Enhancing our competitiveness
Copy the URL
Copié vers le presse-papier
OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE
Competitiveness is rooted in global and collective performance at every step of the value chain. The action plans implemented in 2024 aim to protect our people, enhance the performance of our industrial sites, and optimize our information systems.
Safety first
Avril places employee safety at the heart of its priorities, fostering both a strong collective safety culture and dedicated action plans to enhance safety across its industrial sites. The WeCare plan, launched in 2019, delivered solid results, but reached a plateau in 2023 at the end of its first cycle.
The goal for the Group and all its entities in 2024 was to reignite a positive and effective momentum, notably through the WeCare 2 plan, which will run through 2027. The plan’s primary ambition is to eliminate serious and potentially serious accidents by that time, including across the companies that joined Avril in 2024—representing more than one thousand new employees.
To achieve this, WeCare 2 builds on the consolidation of existing tools, such as on-site safety visits, site audits, “Life-Saving Procedures,” and the “PlaySafe” training program for managers. To take it further, interdependence—meaning a cooperative safety culture where each individual looks out for their own safety and that of others—will be a key driver of collective progress, alongside targeted investments focused on improving comfort and ergonomics in the workplace to reduce potential physical strain.
Investments to improve industrial sites' performance
2024 was a record year for investments in our industrial sites and information systems. This high level of investment is expected to continue in 2025 and applies to all Avril entities, based on their specific needs.
While the safety of facilities and systems remains a top priority, the goal is also to improve site productivity to support our commercial performance and, of course, to meet the decarbonization targets of our climate roadmap. This requires modernization plans that will quickly enhance our competitiveness.
in figures
€282M of CAPEX invested in plants in 2024
Building a stronger collective
Talent is at the heart of Avril’s performance. It’s the skills and commitment of our people that make the difference, enabling us to be both a strong and forward-thinking Group. That’s why, in 2024, we placed particular focus on their development, work-life balance, freedom to contribute, and pride in being part of the Group.
An employer brand that brings priorities together
Working at Avril means choosing a company that brings together performance and responsibility, teamwork and individual growth, innovation and humility. Our 8,400 employees share a common mission: Serving the Earth. Through its employer brand, Avril invites candidates to take action for a more sustainable future—by contributing to the transformation of food systems, farming practices, and energy choices. It means choosing a fulfilling work environment across a variety of sectors, supported by unifying internal programs and initiatives that promote inclusion and diversity. It also means growing your skills through ambitious training programs, and bringing your ideas to life within an organization designed to foster innovation.
Activating the purpose, for everyone, everywhere
In 2024, the roadmaps for Avril’s entities—approved by the Executive Committee in 2023—fed into the six commitments of our purpose and were actively rolled out through managers to empower everyone to take action, across all roles and locations.
A dedicated support program was created for team leaders and site production managers, backed by around twenty lead facilitators.
This activation is delivering results: in 2024, 78% of Group employees say they are taking action in their role to "Serving the Earth."
A great place to work and live
Avril is accelerating its commitment to its employees through bold, forward-thinking initiatives. These include flexible work arrangements tailored to individual preferences and life stages, expanded internal mobility opportunities, and training programs designed to promote equal opportunity. Learn more about it.
The Equilibre program, launched in 2024, was developed in collaboration with the leadership teams of Avril’s various entities, the Human Resources collective, the Youth Comex, and social partners. Its goal is to promote well-being and fulfillment for everyone within the Group, through four key initiatives that support a collective and inclusive approach.
A RECORD YEAR FOR INTERNAL MOBILITY
453 total mobility within the Group
x4 compared with 2021
Avril, a Very Great Place To Work
The Great Place to Work initiative was expanded in 2024 to cover all of Avril’s entities, through a survey sent to all employees to assess their experience and quality of life at work and within their teams. Beyond the certification itself, the goal is to build action plans tailored to employee expectations, so we can continue to grow and improve together.
in figures
92% overall participation rate, all entities combined
72% for the "Trust Index", i.e. the rate of positive responses to questions (+ 5 points vs. 2023)
76% of employees consider Avril to be a good place to work (+ 3 points vs. 2023)
OUR LEVERS FOR THE FUTURE
Leveraging AI to enhance human efficiency
Avril is a diversified Group that seeks every opportunity to enhance efficiency and employability across all its business lines. Generative AI can support process optimization, data analysis, and even contribute to greater enjoyment at work.
As part of our Ambition 2030 plan, our strategy is to promote a thoughtful and controlled adoption of generative AI, guided by three key principles: people, the environment, and ethics.
We are moving forward with two complementary approaches: a cross-functional approach to ensure all employees benefit from generative AI through the use of general-purpose tools, and a targeted, tactical approach focused on high-impact use cases
