General Fruit corporate document, reproduced from the version published on the company website.
1. Foreword
This Code sets out the ethical principles—the collection of values that company representatives,
whether directors, collaborators or employees, follow while performing their duties and that guide
business relations with third parties.
General Fruit Srl places people at the centre: every day their commitment fuels the company’s growth,
and the organisation protects and guarantees their labor rights while safeguarding their physical and
psychological integrity. The company believes that ethics are the key to success and an asset to be
preserved in all operations.
2. Scope
The Code applies to everyone who acts on behalf of and in the interest of the company, whether on a
continuous or temporary basis. Its principles form an integral part of employment contracts signed under
Art. 2104 of the Civil Code and operate in compliance with current laws.
3. Ethical principles
3.1 Equality. All recipients of the Code must respect the principle of equal social
dignity for every person, regardless of gender, race, political opinions, or religious and sexual
orientation, acting according to the principle of non-discrimination.
3.2 Lawfulness. While carrying out their duties, everyone must operate in compliance with
the Italian Constitution, national laws and the regulations in force in the European Community as well as
in the countries where General Fruit Srl operates or will operate.
3.3 Integrity. Every recipient must act with honesty and transparency, rejecting
unlawful or misleading behavior in relation to their role and performing their tasks with the diligence
required by the company, their position and the national interest.
3.4 Fairness and good faith. The company conducts itself according to fairness and good
faith, only allowing loyal and honest actions and undertaking not to commit unlawful or immoral acts while
carrying out any function.
3.5 Confidentiality and privacy. As data controller for the personal data of Code
recipients, General Fruit Srl guarantees that such data are managed in line with current legislation, by
authorised persons and with full respect for confidentiality.
4. Human resources
4.1 Selection and development
In recruitment processes, the guiding criterion is professional competence for senior profiles, while for
junior profiles merit and growth potential are preferred. No checks are performed to verify the possible
pregnancy of candidates.
The company involves employees and collaborators in development programmes to enhance their skills and
promotes a healthy, harmonious work environment, forbidding any form of harassment or bullying.
4.2 Free choice of employment
The company refrains from using or supporting forced or compulsory labor. No monetary deposits are
required; during hiring only copies of identification documents are collected and originals are not kept.
Employees and collaborators are free to leave the company at the end of their shift, giving reasonable
notice for early departures. The company does not use hidden video-surveillance or recording systems to
control workers.
4.3 Health and safety
General Fruit Srl ensures a healthy work environment by adopting effective measures to prevent accidents
and incidents that could harm workers’ health and safety.
The company ensures that all staff receive adequate health-and-safety training, including when their role
changes, and provides first-aid kits, clean restrooms and access to drinking water.
4.4 Workplace relations and climate
The goal is for every collaborator to work in a calm, collaborative setting based on mutual respect,
listening and constant dialogue with HR functions and management.
4.5 Prohibition of child labor
The company complies with ILO Conventions on minimum employment age and on eliminating the worst forms of
child labor, refraining from using or encouraging child labor.
Companies within the supply chain must support quality schooling for any minors involved, and workers
under 18 may not be employed at night or assigned to heavy or dangerous tasks.
4.6 Individual employment agreements
General Fruit Srl does not tolerate irregular work and uses only employment contracts signed by the
employee, who confirms they understand the contents. The company complies with regulations on working
hours, overtime and rest periods, guaranteeing fair remuneration sufficient for a dignified existence.
Salaries are paid via the Unified Employment Ledger and workers are free to terminate their employment
without repercussions. Any deductions for disciplinary reasons may only be made in compliance with current
legislation, with the amounts paid into the relevant INPS fund.
REFERENCE LEGISLATION: Legislative Decree 231/2001