Objectives, projects, success stories and guidelines
TAKING RESPONSIBILITY. SHAPING THE FUTURE.
At Gemüsering, we see responsible business practices as the foundation of our entrepreneurial activities. Throughout the entire supply chain – from producers, through retailers, to our customers – we take responsibility for environmental, social and economic considerations. Our aim is to strike a balance between these three perspectives and to develop them further. After all, long-term business success requires more than just efficiency: it requires substance, reliability and a clear sense of responsibility.
Because nature is a matter close to our hearts, this attitude shapes our day-to-day actions. We take responsibility, set clear goals and ensure our progress is transparent.
Alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
RESPONSIBILITY IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework for sustainable development. They combine environmental, social and economic responsibility. Gemüsering aligns its responsible business practices with the SDGs that are particularly relevant to our company and our stakeholders. They provide important guidance for our sustainability goals, measures and our day-to-day operations throughout the entire supply chain.
Policy Statement of the Gemüsering Group
The Gemüsering Group, with its marketing, production and foodservice sites, is aware of its responsibility to respect human rights both within its own organisation and throughout its supply chain. Respect for environmental and human rights in our global value and supply chains has therefore been an integral part of our corporate policy for many years and forms part of our supplier declaration. Our aim is to further promote compliance with and the observance of environmental and human rights, and to prevent violations of these rights.
Further Information
Sustainability
Our objectives
Our objectives provide us with guidance and enable us to measure our performance. They form the framework for our actions in the areas of the environment, social responsibility and corporate governance, and link strategic objectives with specific measures.
PATHWAYS TO OUR GOALS
Below is a selection of the measures we are taking to achieve our sustainability objectives:
WORKING TOGETHER TO FURTHER DEVELOP REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
Together with KLIM, we are testing and evaluating regenerative farming practices in vegetable production. The insights gained are incorporated into our collaboration with our network of growers.
OBSERVE INSECTS. COLLECT DATA.
Using Beefriendly, we record insect populations in selected areas within our network of producers. This monitoring provides a data set that enables us to track trends in biodiversity and assess measures more effectively.
DEVELOPING SCIENCE-BASED CLIMATE TARGETS
As part of the SBTi process, we are working on science-based climate targets for the Gemüsering Group. These are based on clearly defined accounting boundaries, reduction pathways and verifiable progress.
TARGETED ENERGY MANAGEMENT IN THE GREENHOUSE
In our tomato greenhouses in Zorbau and Schkölen, we monitor and analyse energy flows. The data helps us to identify appropriate measures to ensure security of supply and optimise energy use.
Lettuce cultivation in a closed system
In partnership with Rheinlandgemüse Hydro, we grow lettuces in a hydroponic greenhouse facility. Water circulates within a closed system; consumption and operational data are continuously recorded and analysed.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR REFORESTATION
Together with Plant-for-the-Planet, we support specific projects aimed at restoring woodland and planting trees. We provide transparent information on the individual measures and project areas.
Real-world projects
We shape the future and the common good together: through partnership-based collaboration, we are involved in a wide range of projects to ensure that responsibility along the value chain and towards society is both visible and effective.
TOGETHER AGAINST FOOD WASTE
We value people and nature – which is why we are keen to support initiatives that help reduce food waste. Fruit and vegetables that do not meet certain specifications and standards are thus given a new lease of life on people’s plates. For example, Schwäbische Tafel e. V. visits our fresh produce warehouse every day and collects surplus produce for its food banks in the region. Through etepetete, consumers can order organic boxes in various combinations. Furthermore, we are happy to support our customers’ sustainability initiatives and supply them with ‘B-grade’ produce for their sustainable brands – such as ‘Die etwas anderen’ or ‘Krumme Dinger’.
TERRA PRETA FOR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY GARDENS
What began with two raised beds at a school has since grown considerably: together with the VfB Stuttgart sustainability team and the City of Stuttgart, we have supplied 11 schools and six community gardens in the Stuttgart area with Terra Preta and fresh young plants. The soil was produced from the turf removed from VfB’s stadium. In line with the institutions’ wish lists, we selected plants including strawberries, pumpkins and kohlrabi. Together, the beds were set up, filled and planted. VfB’s mascot, Fritzle, was there again too and was a big hit with the children. In this way, the project combines hands-on gardening with knowledge about plants, soil and the reuse of organic materials – and creates space for collaborative learning and experiences of nature in everyday life.
FOR THAT EXTRA PORTION OF FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
As part of the EU School Fruit Scheme, we supply schools with fresh, locally sourced fruit and vegetables. This helps children develop a taste for these fresh foods and, from an early age and almost without realising it, learn to incorporate them into their daily diet. Through the educational support provided by the programme, children learn more about where food comes from, the variety of produce available and the importance of a balanced diet. They also develop key skills in handling food.
RESEARCH FOR THE FUTURE
GEMÜSERING GROUP
ZNU CERTIFICATIONS
As part of our certification under the ZNU Standard 2018, we are constantly working to address our key issues in corporate governance, the environment, the economy and social matters.
1.
a certified company in the O+G sector
20
Sites are already certified. As of 2026
23
Vegetable Ring sites planned until the end of 2026
30
Vegetable Ring sites planned by the end of 2030
Further developing sites in line with ZNU
As part of the ZNU network, we are constantly refining the structures and processes at our sites. The ZNU Climate Forum supports professional exchange in this regard and provides impetus for practical implementation.
Kontakt
Gemüsering Stuttgart GmbH
Langwiesenweg 30
70327 Stuttgart
Tel. +49 711 16865 0
Fax +49 711 16865 99