American Ambassador Bauer visits Mondelēz International biscuit factory in Herentals
Denise Campbell Bauer, the US Ambassador to Belgium, visited earlier this week the biscuit factory of Mondelēz International in Herentals. The US food multinational has strong roots in Belgium (active since 1870), which is being translated in a significant economic footprint in our country. On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, Marie-Pascale Sire, Managing Director Benelux and Paul Meuwes, Plant Director Snacks Herentals, discussed with the ambassador some gender balance issues such as the status of women in senior management. Next, they also talked about different business questions on diversity sustainable resources and agriculture. Finally, the ambassador Bauer was given a tour past the production line of Prince & TUC biscuits as well as the Pims cookies by LU, the brand is celebrating its 170th anniversary this year.
On March 8, US Ambassador Denise Campbell Bauer paid a visit to the Mondelēz International biscuit plant in Herentals. The headquarters of this global player in the food industry is located in Deerfield, a city in the State of Illinois. The visit follows a long tradition of taking the US Ambassadors in Belgium to the company’s manufacturing sites.
As the visit fell on International Women’s Day, the program of the day started with a discussion on career opportunities for women and on what efforts companies can take to encourage women to take up senior management positions.
Marie-Pascale Sire, Managing Director Benelux, explained: "While we have visible, high profile women in our top management, there is still more we can do to achieving gender balance. Therefore, at Mondelēz International, we focus on creating an open and inclusive work culture with the purpose of improving the representation of women in leadership roles."
Sustainable entrepreneurship as core business
Marie-Pascale Sire gave the ambassador a detailed explanation on various global sustainability projects that the company has set up – sustainable sourcing strategies and well-being (well-being) are central values to the company's vision for 2020. Ambassador Bauer showed particular interest in the European Harmony project, in which Mondelēz International is working together with all key actors in the supply chain of wheat (from farmers to millers and biscuit makers) since 2008. Having a sustainable supply of quality wheat is important to the company’s business and its biscuits, as well as to local farming communities and the environment. The Harmony Charter is based on four principles: Partners, Practices, Biodiversity and Traceability.
At the end of the conversation, the ongoing negotiations on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the European Union and the United States were also discussed. Being a global multinational Mondelēz International supports trade liberalization as the freer movement of products and materials will improve market access and create new growth opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.
