AAK Annual Report 2020

AAK Annual Report 2020 15 A focus on health Many customer demands are inspired by consumer health trends. This is an area we take very seriously, not least to support a customer’s product develop- ment strategy. Here our expertise has enabled us to maintain high product functionality while reducing the majority of saturated fat solutions, believed to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Optimizing costs At AAK, we are constantly striving to reduce raw materials and processing costs, but never at the expense of our own high-quality standards. By finding new ways to operate more efficiently, we help customers maintain their growth and develop- ment, especially as we work in a highly competitive market where retailers continue to challenge food manufacturers. Sustainability as a foundation Sustainable growth is a cornerstone of our company. The foundation of our model for sustainable growth incorporates the ten principles of the UN Global Compact, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and our own policies and codes. Through our co- development approach we can create solutions that help our customers live up to these same commitments. Co-Development in a digital environment With the pandemic keeping people physically apart, a resourceful and efficient digital work environment has grown increasingly important. During the past year, we have hosted a great number of virtual customer meetings and webinars as part of our customer dialogue, including AAK Academies with industry- specific topics. The use of cameras in our Customer Innovation Centers has made it possible to closely interact with our customers, enabling a transparent and effective joint development of successful solutions from idea to launch.