This is one of my favorite cases of innovative initiatives towards a more sustainable world! Besides involving all the three pillars of Sustainable Development (Economic, Social and Environmental aspects), it is just delicious!!
I am talking about "La Fageda", a dairy cooperative located close to the city of Girona, in Catalonia, Spain. For over 30 years, La Fageda has been in the market positioning its products on the shelves of supermarkets right next to Danone, the sector leader in Spain, and other brands.
But the company not only offer its customers delicious yogurts, puddings and other deserts. It also ensure social and labor integration for more than 160 people with mental disabilities, the larger share of its employees.
Taking a closer look to each of the pillars we can see why the cooperative has being succeeding for so long time:
Economically, the company made it by offering quality products perceived by its customers as real farm products: natural and healthy. Additionally, La Fageda was created as cooperative, where all employees are partners and, therefore, owners. Nowadays the company is even launching new product lines as ice creams and jams.
Environmentally, the company make use of sustainable agriculture techniques, using no pesticides and no aggressive fertilizers. The cows are fed with 100% natural forage, rest of organic matters is treated in a composting facility, energy efficiency studies are carried out, as well as waste recycling. La Fageda is also certified with ISO 14001.
Socially, La Fageda is unquestionably producing a very positive impact in the local community! The company employs 270 people, 60% of whom have an intellectual disability or severe mental illness. Which leaded to an unemployment rate of 0% in the region, for people with intellectual disabilities. The workers count with medical and social assistance, as well as monitors to support them in their work activities.
The video shows the daily working of the ice cream factory. Touching, no!?
But we don't stop here... If the employees are well treated, so are the animals. Another innovative idea was to play classical music to the cows! Yes, Mozart, Vivaldi, Bach... they are all on the La Fageda daily "set-list". From 6 am to 6 pm the cows are granted with classical music. The technique, now used by the cooperative, besides increasing production, also relaxes the animals.
Take a look how happy these cows seems to be! :-)
La Fageda products are only placed in the Catalonia region of Spain, but its successful business model has been talked in many countries. As they were frequently asked bt companies and institutions how to achieve economic success with an authentic social project, they decided to write the "La Fageda Model". (Unfortunately, available just in Catalan).
So, here it is a beautiful and inspiring example to be followed!!
I hope you have enjoyed and remember, we, customers, have the power! Make a smart decision next time you go grocery shopping!
Want to know more about La Fageda!? Visit their website by clicking here! You can even schedule a visit!
Tell me your opinion! Leave me a comment! :-)
