- The SME-to-SME programme will see ABR Holdings and SaladStop! provide structured learning to around 30 F&B players to implement purpose-driven practices in their daily operations mainly across three impact areas.
SINGAPORE, 25 April 2024 – In collaboration with ABR Holdings (parent company of Chili Api and Swensen’s) and SaladStop!, the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) launched the Grow with Purpose (GwP) programme yesterday at Swensen’s training cafe @ APSN Delta Senior School. The programme, part of NVPC’s Company of Good strategy, aims to equip around 30 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry with the capabilities to put their Corporate Purpose into practice through structured learning and mentorship.
The GwP programme is designed to provide participants with in-depth knowledge and practical insights to create business value as well as societal impact across five impact areas – People, Society, Governance, Environment and Economic – as articulated under the Framework and Blueprint on Corporate Purpose for Businesses in Singapore. This programme will focus on impact areas that are most relevant and critical to the F&B industry. Designed to address real-world business concerns such as labour crunch and supply chain issues, the programme will see participants undergo structured learning over five sessions in operational areas such as inclusive hiring, waste management and business model redesign. They will also hear from industry experts on topics such as philanthropy and sustainability reporting, on top of the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from purpose-driven industry leaders and mentors, from companies such as Birds of Paradise, Polar Puffs & Cakes, Sodexo, and Ya Kun Kaya Toast.
In its first edition, Grow with Purpose is tailored specifically for the F&B industry to foster an SME-to-SME learning environment to maximise industry relevance and applicability. Almost all the participating SME companies are founded locally, with more than half of them being family-run. The GwP programme will take place over six months, from April to September 2024.
Tony Soh, CEO of NVPC, said: “At NVPC, our vision is to build a City of Good where ‘Everyone gives Everywhere, Everyday’, so that together we can create a more caring, inclusive and compassionate society. We believe purpose-driven companies are an important part of this vision, as they will not only be financially successful but also able to create positive impact in society. Food is deeply rooted in our Singaporean identity and culture, and it has tremendous power to bring people together. Through the Grow with Purpose programme, we hope to engage SMEs in the F&B industry to create purpose-driven, sustainable food options and solutions. By bringing together diverse stakeholders across the industry, we empower companies to work together and share best-in-class practices, which will not only help businesses thrive but also positively impact the community and the environment.”
Said Mr Teo Tong Loong, ABR Holdings Ltd’s Group Business Development Director/CEO, Swensen’s: “We are excited to co-lead the Grow with Purpose programme with our expertise in the F&B industry. At Swensen’s, we believe in the importance of giving back to society through our inclusive hiring programme, industry-specific mentorship and learning to drive innovation and sustainability. This programme aligns perfectly with our commitment to nurturing a thriving community of businesses that are equipped to meet today’s challenges head-on.”
Said Katherine Braha Desbaillets, Chief Brand officer and Chief Sustainability Officer, SaladStop!: “We are thrilled to be part of the Grow with Purpose programme and mentoring SME’s to implement initiatives to make longer-term impact on the environment. At SaladStop! we have been prioritizing the future of the planet with single-minded focus on developing environmentally conscious food. Through this program we want to share a more conscious way of eating and help people realise that our food, our communities and our environment are all connected. We believe that eating is about more than just being good for our bodies. It is about being good to everything around us too. Join our movement towards a sustainable future. Each individual can help to make a difference so let’s act now.”
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About National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC)
Through its Company of Good strategy, the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) engages organisations to adopt corporate purpose and demonstrate impact across the People, Society, Governance, Environment and Economic dimensions.
NVPC is the steward of the City of Good vision for Singapore, where individuals, organisations, communities and leaders come together to give their best to build a more caring, inclusive and compassionate society.
Learn more at thecompanyofgood.sg
About ABR Holdings
ABR Holdings Limited (“ABR”) traces its roots to 1979 with the establishment of the 200-seater Swensen’s at Thomson Plaza, the first full-service ice cream parlour in Singapore. Today, ABR operates more than 25 restaurant outlets and the Swensen’s brand has become synonymous with fun, friendly family dining.
Over the past four decades, the Group has expanded our stable of brands to offer a variety of cuisines in multiple dining formats for customers. From Swensen’s’ San Franciscan sundaes, Tip Top’s traditional handmade puffs, Season’s freshly baked breads to Chilli Padi’s Nonya delicacies. There is an offering in ABR’s family of brands for everyone and for any occasion. At the heart of all we do is our mission to create memorable dining experiences that bring friends and families together.
About SaladStop!
SaladStop! has been a leader in providing fresh, healthy salads, wraps, warm protein bowls and activated smoothies since 2009. With over 80 outlets worldwide, SaladStop! is well-positioned for further and sustained growth fuelled by the global lifestyle trend towards healthy eating. In 2023, SaladStop achieved B Corp certification, further showcasing their dedication to ethical business practices. The brand believes that eating well should never be a compromise, ensuring customers always have access to delicious and nutritious options.
