Continuous Commitment to Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
At Better Foods Group, we believe that sustainability is an essential pillar for the responsible growth of our companies. In this regard, the group has taken significant steps, achieving concrete results and generating positive environmental impacts.
Actions aimed at a more rational use of electricity and the reduction of carbon emissions within the group’s companies have led to an estimated reduction of 893.4 tons of CO₂ over the past eight years—an average of approximately 100 tons of CO₂ avoided per year. These figures reflect our commitment to energy efficiency and the adoption of more sustainable practices, contributing to the reduction of environmental impact in the milling sector.
This positive impact is the result of a series of initiatives that Better Foods Group has consistently implemented over the years. Each of our companies has developed plans for optimizing electricity consumption, aiming to reduce energy use and improve operational efficiency. These plans translate into concrete initiatives with specific consumption reduction targets, including the following:
- Carneiro e Campos (2017-2024);
- Ceres (2018-2025);
- Germen (2023-2030);
- Granel (2017-2024).
Our commitment to sustainability is a priority that guides our actions and strategic decisions. We believe it is possible to align economic growth with environmental protection, ensuring not only the competitiveness of our companies but also a positive impact on society and the environment. Our focus on energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction reflects this commitment.
The milling sector, in which we operate, is one of the most energy-intensive industries, presenting a significant environmental challenge. This challenge also drives us to seek innovative and efficient solutions to minimize our impact, promote greener practices, and adopt renewable energy sources.
The Cereal Milling Sector
Cereal milling is a strategically essential activity for the national market, as its products form the foundation of our diet. More than 90% of sales are within Portugal, while 43% of exports are concentrated in the European Union.
However, this sector is also an intensive energy consumer, with a direct impact on environmental sustainability. As a result, there is a pressing need to adopt measures that reduce CO₂ emissions and improve energy efficiency.
To address this challenge and contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions, Better Foods Group has implemented a series of concrete actions aimed at achieving greater energy efficiency. Among the main measures adopted, the following stand out:
- Installation of photovoltaic panels, promoting the production of clean and renewable energy while reducing dependence on external electricity sources.
- Modernization of motors and compressors, ensuring that our equipment operates more efficiently and consumes less electricity.
These initiatives have yielded tangible and visible results. In 2023, the group recorded an energy consumption of 14.9 kgtep/ton, below the industry benchmark of 15.8 kgtep/ton, demonstrating the effectiveness of our energy rationalization strategies and our ability to reduce the environmental impact of our operations.
These advances align with the conclusions of a study conducted in 2018 by the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG), which highlighted the high energy consumption of the sector and the need to adopt more sustainable solutions to reduce environmental impact.
A Commitment to the Future
At Better Foods Group, we are determined to continue investing in innovative solutions that promote energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. We believe that the success of our business depends on a sustainable approach—one that respects the environment and ensures a more balanced future for future generations.
Better Foods Group is the largest Portuguese milling group, producing high-quality cereal flours and food ingredients with the important mission of sustaining the foundation of the Portuguese diet and expanding beyond borders.
Founded in 2018, the group consists of four cereal milling factories that process various types of grains, a company specializing in frozen products for the distribution of bakery and pastry items, and two logistics hubs responsible for distribution across the entire national territory, as well as in Galicia and Andalusia. It is, therefore, one of the most important B2B groups in the Portuguese food sector, dedicated to cereal transformation and the production of everyday foods.
