The Calavo Way: Ethics and Integrity
Originally published in Originally published in Calavo Grower's 2021 Sustainab…
Calavo is committed to conducting its business honestly and ethically wherever we operate in the world, constantly improving the quality of our services, products and operations and maintaining a reputation for honesty, fairness, respect, responsibility, integrity, trust and sound business judgment. Calavo’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics outlines basic principles, in both English and Spanish, to guide all directors, officers and employees towards ethical behavior. Our Vendor Code of Conduct sets out similar expectations for our suppliers.
All new hires are required to sign their acknowledgment of, and compliance to, the Code of Conduct. This process is audited annually as part of our overall financial audit process. In addition, directors and executives sign the Code of Conduct every year.
Calavo utilizes a confidential hotline through NAVEX Global for employees to submit their grievances anonymously. Issues and concerns associated with unethical or illegal activities can be reported safely and honestly while maintaining anonymity and confidentiality. Incidents called in are sent to the Board of Director’s Audit Committee Chair along with the Director, Human Resources. In addition, we maintain a reporting system to track concerns regarding the company’s internal accounting controls or auditing matters by calling 1-888-279-6251 in the U.S. or online at www.ethicspoint.com to leave a confidential message for our audit committee. Calavo’s policy prohibits retaliation for a good faith report of unethical, dishonest or illegal behavior, or of any other viola- tion of our Code of Conduct.
DATA AND SECURITY
In 2021, we undertook significant upgrades to our information technology systems to ensure robust data protection, security and privacy, including:
- Upgrading End-Point Security Solution
- Retiring all end-of-life hardware (servers, routers, switches, workstations and laptops) • Developing a more robust program in software patching and OS upgrades
- Enhancing on-boarding protocols for new employees to include cybersecurity
- Developing a continuous cybersecurity training for all employees
