Supplier Code of Conduct

Written by our Chairman John Candela, Grande Cheese Company’s Mission and Culture statements “define our character, our vision, goals, objectives and codes of conduct, as well as the rights and expectations we have as Associates”. The principles stated in our Mission and Culture apply to all aspects of our business. We pride ourselves in conducting business in an ethical and honest manner and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. It is essential that our Supplier(s) recognize and align with those same values.

This Supplier Code of Conduct defines the expectations for ethical standards of our Supplier(s). It is our belief that meeting these standards is important so that we live our Mission and Culture in all our business actions.

These standards include:

  • Legal Compliance
  • Labor and Human Rights
  • Product Safety and Quality
  • Animal Well-Being
  • Entertainment & Gifts
  • Ethical Behavior

Legal Compliance

We expect our Supplier(s) to be attentive and conduct its business in full compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. Supplier(s) m

  • Adhere to applicable laws: Local, State, Federal and International Law
  • Communicate potential issues or concerns
  • Not engage in inappropriate activities, including but not limited to, any form of bribery, kickbacks, corruption, extortion, embezzlement or improper political activities

Labor and Human Rights

We are committed to observing fair labor practices. We expect our Supplier(s) to make the same commitment.

  • Employment decisions must be non-discriminatory and based on free will
  • Employment decisions must be in accordance with current state and federal employment laws
  • No form of physical, sexual, psychological or verbal abuse will be tolerated
  • Workers must be of legal age (Special considerations may exist for Family farms where each family member contributes)
  • No form of forced labor will be used by our Supplier(s). In addition, our Supplier(s) will ensure there is no slave labor or human trafficking in the supply chain
  • Must be compliant with all relevant laws

Product Safety and Quality

We commit to our customers that we will deliver products that meet pertinent quality and food safety standards. We have the same expectations of our Supplier(s). Suppliers must:

  • Adhere to Grande’s applicable product quality standards, policies and procedures
  • Follow Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs)
  • Comply with all applicable food safety laws and regulations

Animal Well-Being

Grande is proud to participate in the National Dairy FARM Program. The National Dairy FARM Program (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) is a nationwide and verifiable animal well-being program that focuses on animal care and quality assurance, providing a method for dairy farmers to evaluate their on-farm animal care practices. As a result of Grande’s participation, our producer dairies will have their practices compared to those that are recognized as “best management practices” for animal care. We expect our Supplier(s)/Producer(s) to use humane and sound animal practices designed to prevent the mistreatment of animals.

Entertainment and Gifts

Entertainment and gift exchanges maybe interpreted as a conflict of interest. We ask that our Supplier(s)only entertain under general business hospitality guidelines, including meals and entertainment, as long as it is not excessive and the frequency is reasonable. We expect Supplier(s) to remain compliant with all applicable statutes, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

Ethical Behavior

We take pride in our mindfuldecisions made to conduct all aspects of our business in an ethical manner. Following our core values as an organization we are committed to being good stewards of our Associates, communities and customers. We expect our Supplier(s) to conduct themselves ethically by following honest and fair business practices.

Reporting Ethical Concerns

We expect high standards of our Associates and Supplier(s). If there is ever a concern regarding unethical activity, we encourage it to be reported to a member of our Executive leadership team. If that is not possible, anonymous and confidential reporting can be directed to:

  • The Network: 1-877-509-3511

This toll-free number is staffed by The Network, an independent organization operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An Interview Specialist will document your concerns, assign you a personal reference number, and relay the information to Grande for follow-up.

All Suppliers are required to sign and date below, agreeing to comply with all aspects of the aboveCode of Conduct. The entire document, including this signed page, must be emailed via a PDF document, to .

Company:

Name:

Position:

Date:

Signature: