Introduction to Biscotti Biscuits

Established in 2000, Biscotti Biscuits was started by brothers Paolo and Stefano Valle and their partner Wyndham Warne in 2001.

They have spent the past 5 years constructing, sourcing and rebuilding various pieces of baking and packaging equipment to furnish the 700mē factory that operates today.

Initially only employing 4 staff members, the three directors painstakingly honed their recipe for a high-quality well priced biscuit, which they believed was missing in the market.

Their research was correct, because today their staff compliment has increased by 500% as the factory produces a variety of biscuits for the catering, airline, restaurant industries and are now being approached by the major retailers.

Company Vision

To be the premier supplier of high-quality, affordable biscuits.

Mission

Our business is delivering a high-quality product to our customers on time, every time.

Our business? reputation resides in every biscuit that leaves our premises.

We care for customers at all levels, encouraging their feedback and thereby ensuring we deliver quality products.

Our employees? professional development is important to us and we develop our internal capacity through skills-based training. We treat all our employees with integrity and dignity.

Our People

The company is totally committed to the development of people who were previously disadvantaged.

Ninety-three percent of all employees are members of previously disadvantaged communities (as defined in section 61 of the Employment Equity Bill of 1997).

Presently we employ 32 staff members.

Skills Development

All employees at Biscotti are trained to use every piece of equipment at our factory, by way of a staff rotation system. Thereby we aim to furnish previously disadvantaged staff members with usable, lifelong skills such as biscuit mixing, baking, and packaging. Biscotti does not discriminate against potential employees who do not have relevant skills.

Social Responsibility

Biscotti Biscuits has since inception operated within the community and is committed to upliftment of the community.

Besides the sponsorships of various charities, Biscotti has a programme whereby they encourage previously disadvantaged members of the community to purchase discounted broken biscuits and resell them within their communities.

Preferential Procurement

The company recognises the inequities of the past and the company realises the importance of black economic empowerment. Wherever possible, the company gives preference to previously disadvantaged suppliers and as far as possible materials and services are purchased from previously disadvantaged organisations.

Occupational Health and Safety

Biscotti Biscuits recognises and accepts the responsibilities and accountability we are charged with under the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993.

We strive to maintain a working environment that is safe and without health risks. We ensure that the right of each employee is respected with regard to the protection of their health, safety, security and injury on duty.

Quality System

As mentioned in our Mission Statement, quality is our livelihood. Biscotti has a steadfast policy of supervision throughout the manufacturing process, as well as thorough checking and sampling of the finished product.

Environmental Policy

As a manufacturer, we strive to reduce waste and all waste is recycled or donated, wherever possible.

Employment Equity Policy

The Company has the following Employment Equity Policy in place:

Policy

Company is committed to creating a working environment in which employees are treated with respect and dignity in which individuals can progress to reach their full potential on merit. The Company recognises that the apartheid years have left a legacy of inequalities which have hampered the development of African, Indian and Coloured members of the community, henceforth referred to as Black people.

The Company also recognises that past practices and prejudices have disadvantaged women and disabled people.

In order to compensate for past inequalities, the Company will institute an Employment Equity Programme aimed at providing a fair platform for all employees.

In instituting the programme the following principles will be observed:

Principles

Senior management accepts responsibility for the implementation of the Employment Equity Programme. The maintenance and improvement of standards and productivity shall be key considerations at all times.

Although appointments and promotions will be on merit, preference will be given to previously disadvantaged people, all things being equal.

The Company shall continue to follow a policy of promoting employees from within but shall retain the right to appoint suitably qualified external candidates to certain positions in order to achieve employment equity targets.

The Company will ensure that no employee shall have his/her services unilaterally terminated as a result of the implementation of an Employment Equity Plan and that the job security of employees who are proficient in their jobs will be maintained.

The Company is committed to creating a working environment in which there is no unfair discrimination towards any group of people including women and people with disabilities.

Scope

This policy applies to all permanent, fixed term and casual employees employed by the Company.