What We Stand For

Naurits strives to do business responsibly and to build long-term relationships with partners. We are convinced that the quality of a product cannot be separated from how it is produced and delivered to the buyer. Our customers should therefore be confident not only in the quality of the cocoa they buy, but also in a responsible approach at every stage of its supply.

Our work rests on four principles: integrity, openness, honesty in business relations and compliance with the law. We are guided by them in choosing partners, concluding contracts, handling documentation and dealing with customers. In our activities we take into account international standards and the laws of the countries in which we and our partners operate. Respect for human rights, care for the environment and attention to the interests of local communities are an integral part of this approach.

Selection and Origin of Cocoa

The first step towards responsible trade is the careful choice of a supplier. Before buying from a producer or exporter, we study the company, request information about its activities and assess its compliance with our requirements. We then regularly review the results of the cooperation. If a supplier ceases to meet the established standards, we ask it to remedy the shortcomings identified or consider replacing it.

We expect suppliers to respect labour rights, environmental requirements and workplace safety standards, and to avoid any violations of human rights. At the customer’s request we can offer cocoa with the necessary certificates held by our suppliers. These may be certificates of recognised programmes such as Rainforest Alliance, as well as confirmations of compliance with Kosher and Halal requirements. The availability of the necessary certificates and accompanying documents depends on the specific lot. The relevant documents are provided with the delivery.

Traceability and Documentation

The reliability of information about a product is confirmed by the documents that accompany it. For each lot we keep details of the supplier, the origin of the product, its specification and the delivery route. The documents are drawn up at the purchasing stage and checked before the cargo is dispatched.

The customer receives a set of documents matching the specific delivery: a commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, certificate of origin and documents confirming the quality of the product, in accordance with the terms of the contract. On request we also provide additional information the customer needs for reporting on their own supply chain.

Product Quality and Safety

Since cocoa is used in the food industry, product safety is one of the key priorities of our work. We agree the specification with the customer before dispatch, take samples and carry out analyses in accordance with the agreed requirements. In assessing quality, the European Union limits in force for contaminants and residues regulated for food products are taken into account. Laboratory test reports and quality documents can be provided for each lot.

We also pay attention to storage and transport conditions. Before loading we check the condition of containers, and in storage we protect the goods from moisture, foreign odours and other factors that may affect their quality. In choosing a route we take climatic conditions and the specifics of transport into account, to ensure the products arrive safely.

Looking After the Environment

Protecting the environment is an important part of our approach to doing business. We strive to reduce the impact of our activities on the environment at all stages of the supply chain, and we focus on the aspects that we can directly influence.

In day-to-day work this means the rational use of energy and water, reducing waste and choosing recyclable or biodegradable packaging where food safety requirements allow. When organising transport, we aim to optimise routes and consolidate shipments, reducing unnecessary movements and handling. For this we work with UMM Logistics, which uses its own vessels, railway platforms and road freight vehicles. We also expect suppliers to treat natural resources responsibly and to comply with requirements on the protection of forests and biodiversity.

Communities at Origin

The wellbeing of farming communities is closely linked to the development of the cocoa industry. We consider it important that the cocoa trade benefits not only participants in the supply chain but also the people living in its regions of origin. We therefore support cooperation that helps create jobs, develop professional skills and open up new opportunities for local residents.

We aim to build long-term relationships with suppliers and partners who share this approach and take the interests of local communities into account in their work. We are open to cooperation with organisations and initiatives aimed at improving farmers’ living conditions and developing the regions associated with cocoa production.

Our People

We strive to create a safe and respectful working environment for everyone who works at Naurits. We comply with the applicable occupational health and safety requirements and provide training for employees, so that everyone knows the safety rules and can perform their duties in proper conditions.

We adhere to the principle of equal opportunities and do not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of origin, sex, age or other personal characteristics. Workers’ rights and working conditions must comply with the requirements of national law and applicable international norms. We also support the professional development of employees and create opportunities for training and improving skills.

Openness and Records

We consider openness an important basis for trusting relationships with customers and partners. In our work we are guided by applicable law, international norms and agreed ethical principles. We keep records of purchases and deliveries so that information about the origin of products, their quality and the terms of delivery is available for verification. At the request of customers and partners we provide information and documents relating to specific lots and transactions.

We assess the possible risks connected with the choice of suppliers, the origin of products and delivery routes, and aim to identify in advance circumstances that may affect the quality, safety or timeliness of delivery. If potential problems are found, we consider measures to prevent them or reduce their possible consequences.

Raising a Concern

Anyone who deals with Naurits – an employee, supplier or customer – should be able to report a problem and be heard. We have provided an accessible complaints procedure, including the possibility of contacting us anonymously.

We review every complaint received and, if the facts it sets out are confirmed, take steps to resolve the problem and prevent similar cases in the future. Information about complaints and the decisions taken is kept, so that the course and outcome of each case can be verified.

Integrity and Compliance with the Law

We comply with the laws and regulatory requirements applicable to our activities and take into account the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. In our work we strive to protect the rights and legitimate interests of employees, partners and local communities.

We do not tolerate corruption, strive to avoid conflicts of interest and adhere to the principles of fair competition. We do not accept practices involving violations of human rights, and expect employees and partners to observe the same principles. Personal data of employees, customers and partners is processed in accordance with data protection legislation. We ensure the confidentiality of information and take measures to protect it.

Our Priorities

Work on responsibility in our activities is continuous. At present we are focused on three main areas: deepening our knowledge of the early stages of the supply chain, regularly assessing suppliers, and preparing clear documentation for each product that helps customers with their own reporting.

In addition, we aim to develop cooperation with partners who support farming communities and take part in forest conservation. Another area of our work is assessing emissions connected with the transport of products and looking for opportunities to reduce them.

We speak openly about the progress of this work and are ready to discuss our approaches and the results achieved with customers and partners.