Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy
December 31, 2025
Policy Purpose – This Environmental, Social and Governance Policy (“ESG Policy”) sets forth the core principles and goals for our sustainability program, including an outlined vision, specific objectives, and an established governance structure. This Policy applies to FreshEdge’s and its operating companies’ (collectively, “FreshEdge”, or the “Company”) operations.
Commitment – Our Company is committed to exhibiting leadership in environmental and social affairs in all of its business activities. The Company shall seek to enforce this Policy to the extent feasible, taking into consideration the market, needs of the Company, needs of the customers, community expectations, and other relevant factors.
Key Definitions
- Sustainability: An organization’s ability to fulfill both its current needs as well as those of its various stakeholders while ensuring long-term resilience and its ability to thrive.
- ESG: A set of environmental, social, and governance topics factors used to assess material aspects and components of an organization’s sustainability performance.
Sustainability Vision and Pillars – At FreshEdge, we believe that prioritizing a commitment to long-term sustainability allows us to effectively serve and create lasting values for our stakeholders – our customers, employees, and investors – while also supporting our Company’s mission:
FreshEdge provides customized fresh food solutions, premium products, and exceptional customer experiences through expertise and personal attention and care.
Do not use FreshEdge funds, employees, time, facilities, or equipment for your own personal gain.
- Keep confidential information private and do not disclose it to anyone who is not authorized to receive this information, including after your employment has ended. Your obligation to maintain confidential information is not intended to restrict your legal rights under federal, state, or local labor laws. Confidential information includes non-public information related to FreshEdge operations, pricing and other financial information, strategy and business plans, and customers, suppliers, and employees.
- FreshEdge is the exclusive owner of business processes or opportunities you produce or discover through your work or as a result of your work for FreshEdge or a FreshEdge operating company.
Environmental: At FreshEdge, we recognize our responsibility to act as responsible stewards of the environment. We are committed to encouraging and cultivating a culture of environmental mindfulness among our employees , minimizing our environmental impact, and contributing to broader sustainability efforts within society. We understand that environmental mindfulness and responsibility are important factors considerations for many of our stakeholders and are committed to integrating environmentally conscious practices into our operations.
As such, we will work to implement programs to promote employee awareness of environmental concerns, actions, and responsibilities. We will also strive to continually improve the Company’s environmental management system and related policy, programs, and performance based on the results of periodic reviews, and considering regulatory changes, Company needs, customer needs, technical developments, scientific understanding, and community expectations.
Social: As a responsible employer, we prioritize the development and empowerment of our employees through a commitment to creating an inclusive, diverse, supportive, engaging, and positive working environment for all employees in order to support professional growth for all our employees. We will treat employees fairly and with dignity, taking their goals and aspirations into consideration, and will embrace diversity in the workplace. The Company will provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and not engage in or tolerate unlawful workplace conduct, including discrimination, intimidation, or harassment. We will also provide a safe and healthy workplace, ensure that employees are properly trained, and that employees and workplaces have appropriate safety and emergency equipment.
The Company will apply fair labor practices while respecting the laws of the communities in which the Company operates. There is no tolerance for human rights abuse, and we refuse to engage or be complicit in any activity that solicits or encourages human rights abuse.
We will strive to continually improve the Company’s social management system and related policy, programs, and performance based on the results of periodic reviews, and considering regulatory changes, Company needs, customer needs, technical developments, scientific understanding, and community expectations.
Governance: We are dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability throughout all aspects of our operations. As such, we will seek to maintain the highest standards of integrity and corporate governance practices to ensure excellence in daily operations and to promote confidence in the Company’s governance systems. We will also conduct business in an open, honest, and ethical manner, and recognize the importance of protecting all the Company’s human, financial, physical, informational, social, environmental, and reputational assets.
Operationalizing Sustainability – FreshEdge has established the following governance structure for its sustainability program. Senior management will annually review the sustainability program and approach.
General Counsel: The General Counsel is responsible for fostering a culture of long-term sustainability throughout the Company’s business and maintains responsibility for achieving the objectives of the program. This role will coordinate the Company’s sustainability and ESG activities, including
- Reporting updates and metrics to the executive leadership team and board of managers
- Maintaining regular meetings and internal reporting cadences to actively monitor sustainability progress
- Organizing internal and external reporting, as applicable
- Coordinating responses to stakeholders’ sustainability inquiries, surveys, etc. surrounding ESG
- Coordinating with external parties
Executive Leadership Team: The executive leadership team plays a key role in providing strategic guidance and support to allow the General Counsel to carry out the objectives, principles, values, and responsibilities of this Policy.
FreshEdge Sustainability Topics – Based on the industry in which the Company operates, the known impacts on our business model, and the interests of our key stakeholders, FreshEdge is focused on the following ESG objectives:
| Environmental – Energy, Water, and Wastewater Management | Maximize energy and fuel efficiency across the Company’s operations, and implement practices across operations to reduce water consumption and pollution |
| Social – Workforce Health & Safety and Product Quality & Safety | Develop and maintain programs to ensure the health and safety of employees, including by proactively identifying and mitigating health and safety risks and promoting mental well-being; Prioritize foods safety and quality to meet and exceed regulatory, customer and consumer expectations |
| Governance – Materials Sourcing & Efficiency | Promote responsible sourcing practices that minimize environmental and social risks while improving operational efficiency |
For inquiries, contact:
Sherri K. Nierste, General Counsel/CAO
FreshEdge, LLC
4501 Massachusetts Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46218
(317) 981-3599