ΜΠΑΡΜΠΑ ΣΤΑΘΗΣ

For over half a century, BARBA STATHIS has remained committed to its dual operational pillars: sustainable development and continuous modernization. Based on these principles, the company operates as a model, dedicated to producing safe, high-quality food with social and environmental responsibility, contributing to a sustainable future. It stands by its people and society by implementing sound governance systems, systematically designing and executing initiatives that reduce its environmental footprint, and aiming to strengthen the national economy and develop local communities. At the same time, the company maintains long-standing relationships of trust with its suppliers. Its ongoing goal is to engage with stakeholders in an honest and proper manner, enhancing transparency and creating added value.

The development of the Sustainable Procurement Framework by BARBA STATHIS is a prime example of innovation and leadership in corporate governance. It is a comprehensive, multidimensional, and interactive system that uniquely combines environmental sensitivity, social responsibility, and sound corporate governance, creating a new reality in procurement management. This project is innovative because it introduces, for the first time in Greece’s food industry, a complete and structured framework that goes beyond traditional quality or cost evaluation, extending to systematic supplier assessment based on ESG criteria. This approach is groundbreaking, as it not only aims at internal improvement but also seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem in the market, positively influencing the entire supply chain. The use of modern tools such as mapping the current state, workshops, training programs, the ESG scorecard, and due diligence represents a pioneering methodology for Greek standards. Furthermore, the involvement of top experts from PwC and the adoption of international standards make this framework one of the most advanced globally. Additionally, the initiative stands out for its comprehensive approach to supplier communication and awareness, something rarely implemented with such consistency. The presence of Project Ambassadors, cross-departmental collaboration, and an annual recurring awareness campaign demonstrate that innovation extends beyond the framework itself to its implementation process. Finally, continuous optimization through feedback and the expansion of the framework to the primary sector via contract farming confirm that BARBA STATHIS does not rest on its laurels but continues to innovate, treating innovation as an ongoing process of improvement and evolution.

The Sustainable Procurement Framework of BARBA STATHIS is addressed to its main categories of suppliers. Specifically, these include semi-finished product suppliers, analysis laboratories, transport and construction companies, and packaging material producers. The company prioritizes domestic suppliers in an effort to boost the national economy, and of the approximately 1,500 active suppliers last year, 93% operate in Greece.

The development of the Sustainable Procurement Framework by BARBA STATHIS began in 2023 and is currently in its third year of implementation (2025).

Aware of its responsibility and the significant role it can play in shaping a supply chain with a reduced environmental footprint, fewer social inequalities, and characterized by transparency and reliability, the company decided to revise all its procurement policies, framework, and procedures. It developed a model that emphasizes social sensitivity, sound governance, and environmental protection. The project included mapping the current maturity level of the supply chain, studying parameters and specific cases, workshops and training sessions, following systematic meetings with all stakeholders. Thus, the BARBA STATHIS Sustainable Procurement Framework was developed: a set of rules, principles, and procedures aimed at detailing the necessary steps for evaluating an existing partnership or selecting a potential collaboration between BARBA STATHIS and its suppliers.

The framework includes:

Mapping and maturity analysis of the supply chain through due diligence
Risk assessment procedures identifying critical areas, evaluating significance and likelihood of risks, and defining mitigation strategies
Updating procedures, mechanisms, and policies such as the Business Ethics Code, which is sent to suppliers for signature
Creation of an ESG questionnaire to document compliance with the code and evaluate suppliers across three thematic areas (Environment, Society, Governance)
Data analysis and supplier evaluation based on ESG criteria using a specially developed scorecard, with rewards or improvement plans depending on maturity level
On-site inspections at supplier facilities to confirm compliance with core human rights principles and values
Development of a training program to raise awareness among suppliers and the company’s purchasing team

Upon completion, the Sustainable Procurement Framework was presented to senior management, received approval, and was communicated to all stakeholders, emphasizing the opportunity to create value through its implementation. For effective implementation, a communication process was established involving all relevant departments through Project Ambassadors from the Procurement, Compliance, and ESG departments. The awareness phase included training, a cross-departmental interactive workshop, and a timeline of actions. To sensitize suppliers and gain acceptance of the framework, an awareness campaign was launched in collaboration with project consultants, which will be repeated annually with rotating supplier groups. BARBA STATHIS provides maximum support to its suppliers, especially during the initial implementation stages of the framework and the new evaluation model. It is important to note that the evaluation criteria fully reflect the company’s operations and business priorities. Thus, suppliers are invited to share the company’s values and principles, aiming to establish a constructive partnership within the context of continuous business improvement, sound corporate governance, and sustainable development.

The development of the Sustainable Procurement Framework began through cross-departmental collaboration among the Procurement, ESG, and Compliance departments and lasted over three months in its initial phase. The design and implementation process was also supported by PwC’s specialized sustainability team.

Employees from the Procurement, ESG, and Compliance departments, as well as external partners, were involved in developing the Sustainable Procurement Framework.

The development of the Sustainable Procurement Framework by BARBA STATHIS took place at the company’s facilities in the Industrial Area of Thessaloniki (ΒΙΠΕΘ), in Sindos, and pertains to its operations both in Greece and abroad.

The implementation of BARBA STATHIS’s Sustainable Procurement Framework is directly linked to several key ESG indicators, reflecting its impact across the pillars of Environment, Society, and Governance.

Governance:

Supplier compliance with the Code of Ethics rose significantly:

Domestic suppliers: from 71% to 88%
International suppliers: from 80% to 94%

ESG clauses were incorporated into all supplier contracts, reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency and integrity.

Social:

The framework contributed to supplier and buyer education and awareness:

Supplier participation increased from 63% to 72% in just one year.

On-site inspections regarding human rights compliance further highlight the company’s social responsibility.

Environmental:

Completion of ESG questionnaires helped assess the environmental impact of the supply chain:

Domestic suppliers: from 64% to 82%
International suppliers: from 80% to 94%

These results demonstrate heightened environmental awareness among suppliers.

The platinum distinction awarded to the company by the global rating agency EcoVadis, placing BARBA STATHIS in the top 1% of companies worldwide for sustainability performance, confirms the positive impact of these indicators and underscores the company’s leadership in ESG excellence.

These indicators not only track progress but also drive concrete actions that ensure continuous improvement and development — both for the company and the entire supply chain.

The results in the second year of implementation (2024) were substantial and highly encouraging:

Supplier and buyer training participation rates:

2023: Suppliers 63%, Buyers 100%
2024: Suppliers 72%, Buyers 100%

Acceptance of BARBA STATHIS Supplier Code of Ethics:

2023: Domestic Suppliers 71%, Foreign Suppliers 80%
2024: Domestic Suppliers 88%, Foreign Suppliers 94%

Completion of ESG questionnaires:

2023: Domestic Suppliers 64%, Foreign Suppliers 80%
2024: Domestic Suppliers 82%, Foreign Suppliers 94%

ESG clauses referencing Environment, Society, and Governance were updated and included in all supplier contracts, gradually accepted by all active suppliers.
A particularly significant outcome of the framework’s development and implementation was its recognition as a key factor in sustainability performance evaluation by the globally renowned rating agency EcoVadis. The company received a platinum distinction, placing it in the top 1% of companies evaluated worldwide.

Next steps include continuous project optimization through two-way communication with all stakeholders and exploring the method of applying the Sustainable Procurement Framework to the primary sector, where the company has been active through contract farming for over 50 years. Notably, this initiative and the framework were part of the company’s sustainability performance evaluation by EcoVadis, which ranked BARBA STATHIS in the top 1% of companies globally for ESG performance.