“Fuji Oil has been focused on sustainable food development and plant-based protein alternatives since its inception,” explains Carmen Alvarado Ascencio, Senior Manager ESG and Leader of the Sustainable Development Team for Fuji Europe Africa B.V. “We are proud to say we are simply continuing a tradition and a mindset that has been part of Fuji Oil since its very first day of operation.”
Tebma-Kandu demonstrates Fuji Oil’s commitment
Carmen explains that two key Fuji Oil initiatives deserve special attention this year. First, the company officially launched the Tebma-Kandu Sustainability Program. Tebma-Kandu means “Push me and I’ll climb” in Mampruli, a local language. The program enhances cooperatives’ ability to produce high-quality shea kernels, while creating value for the communities in Ghana. “Previously, the most vulnerable women in Ghana collected shea kernels when no other work was possible,” Carmen explains. “But Tebma-Kandu eliminates the middlemen, and empowers women with training and contracts that ensure they are paid fairly and that they receive pre-financing so that they are not dependent on fluctuations in the shea kernel business to survive. It also contributes to the elimination of child labor. To date, more than 20,000 women in Ghana have been offered a sustainable future through the program.”
UniFuji: partnership for progress
The second highlight is related to palm oil. In recent years, the issue of palm oil production – and its association with massive deforestation and forced labor – has made headlines. But the complete elimination of palm oil is not the best solution. For years, Fuji Oil has been dedicated to the safe, sustainable production of palm oil, and the replacement with other oils whenever possible. Fuji Oil Holdings recently began a 50/50 partnership with United Plantations Bhd to create UniFuji: the first plant in the world to operate a 100% fossil-fuel-free, sustainable palm oil production facility that combines sustainable harvesting, refining and distribution of palm oil. “Palm oil production has a vastly higher yield,” Carmen explains. “Replacing palm oil with other oil crops will not come without consequences, if we have to fulfill the demands of our current economy. With UniFuji, we ensure that the harvesting and refining of palm oil does not contribute to deforestation, does not require new peatland development, and does not allow child or forced labor. This is an ideal way to ensure a sustainable palm oil future.”
Ambitions to be a sustainability leader
In the past, Fuji Oil has played a behind-the-scenes role and has not been in the public eye outside its home market. But along with global growth, it has become more impactful in the Western market. It was founded in Japan in 1950, and today has nearly 6,000 employees spread across 14 countries and regions. The company focuses on plant-based food solutions produced under the highest standards. Tebma-Kandu and UniFuji are merely two of the countless programs and initiatives that underpin Fuji Oil’s commitment to sustainable, plant-based food products. More information is available in the Sustainability Report.
Mr. Mikio Sakai, President and CEO of Fuji Oil Holdings Inc., explains why this year’s Sustainability Report reflects Fuji Oil’s overall philosophy. “Now that achieving the UN SDGs is becoming increasingly important, we need to go back to our corporate roots, listen to the expectations and concerns of our stakeholders, and create a place where our employees can continue to work safely and securely. We will continue to work to protect and restore the Earth, place the joy of food and the happiness and well-being of all people at the heart of our management, and aim for sustainable growth.”
Mr. Takashi Kadota, Chief ‘ESG’ Officer of Fuji Oil Holdings Inc., adds: “One of the Fuji Oil Group’s core values is ‘Work for people’. But the word ‘people’ does not only mean individuals,” he explains. “It also means people’s livelihoods and the Earth as a whole, and is meant to convey our intent to serve the global community through business.”
Fuji Oil Group’s Sustainability Report 2021 is available here.
About Fuji Oil Holdings
The Fuji Oil manufactures plant-based food solutions in four key businesses: specialty oils & fats, industrial chocolate, emulsified & fermented ingredients and soy-based ingredients. With headquarters in Japan, the Group has companies in 14 countries and employs nearly 6,000 talented people. Since its founding in 1950, Fuji Oil has adhered to the conviction that its path to survival and advancement lies in cultivating new fields through application of originality, without following the lead of other companies. It generated sales of 364.8 billion yen in FY2020. Corporate website: https://www.fujioilholdings.com/en/