Upfield, Now a Member of Global Shea Alliance

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Upfield is now a member of the Global Shea Alliance (GSA). Upfield is also a global leader in plant-based nutrition and also, the leading producer of plant-based margarines, spreads and cheese products.

Upfield, has as part of this new move, registered as a GSA sustainability partner, committing to promoting the sustainable development of the shea industry.

Joining the Global Shea Alliance is an integral component of Upfield’s sustainability strategy. The company’s Responsible Sourcing Policy and Human Rights Statement will now be directed by the sustainability guidelines and implementation criteria laid out by the Global Shea Alliance.

By joining the GSA, Upfield will work with NGOs, producer groups and women’s groups to jointly advocate for shea production practices that benefit both people and the globe.

Addressing the need for the membership, Upfield’s Head of Sustainability, Sally Smith, noted that, “Upfield is committed to the responsible and sustainable sourcing of all our ingredients. Widely she abutter is considered a sustainable crop, but we also recognize the potential safety, labour, environmental and economic risks associated with shea kernel collection and processing. We are excited to work with the Global Shea Alliance and partners across the shea value chain to help address these issues,” he said.

For her part, Simballa Sylla, President of the GSA, stated that, “We are excited to have Upfield onboard! The Global Shea Alliance welcomes their contributions to promoting the use of shea in the plant-based products, a fast-growing sector that would drive additional economic opportunities to women collectors/processors and their communities. We are looking forward to an exciting partnership.”

Upfield will work with its suppliers to implement the GSA’s sustainability principles in their shea sourcing supply chains across West Africa.

GSA Principles

Some of these principles include enabling economic empowerment and increased income for collectors, improving the safety, health and welfare of collectors, respecting land tenure rights, protection of women collectors, implementing environmental protection and regeneration measures and improving traceability.

About GSA

The GSA is a non-profit industry association with 560 members from 35 countries including women’s groups, brands and retailers, suppliers, and NGOs. Through public-private partnerships, the GSA promotes industry sustainability, quality practices and standards, and demand for shea in food and cosmetics.