Supplier management
Valio purchases various raw materials, supplies, and services from partner companies in Finland and globally. We want to ensure safe and high-quality products, so we have to know the suppliers we are purchasing from. We ensure the compliance of our supply chain through Valio’s supplier approval and management process.
Valio meets with its suppliers regularly and aims to develop open, honest, and long-term supplier relationships to optimize cooperation and to find new innovations.
Approval procedures depend on the product or service being provided
The approval processes and Valio’s requirements for suppliers are based on the classifications Valio gives to the supplier’s food safety and sustainability. The risk classification defines the requirements for contract manufacturing, raw material, and packaging material manufacturers. Suppliers must meet the requirements of the product and supplier surveys defined for their own supplier category as well as the audit requirements in an acceptable manner.
By direct procurement, we mean the procurement of non-milk raw materials for the manufacture of Valio’s products. We procure sugar, vegetable oils, juice concentrates, berries, and grains, among other things. Indirect procurement, on the other hand, covers the procurement of materials and services, such as logistics, maintenance, marketing, property management and upkeep, and information technology to support production and business operations.
| Requirement | Applicable to which business partners |
|---|---|
| Sustainability requirements | |
| Valio’s Business Partner Code of Conduct | Direct procurement suppliers and relevant indirect procurement suppliers |
| Valio’s sustainability questionnaire | All manufacturers involved in direct procurement and others based on risk |
| Sustainability audit or assessment | Direct procurement manufacturers and others based on risk |
| Food safety requirements | |
| Valio’s food safety requirements for suppliers & Valio’s food safety requirements for transportation and warehouses | Suppliers of products and services related to food or food safety, as applicable |
| Valio’s food safety questionnaire | Direct procurement manufacturers and others based on risk |
| Food safety and quality audit | Direct procurement manufacturers based on risk |
| Valio’s product approval | Product category-specific requirements |
Commitment to sustainable business practices creates the foundation for cooperation
Valio’s suppliers must commit to Valio’s Business Partner Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct covers good business conduct and the relevant aspects of social and environmental responsibility identified in Valio’s value chain. The commitment requires the supplier to ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct throughout its supply chain.
Additionally, the suppliers who supply food- or food safety-related products or services to Valio must commit to compliance with the related requirements and guidelines. Safe, high-quality raw materials and products are the foundation of our operations.
Business Partner Code of Conduct
- Valio’s Business Partner Code of Conduct
- Valion Yhteistyökumppaneiden Code of Conduct
- Valio Äripartner Käitumiskoodeks
- Valio 商业合作伙伴 行为准则
Food Safety Requirements for Suppliers
- Valio’s Food Safety Requirements for Suppliers
- Valion elintarviketurvallisuusvaatimukset toimittajille
- Valio toiduohutusnõuded tarnijatele
- Valio 食品安全要求 致供应商
Food Safety Requirements for Transportation and Warehouses
- Valio’s Food Safety Requirements for Transportation and Warehouses
- Valion elintarviketurvallisuusvaatimukset kuljetuksille ja varastoille
- Valio toiduohutusnõuded transpordile ja hoidlatele
- Valio 食品运输和仓储安全要求
We verify operating practices and standards throughout the supply chain
We collect information through various supplier surveys, such as the basic supplier information questionnaire, a food safety questionnaire, and a sustainability questionnaire. Additionally, we require a product information questionnaire from raw material suppliers. Valio’s sustainability questionnaire serves as the basis for the sustainability approval requirement. The questionnaire includes questions on the environment, human and labour rights, work safety, and responsible business practices.
The quality and food safety of each raw material is verified through a detailed raw material-specific product information questionnaire and is always approved before the raw material is used in production.
Through our membership, we use Sedex’s (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) risk assessment tools to evaluate our suppliers’ sustainability performance. Sedex is a non-profit organization that helps its members to promote responsible supply chains. Our goal is for all direct procurement manufacturers located in high-risk countries to undergo a sustainability audit by 2027. Valio’s experts also conduct sustainability reviews in the supply chain as needed. In addition, Valio’s food safety and quality auditors regularly audit suppliers.