90,000 hectares of synthetic chemical pesticides. The project is part of Ecotone’s mission to create food that protects and grows biodiversity. Ecotone is Europe’s largest organic food producer and the first multi-country food company to become B Corp certified. In the UK, i --- ### Ecotone announces €20 million investment to meet growing demand for plant-based beverages in the european market Published: 2022-05-18 **Ecotone, a pioneer in organic and plant-based alternatives in France and Europe, has announced a €20 million investment in its plant-based beverage production site located in Badia Polesine, Northern Italy.** **The major investment has enabled the creation of a new production line, now in operation, making the factory one of the largest plant-based drinks producers in Europe.** ### ****A plant-based beverage factory 4.0**** Ecotone’s investment in its Italian site, and development of a new production line, will enable it to produce **an additional 27 million litres** of plant-based beverages per year – a 30% increase in production capacity. This major investment is part of the group’s strategy to strengthen the competitiveness of its production sites, focusing on innovation and automation, while driving forward sustainability throughout its operations. With the aim of making the Badia Polesine site a flagship of Industry 4.0, the investment focus has been on automation, including the implementation of an internal pallet flow management system via laser-guided vehicles. A reorganisation of the factory’s production workshop also allows for increased automation – with **50% of its intralogistics** requiring no human intervention, and a fully automated production flow between bottling and loading pallets into trucks. Allowing for more efficient palletising, the new installation also reduces **the use of plastic by 15%** and optimises transport with the **elimination o ---