Investing in sustainable
growth together
Sustainability is not a straight path. It requires working differently, thinking differently and sometimes having the courage to adjust course. This journey comes with highs and lows. “Especially in a world marked by (geo)political fluctuations, I see the sense of urgency growing – among our partners, customers, suppliers and colleagues alike. That strengthens my conviction that we are on the right path together.”
Sustainable growth strategy
At Aviko, we work with an ambitious sustainability agenda that is firmly embedded in the strategy of our parent company Cosun. A future-proof and sustainable supply chain creates value – today and tomorrow. For me, sustainability is not a standalone ambition or a project alongside the business. It reflects the kind of company we want to be: responsible, reliable and forward-looking.
Moreover, it is essential if we want to remain successful in the future. I therefore see sustainability as our ‘license to operate’. That is why we consciously invest in sustainable growth and in strong, long-term relationships with growers, suppliers, customers and other partners. In the years ahead, we will continue to work together to achieve our goals and ambitions towards 2030.
Maarten van Delst
Making choices for the long term
The biggest challenge lies in making choices whose value only becomes clear in the long term. Energy prices fluctuate, grid capacity is under pressure and the rules of the game shift with every new government. This makes the landscape complex. Yet we must – and want to – move forward, because doing nothing is not an option. It requires careful consideration: what is the best approach, and what pace fits a rapidly changing environment? Determining the right moment to make major investments, while not all variables are fixed, remains challenging. But progress sometimes also requires courage.
Consciously accepting lower returns
Significant investments are needed to replace gas with more sustainable energy sources or to support growers in adopting more sustainable cultivation methods. At Aviko, we therefore consciously accept a lower return on these types of investments. I am convinced that inaction will be far more costly in the long run, as greenhouse gas costs rise and suitable growing areas come under pressure.
This conviction, combined with stricter regulations, a critical society, developments in the industry and changing customer expectations, forms the core of our strategy for a future-proof, sustainable supply chain. It is encouraging to see partners, customers, suppliers and employees becoming increasingly engaged. Even in regions where the transition started later, we are seeing more momentum – China being one example.
Working together to reduce emissions
Together, we are working towards a substantial reduction in our CO₂ emissions, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. In 2025, the Cosun agreement on tailor-made arrangements with the Dutch government was signed. These agreements enable targeted investments to reduce our energy consumption, CO₂ emissions and nitrogen emissions. In practice, this includes the deployment of e-boilers and heat pumps in our factories. In addition to financial support, the government also assists with practical matters such as permits and grid connections. For Aviko, this is an important step towards a future-proof and more sustainable supply chain. In 2026, we will continue to further define and implement these investments.
At the same time, we remain focused on other topics such as water use, waste reduction and better utilisation of the potato. This not only delivers environmental benefits, but ultimately also strengthens our competitive position.
Visible progress towards 2030
In recent years, we have laid a solid foundation. I am proud that we now belong to the frontrunners in the industry on the most important sustainability topics. We are making visible progress on key goals that truly make a difference towards 2030 and beyond.
We never achieve progress alone. We do so together – with the smart ideas of our colleagues and with customers and suppliers who share our conviction and want to accelerate alongside us.