Shaping a resilient and sustainable fruit and vegetable sector. Together.
We drive sustainability within fresh fruit and vegetable supply chains
The Sustainability Initiative Fruit and Vegetables (SIFAV) is a membership-based initiative that aims to actively contribute to more sustainable fresh fruit and vegetable supply chains globally. SIFAV unites private companies, civil society organisations and voluntary standards active in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector. The SIFAV2030 Impact Program is built on seven interconnected pillars and processes that drive impact across environmental, social, and governance dimensions.
Our ambition: To unite the actors across global fruit and vegetable supply chains to shape a resilient and sustainable sector by facilitating positive change, innovating at scale and learning from each other.
Private companies
Civil society organisations and voluntary standards
How we work
SIFAV drives collaborative action by creating a level playing field, by setting joint targets and by developing credible tools, policies, and approaches in working groups and with the support of experts.
Members work on concrete actions towards reaching the different SIFAV targets in several working groups. Moreover, regular learning exchange sessions are organized on key topics.
Strategic Partnerships
SIFAV works with key experts for advice and guidance on sustainability topics and for the implementation of sustainable projects on the ground.
Policies and Tools
Co-creation of tools like the environmental footprinting toolkit as well as joint development of sector policies e.g. the Baskets of Social and Water Standards.
Joint Projects
SIFAV members collaborate on joint innovative and inclusive projects that improve working conditions, wages, and livelihoods, and benefit the environment.
Reporting and Analysis
Baseline studies and benchmarks provide a comparison base for SIFAV members. SIFAV members report on a yearly basis on their progress toward reaching the joint targets.
Meet the SIFAV Scretariat
The SIFAV secretariat is hosted by IDH. The secretariat is in charge of managing the day to-day business of the initiative. Get in touch with us directly for all of your questions about the initiative.
Jenny van Son
Program Manager, Fruit & Vegetables.
Cristina Arribas Jiménez
Senior Program Officer
Meet the SIFAV Steering Comittee
The SIFAV Steering Committee is the highest governance body of SIFAV. The Steering Committee members are elected by the SIFAV members and represent the different membership categories. They meet four times a year and make strategic decisions on the SIFAV programs and priorities.
Sonia Cordera
Director Market Engagement, IDH
Myrtille Danse
Head Corporate Engagement and Partnerships, Solidaridad
Franka Rodriguez
Director Global Sourcing, ALDI SÜD KG
Inge de Pape
Sustainable Product Manager, Delhaize
Guido Rutten
Sustainable Business Manager, Nature’s Pride and Berries Pride
Isidora Penning de Vries
Senior Advisor Sustainable Business, Nature’s Pride
Frédéric Rosseneu
Group Sustainability Director, Greenyard Group
Karlsson Port
Managing Director at Port International GmbH
Karen Janssens
Sustainability Manager Private Label, Colruyt Group
Special advisor
Michaela Schneider
Head of Sustainability and Trade Manager Continental Europe, Fyffes
Our History
- 2012 SIFAV 2020 strategy foundation
- 2020 85% sustainably sourced volumes
- 2021 Launch of SIFAV2025 strategy
- 2023 First SIFAV progress report
- 2024 Second SIFAV progress report
- 2025 SIFAV becomes independent
- 2026 SIFAV2030 Impact Programme
SIFAV was created in 2012 with the purpose to scale up sustainable production within the fresh fruit and vegetable sector. The main target of the SIFAV2020 program was to reach 100% sustainable sourcing by 2020 through certification and verification. The initiative started with 13 companies and grew considerably over the course of the program.
At the close of the 2020 program, SIFAV counted over 40 members and achieved a share of 85% sustainably sourced volumes. In 2021, SIFAV launched its 2025 strategy, which built on the learnings of the first SIFAV program.
The clear focus on reducing the environmental footprint across the supply chain, strengthening due diligence reporting, transparency, and social aspects was translated into the new SIFAV2030 Impact Programme. SIFAV20230 is built on seven interconnected pillars and processes that drive impact across environmental, social, and governance dimensions. More details on SIFAV2030 will be published shortly.
