WBCSD regional map
Forty-nine per cent of the WBCSD’s membership is made up of European companies.
 
ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS — Global agricultural goods merchant Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) recently joined the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). The WBCSD describes itself as “a CEO-led organization of forward-thinking companies that galvanizes the global business community to create a sustainable future for business, society and the environment.”

“We are delighted to join WBCSD and look forward to exploring innovative sustainable development solutions together,” said Gonzalo Ramírez Martiarena, LDC’s chief executive officer (CEO). “In our commitment to working toward a safe and sustainable future, we continuously seek new ways to effectively improve our environmental track record and corporate citizenship practices. Working collaboratively with WBCSD and its members, we are confident this can be achieved.”

LDC’s diversified product range, extensive geographical reach and global activities span the entire value chain. Founded in 1851, LDC is active in more than 100 countries and employs more than 21,000 people globally at peak season. By connecting with WBCSD’s network of forward-thinking businesses, across a variety of sectors, LDC can make a real impact in global corporate sustainability, the company said.

“WBCSD is dedicated to working toward a transformation in our food systems,” said Peter Bakker, CEO and president of WBCSD. “This will only be achieved in collaboration with global industry leaders such as LDC. As one of the largest agribusiness players, we are particularly excited to work with LDC in this area.”

Other members of the WBCSD include Bunge, DuPont, Kellogg, Monsanto and PepsiCo, Inc., among many others. Three per cent of the group’s membership includes companies focused on agriculture, while 5% is focused on food and beverages. The largest percentage of companies — 9% — are involved in chemicals. Forty-nine per cent of the WBCSD’s membership is made up of European companies, while North America accounts for 20%, Asia 14%, Japan 9%, Latin America 7%, Africa 2% and Middle East 1%.