Code of Ethics and Conduct
About this Code of Ethics and Conduct
This code applies to everyone who is part of the Cereales Pilar SA family. It establishes the principles and standards that will guide their conduct. It also outlines the transparency guidelines and integrity standards that the company expects its area managers, employees, and external collaborators (regardless of their hierarchical level) to uphold.
This Code must also be followed by contractors, independent professionals, consultants, etc. It is the responsibility of Cereales Pilar SA employees to ensure that these external individuals and/or contracted professionals are familiar with this code.
All employees and collaborators of Cereales Pilar SA are responsible for applying this code under the supervision of the Human Resources Manager and the Company’s Management.
Compliance with this Code is mandatory, and its objective is to ensure that the actions of everyone at Cereales Pilar SA are focused and aligned with fulfilling the organization’s mission and vision.
We work every day to make Cereales Pilar SA a family. We aim for our employees to experience a unique lifestyle through being part of this company, where respect, camaraderie, and commitment are the foundation for the growth of each team member and the company’s sustainable development.
Values and Fundamental Principles
Passion: We are passionate about developing superior quality food products, and our actions are geared toward the sustainable growth of the business. Continuous improvement and dedication are essential to meeting the expectations of our clients and consumers.
Focus and Excellence: We are a focused team that believes in continuous learning and working hard to achieve the highest available standards in quality and service, striving to satisfy our clients and consumers. We work as a team, fostering personal development, creativity, leadership, and the achievement of common goals.
Our company pursues continuous improvement according to the highest global standards in food quality and safety, complying with international requirements and the regulatory standards of each country.
Transparency and pragmatism: We are straightforward, pragmatic, and act transparently in all our relationships, respecting established agreements and fostering long-term, trusting relationships.
Cereales Pilar SA operates in compliance with the strictest food safety and quality standards; therefore, we maintain constant contact with various government agencies and business associations.
Integrity: We support each other in every situation that requires it, prioritizing camaraderie and a positive work environment, and dedicating the same effort to satisfying the needs of our internal and external clients.
Cereales Pilar SA’s relationships with suppliers and clients are conducted within a framework of integrity, where decision-making is objective and impartial (free from manipulation), based on professional criteria and not seeking personal gain or profit.
Respect: We respect both internally and externally, promoting communication based on truthful information. Respecting our customers and consumers means meeting their expectations by delivering genuine food and promoting a sustainable business environment. This respect is also reflected in the accurate, clear, and precise information provided to consumers and regulatory bodies regarding the quality and food safety of our products. Respect for our employees is demonstrated by Cereales Pilar SA’s commitment to their occupational health, ensuring that their tasks do not negatively impact their quality of life and that each person can perform their duties harmoniously, safely, and responsibly.
Open communication among all stakeholders is part of the respect the company fosters; communication flows upward, downward, and across all departments. Mutual respect is essential for maintaining a positive and productive organizational climate.
01. Expected Behaviors
Cereales Pilar S.A. expects personal commitment to honesty and loyalty to the company from each of its employees and/or collaborators.
It is completely unacceptable for Cereales Pilar S.A. to be involved or implicated in any type of corrupt practice; under no circumstances will the company offer, directly or indirectly, any payment in cash, in kind, or any other benefit with the intention of obtaining any business and/or commercial advantage.
Compliance with this code is the sole and personal responsibility of each and every employee, who, once informed of its content and application, may not justify non-compliance due to ignorance and/or instructions received from any hierarchical level.
The behavior of each collaborator reflects the company. Cereales Pilar S.A. expects impeccable conduct from each of its employees and collaborators, both inside and outside the company.
Any employee who participates in any illicit activity that damages the name and image of Cereales Pilar S.A. will be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action.
02. Ethics Committee and its Implementation
This committee is responsible for interpreting, implementing, and reviewing compliance with the “Code of Ethics and Conduct.” It is composed of the Head of Human Resources and the Company Director.
When any employee or collaborator suspects or becomes aware of a violation of this code, they must report it to their immediate supervisor and/or the Ethics Committee. This committee resolves or interprets situations that cannot be satisfactorily addressed by the various levels of supervision and then presents the matter to General Management, who will evaluate the appropriate course of action.
Employees or collaborators who need to report misconduct and/or ethical violations can do so confidentially with the Head of Human Resources in person or by email to etica@cerealespilar.com
03. Conflicts of Interest
Employees must avoid situations where their personal interests could influence their professional performance. Any potential conflict of interest must be reported to Management for evaluation and resolution. Accepting or offering gifts, favors, and/or benefits that could compromise objectivity in work-related decisions is prohibited. Only institutional gifts of symbolic value and without commercial intent will be accepted.
Employees or collaborators who wish to participate in politics must do so in their personal capacity and not use the company’s name for that purpose.
04. Use of Resources and Information
Company resources must be used exclusively for work purposes; and no one may use them without management authorization. Personal use of equipment, materials, or confidential information is prohibited without express authorization.
All sensitive information, whether belonging to the company, clients, or suppliers, must be handled with strict confidentiality. Unauthorized disclosure may result in disciplinary and/or legal penalties.
05. Harassment and Discrimination
Cereales Pilar SA condemns any form of harassment, discrimination, or unfair treatment within or outside the company. A work environment free from intimidation, humiliation, or exclusion based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics will be promoted.
06. Interpersonal Relationships
Professional ethics are important for a company’s success; after all, interpersonal relationships are fundamental to a company’s growth. These relationships in the workplace must be based on morality and proper conduct. Some key characteristics of these relationships include integrity, responsibility, punctuality, and respect for colleagues, superiors, and clients.
Spending so much time and so frequently with the same people makes it difficult not to develop emotional bonds, whether of camaraderie, friendship, etc. Cereales Pilar SA expects all its employees to develop these relationships without them interfering with a positive work environment, decision-making, appropriate behavior, and, of course, maintaining decorum and good manners.
Cereales Pilar SA works to have and maintain a positive organizational culture, based on healthy relationships; we expect all our employees to maintain appropriate behavior based on respect, both at work and in their personal lives.
07. Continuous Training and Evaluation
The training process goes hand in hand with the personal development that Cereales Pilar SA expects its employees to have; supporting their professional growth means supporting them throughout their lives. The company seeks to build lasting relationships based on respect and sustainable partnerships.
The company has a training plan that regularly incorporates these ethical and behavioral standards to ensure their application in daily practice and to allow for corrective action when necessary.
08. Social and Environmental Responsibility
We recognize our responsibility to society and the environment. We adopt sustainable and ethical practices in all our operations, always striving to contribute to the well-being of the community and the conservation of the environment. As a socially responsible company, we support various local initiatives, working with the community to find solutions to different problems; we also seek to support the families of our employees.
We have a commitment to society, whether through the creation of dignified jobs where people can develop professionally. When all other factors are equal, the company prioritizes hiring local residents as employees and/or suppliers.
09. Commitment to the Global Agenda
Cereales Pilar SA is ethically committed to the global goals of eradicating poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity, as part of a new sustainable development agenda established by the United Nations (UN). The company’s commitments to these goals are:
Goal N° 1. End of poverty
Goal N° 3. Healthy living and well-being
Goal N° 13. Climate change
This commitment is evident in the selection of suppliers and in relationships with both external and internal clients, with particular attention paid to preventing child labor and addressing issues related to labor and tax legislation, as well as environmental protection.
10. Personal Commitment
Every member of Cereales Pilar SA is responsible for knowing, understanding, and applying this Code of Ethics and Conduct. Failure to comply with its provisions may result in sanctions ranging from warnings to termination of employment, depending on the severity of the infraction.
This code must be reviewed and updated periodically to adapt to new regulations, ethical challenges, or changes in the organizational structure.