BUSINESS: 336 PRACTICES
DODONI was founded in Ioannina over half a century ago. At that time it was a small fresh milk pasteurization unit, which exclusively served the needs of the residents of the city of Ioannina, collecting cow's milk from small farms in the area.
Today, half a century later, DODONI is one of the leading dairy companies in Greece and the leading company in PDO feta sales in Greece.
DODONI, the leading dairy in Epirus, known for producing 100% Greek quality dairy products that stand out both for their taste and their pure ingredients, has adopted a long-term approach to ensure the sustainability of both itself and of the enviroment.
At the same time, it also supports corporate social responsibility actions and consistently contributes to the local community by supporting socially sensitive and vulnerable groups.
From 2020
Having the largest milk zone in Greece, DODONI has in recent years practically supported the region of Epirus, the Greek primary sector and the wider society through responsible actions and sustainable initiatives that focus on 3 pillars:
Environmental Responsibility:
Through responsible practices, DODONI contributes to the protection of biodiversity and natural resources, while the future ambition of the company is its development, while simultaneously reducing its footprint on the environment.
In particular, through specific practices, DODONI sets sustainable development goals and focuses on reducing the environmental impacts resulting from the consumption of energy, water and the emission of gaseous pollutants (GHG), which are monitored and reviewed on an annual basis in order to achieve the best possible result.
More specifically, the responsible tactics followed by the company and concerning the environment start from the factory which is carbon neutral for 2020, with the purchase of carbon credits from the electricity supplier. In addition, the company has taken care and proceeded with the planting of 120 saplings outside the factory, in order to limit sound insulation and further reduce its environmental footprint.
Reducing energy and water consumption is also of top importance for the company. Recently, DODONI proceeded to purchase modern mechanical equipment with reduced energy consumption, costing €150,000, and installed additional equipment for more efficient management of the factory's automatic cleaning and sanitization (CIP) systems, with the cost of the investment amounting to €670,000.
Regarding the reduction of particulate pollutant emissions, the company no longer uses conventional fuels (eg oil). Instead, DODONI now uses gas and LPG, which produce less particulate pollution and are more energy efficient.
Finally, regarding the recycling of the materials produced, DODONI cooperates with a recycling company and achieves almost 100% recycling of plastic containers, packaging film and metal containers that are not used and/or produced as pollution during the production process.
Sustainable Supply:
Sustainable supply is essential for the responsible development of DODONI, as the main goal of the company is to maintain the largest Dairy Zone in Greece and to increase the number of cooperating producers. Today, with more than 5,500 small and large producers, mainly from the region of Epirus, it implements actions that focus on the primary sector, choosing exclusively 100% Greek milk and thus preserving the excellent quality of the raw material for the production of its pure products .
In collaboration with the producers, DODONI carries out best breeding practices, in order to continuously improve the quality of the milk. In particular, since 2015 it has been implementing the innovative "DODONI 200" program, which concerns 24-hour free scientific support for livestock units. The "DODONI"200 program, which started as a pilot with only 30 units, is made up of a scientific team of experienced veterinarians and animal technicians who offer their services and which managed to increase the number to 300 units and achieve measurable results, such as within 2 years the by 29% increase in the quantity of milk produced, while based on relevant analyses, the quality characteristics of the milk, the health of the animal, its longevity, optimization of its reproductive function and the economic viability of the production unit were also improved
In addition, DODONI applies the advance payment policy to its 5500 producers. Specifically, in the last 4 years, the company has allocated amounts of approximately 10 million euros for the purchase of animal feed, mainly during the heavy winter period.
Respect for Labor and Human Rights and Corporate Standards.
Human rights create conditions necessary for the sustainable development of DODONI. In particular, the company respects the personal dignity, privacy and personal rights of each employee, while implementing protective measures to reduce occupational accidents and offer a safe and comfortable working environment that meets international standards.
Regarding personnel management, the company makes it clear that it is against any separation or discrimination related to the ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, gender, and sexual orientation of its employees.
Finally, DODONI is one of the first Greek companies to install and implement the European whistleblower policy, a policy which aims to increase transparency and the protection of employees in matters of illegal actions by companies.
Epirus, Northern Greece, Central Greece
There was no collaboration with an external body.
Associate Producers
