LB Annual Report 2022-ESG Compilation & GRI Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2022
ESG COMPILATION & GRI REPORT

OUR MISSION IS TO CREATE SMALL MOMENTS
OF JOY AND HAPPINESS. WE DO THAT BY OFFERING
A VERSATILE RANGE OF BRANDED SNACKS
WITH SUPERIOR TASTE EXPERIENCE.
TO EVERY CONSUMER. FOR EVERY OCCASION.
IN EVERY COUNTRY.
Jan Boone - CEO
4 - Lotus Bakeries
OUR SUSTAINABILITY AMBITION
LETTER FROM THE CEO
Lotus Bakeries plans to grow by offering a varied range of branded In 2022, we achieved excellent additional job creation. We use
snacks for every moment of the day. Lotus Bakeries’ vision is that the development, constant challenge and training to ensure our employees
Group must not only be profitable, but also sustainable, maximising feel at home at Lotus Bakeries and can continue to develop themselves.
opportunities for the next generations.
3. OUR COMMUNITY
Our ‘Care for Today, Respect for Tomorrow’ sustainability strategy is We also actively accept our social responsibility. By implementing
an integral part of our vision and of our business strategy, which is based our internal Code of Conduct and the Supplier Code of Conduct,
on three pillars: environment, employees and community. In 2022, we we guarantee ethical business practices throughout the organisation.
took another great step towards realising our concrete ambitions within This is always a given and embedded in our business processes. For
each of the pillars: example, considering the geopolitical situation in 2022, there was an
increased focus on being mindful of our existing export policy in light
1. OUR ENVIRONMENT of the international restrictions.
We are committed to the environment and to help fight against global
warming. We aim to reduce our ecological footprint in everything we do. With our Foundation for Education we contribute to prospects for
future generations through carefully chosen education and training
We have further developed our commitment to market only recyclable projects. In 2022, Lotus Bakeries expanded its initiatives, with support
packaging for all our brands and are well on our way to achieving our to, among others, Gammol, a non-profit organisation in Gambia focused
predetermined goals. Furthermore, we have again made important efforts on education and healthcare, and to the Youth Talent Atelier TAJO,
to significantly reduce the weight of packaging we bring to the market. aimed at socially vulnerable young people in the region of Ghent and
Kortrijk (Belgium).
Regarding CO2 emissions, all sites under our management are carbon
neutral. We also signed the Commitment Letter of the Science Based In March 2021 we underlined our sustainability ambition by endorsing
Target initiative (SBTi), with which we are committed to formulating the UN Global Compact. Since then, we have renewed this commitment
science-based reduction objectives in line with the SBTi Criteria and annually. In June 2022, Lotus Bakeries reported for the first time on the
Recommendations, in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius progress of its efforts in the ‘Communication on Progress Report 2021’.
above pre-industrial levels.
2. OUR EMPLOYEES
We have an inclusive and non-discriminatory recruitment policy aimed at
attracting a diversified and talented group of people who like us share and
cherish our TOP values. We aim for long-term employment and offer our Jan Boone – CEO
employees a pleasant, challenging, inspiring and safe working environment.
ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -5

6 - Lotus Bakeries
CONTENTS
Our sustainability ambition 5

01 02 03
OUR SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMME
CARE FOR TODAY, RESPECT FOR TOMORROW CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DECLARATION ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT
Our sustainability strategy 13 Corporate Governance Declaration 83 Enterprise Risk Management 108
Our sustainability in action 17
EU Taxonomy 72
Limited Assurance Report 76
8 - Lotus Bakeries
04 05
GRI REPORT 2022 SBTI COMMITMENT LETTER
GRI Report 2022 116 SBTi Commitment Letter 138

General Disclosures 118
Sector Standards 127
Topic Standards 127
GRI content index 134

01 OUR SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMME
CARE FOR TODAY, RESPECT FOR TOMORROW
Our sustainability strategy
Our sustainability in action
EU Taxonomy
Limited Assurance Report
13
17
72
76
10 - Lotus Bakeries
Lotus Bakeries -11
Cycling to work
12 - Lotus Bakeries
OUR SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
Lotus Bakeries’ sustainability strategy rests on three pillars: our environment, our employees and our community.
We aim for good corporate governance in each pillar and set specific targets and priorities that will contribute to
the realization of our sustainability objectives.
AMBITIONS
ENVIRONMENT EMPLOYEES COMMUNITY
We are committed to the We have a recruitment policy We actively take up our social
environment and to help fight aimed at attracting a diversified responsibility. We guarantee
against global warming. and talented group of people who ethical business practices
In everything we undertake, share our TOP values. We aim throughout the organisation.
we strive to reduce our for long-term employment and With our Foundation for
ecological footprint. offer our employees a pleasant, Education we support educational
challenging, inspiring and safe projects and help build a future
working environment. for generations to come.

GOVERNANCE AND REPORTING Top 20 sustainability priorities
Lotus Bakeries’ ‘Care for Today, Respect for Tomorrow’ sustainability
strategy is the responsibility of the Executive Committee (EXCO). ENVIRONMENT
The EXCO reports regularly to the Board of Directors on the
• Procurement and traceability
different priorities and actions. In addition to various HR topics and
• Energy consumption
the cybersecurity strategy, given the geopolitical and macroeconomic
• Waste reduction
developments, the availability of raw materials and the energy policy
• Climate change
were also high up on the agenda.
• Water consumption and treatment
In order to increase transparency in our reporting, we have

been publishing a GRI report since 2021 that can be found
on our website:
EMPLOYEE
https://www.lotusbakeries.com/reporting-disclosure
The GRI report is part of the ESG compilation report.
• Corporate culture
This full report can also be found on the Lotus Bakeries
• Diversity
website:
• Employee well-being
https://www.lotusbakeries.com/reporting-disclosure
TOP 20 SUSTAINABILITY PRIORITIES

A materiality assessment helps determine which topics are important
COMMUNITY
to both the company and its stakeholders. It is important to also involve
our stakeholders in our sustainability ambition and programme and to
• Food safety
give them input. Lotus Bakeries conducts a full review of sustainability
• Financially sound company
priorities on a periodic basis to ensure that all developments are
• Long-term strategy
reflected both inside and outside the company. The starting point
• Taste experience
was a questionnaire that was based on the pillars and existing priorities
• Balanced product portfolio
of our sustainability programme on the one hand and, on the other
• Nutritional aspects
hand, was inspired by developments and priorities within the broader
• Consumer packaging
sustainability domain. These questions were submitted to a relevant
• Corporate governance
group of stakeholders and the EXCO.
• Education for all
• Sustainability reporting
The materiality assessment thus defined the following top 20 • Code of Conduct
sustainability priorities. The relevance and importance of these topics • Local involvement
are confirmed on a periodic basis and updated as necessary.
14 - Lotus Bakeries
Our materiality matrix
very high
1 Food safety
1
2
3 2 Financially sound company
14 4
6 3 Long-term strategy
5
15 7
8 4 Procurement and traceability
16
17 9
importance for stakeholders
5 Taste experience
18 10
20 19 6 Balanced portfolio of products
11
12 7 Nutritional aspects
13 8 Consumer packaging
9 Corporate governance
10 Corporate culture
11 Diversity
12 Education for all

very low
13 Employee well-being
very low importance for Lotus Bakeries very high
14 Energy consumption
15 Waste reduction
16 Climate change
17 Sustainability reporting
18 Code of Conduct
19 Local involvement
20 Water consumption and treatment

Sustainable Development Goals
of the United Nations
Lotus Bakeries uses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
of the United Nations as a framework and guide in determining its
sustainability strategy, its priorities and its action plans. The SDGs
UN GLOBAL COMPACT OF THE UNITED NATIONS were adopted by the General Meeting of the United Nations in
In March 2021 Lotus Bakeries was accepted as a member of the UN 2015 and consist of 17 goals, to be achieved by 2030.
Global Compact of the United Nations. The UN Global Compact is a
global sustainability initiative for businesses set up by the United Nations. As a business our contribution focuses on those goals on which we
As a result, Lotus Bakeries is committed to upholding the Ten Principles1 as Lotus Bakeries can have the greatest and most direct impact.
of the United Nations in the area of human rights, working conditions, The SDGs that are directly supported by the priorities we have
environment and anti-corruption and to ensure they form part of its set in our sustainability strategy are set out in the discussion of the
strategy, culture and daily activities. Lotus Bakeries is also committed three pillars further in this chapter.
to supporting projects that promote the broader development goals of
the United Nations, in particular the 17 sustainable development goals
or SDGs. Our participation in the UN Global Compact also means that
we renew our commitment annually and report on the progress of our
efforts to implement the Ten Principles.
1
Businesses must support and respect the internationally proclaimed human rights; Businesses
must ensure they are not complicit in human rights abuses; Businesses must uphold freedom
of association and the right to collective bargaining; The elimination of all forms of forced or
compulsory labour; The effective abolition of child labour; The elimination of discrimination
in respect of employment and occupation; The supporting of a precautionary approach
to environmental challenges; Undertaking initiatives to promote greater environmental
responsibility; Encouraging the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly
technologies; Businesses should work against all forms of corruption, including extortion and
bribery.
16 - Lotus Bakeries
OUR SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION
In the report below, Lotus Bakeries aims to communicate transparently what the Group actually achieved in 2022
within its three sustainability pillars: environment, employee and community.
This ‘Care for Today, Respect for Tomorrow’ chapter contains a set of indicators related to our three pillars of
sustainability. A selection of indicators has been validated by PwC Bedrijfsrevisoren BV. The validation was carried
out in accordance with the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000, a model developed
to provide assurance for non-financial data.
The assurance indicators are marked throughout the text by .
For the assurance report relating to the attested

indicators for the year as per 31 December 2022, please
refer to p. <?> of this annual report.
For the assurance report relating to the attested indicators

for the year as per 31 December 2020 and 2021 please
refer to p. 99 of the 2020 annual report and p. 138 of the
2021 annual report.

LOTUS BAKERIES IS PART
OF THE EURONEXT BEL® ESG
The new BEL®ESG index was launched on February

15, 2023. This new index consists of companies from
the BEL®20 and the BEL®Mid that have demonstrated
strong ESG practices. For index market data, Euronext
has partnered with Sustainalytics,
a leading global provider of ESG research, ratings and
data. The ESG rating of companies by Sustainalytics
is the basis of the composition of the index. The
Euronext BEL® ESG is designed to fully comply
with the ‘Towards sustainability’ label of the Central
Labelling Agency, a high-quality standard for
sustainable financial products, such as indices
and funds.
Lotus Bakeries was one of 20 companies that were

part of the Euronext BEL®ESG on the launch date.
LOTUS BAKERIES IN TOP 5% OF

‘PACKAGED FOOD COMPANIES’
In Sustainalytics’ rating, an independent company

specialising in ESG research and ratings, Lotus
Bakeries is ranked among the top 5% of the ‘packaged
food companies’ they rated. For more information:
https://www.sustainalytics.com/.
18 - Lotus Bakeries
ENVIRONMENT:
2022 AMBITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Lotus Bakeries is committed to the environment and the fight against global warming.
We aim to reduce our ecological footprint in everything we do.
LOTUS BAKERIES’ AMBITIONS WITHIN THE ENVIRONMENT PILLAR FOCUS ON TWO DOMAINS THAT
IT CONSIDERS MOST RELEVANT WITHIN ITS ACTIVITIES:
SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING CARBON FOOTPRINT
20 - Lotus Bakeries
PACKAGING UNIT 2022 2021 2020
Packaging-to-Product Ratio g/kg product 166 179 175
Reduction of plastic tonnes/year 62 22 19
Reduction of glass tonnes/year 1,120
Reduction of cardboard tonnes/year 526
% SKUs with 100% recyclable packaging % 81 73 70
% of packaging of all Lotus Bakeries brands that is recyclable1 % 97 97 97
Use of recycled cardboard % 80 75 77
Use of cardboard with the ‘sustainable managed forest’ guarantee % 78 76 77
CARBON FOOTPRINT UNIT 2022 2021 2020
% of our owned sites that have earned the CO2-neutral label % 100 100 100
Output of scope 1 & 2 CO2 equivalent emissions per tonne produced kgCO2e/tonne 170 163 1454
on our owned sites 3
Output of scope 1 & 2 CO2 equivalent emissions per tonne produced on kgCO2e/tonne 161 156 139 4
our owned sites, excluding own transport3
Energy consumption per tonne kWh/tonne 1,074 1,064 1,0714
Kg of waste per tonne generated2 kg/tonne 60 63 54
1
The recyclability rate is the average technical recyclability of the packaging of all Lotus Bakeries brands by the end of 2022. It takes into account consumer packaging, distribution packaging and
transport packaging. The technical recyclability rate is determined per packaging component on the basis of state-of-the-art design guidelines for recyclability (Ceflex, Recyclass). The average
technical recyclability is a weight average, based on the packaging weight of each packaging component.
2
This concerns residual waste, production waste, grease, paper and cardboard at our owned sites. Tonnes produced includes the produced volumes of margarine plant.
3
As from 2022, this includes company vehicles from the site in Comines.
4
Following an analysis within the ESG project, the calculation of the external consultant was refined. The additional CO2e emissions were compensated with additional certificates so that 100%
CO2 neutrality was maintained.

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
LOTUS BAKERIES’ VISION OF PACKAGING
1. We only want to offer our consumers products of the highest product quality and with a superior
taste experience.
2. That is why we must protect our products: packaging allows us to combat food waste and guarantee
food safety.
3. We aim to make our packaging as sustainable as possible and are committed to reducing our
packaging carbon footprint.
In this context, Lotus Bakeries has formulated a packaging strategy that focuses on the reduction
of packaging, using innovative design and investment in circularity.
Our commitment
Lotus Bakeries is committed to designing all its packaging for all its brands equally concerning as packaging waste. It is estimated that 1/3rd of food
to be technically recyclable by 2025. products produced globally is lost through food waste, mainly at the
point of sale and once it reaches the consumer.
The purpose of our packaging is to protect the product and guarantee
food safety. Both en route to the retailer and from the shop shelf to the At the same time Lotus Bakeries recognises the problems relating to
consumer’s pantry, up to the time of consumption. To guarantee the the use of packaging, including marine pollution, carbon emissions and
taste experience and product quality, we must package our product to the use of non-renewable resources. Lotus Bakeries shares this concern
create a barrier against external influences. and is keen to accept its responsibility in making the transition from the
current linear economy, where packaging is produced, used and thrown
High-quality packaging also ensures that Lotus Bakeries’ products have away, to a circular economy, in which materials are kept in circulation.
a longer shelf life and therefore helps prevent food waste, an issue as
22 - Lotus Bakeries
REDUCE WHAT WE USE DESIGN FOR TOMORROW AIM FOR CIRCULARITY
Reduce what we use

The ideal packaging contains as little packaging material as possible, In 2022, Lotus Bakeries was able to realise a number of projects to further
without loss of flavour or freshness. In 2022, Lotus Bakeries continued its limit the packaging weight it brings to the market.
efforts to innovate its packaging, with the goal of using as little material as
possible. In so doing we pay the utmost attention to ensuring a superior Through various reductions, across the entire product portfolio, a total
taste experience for the consumer while minimising food waste. There of approximately 1,757 tonnes of packaging was saved in 2022
is a delicate balance between using as little material as possible for the compared to 2021 in the different material types and packaging
environment and yet enough material to be able to fully protect our categories. Less material also means less weight and volume, which in
products. turn has a positive effect on reducing container transport and the related
CO2 emissions.
PLASTIC GLASS CARDBOARD OTHER

-62 TONNES -1,120 TONNES -526 TONNES -49 TONNES

PLASTIC
Reduction in thickness and size of plastic packaging

In 2022, we also continued to look for ways to minimise the packaging
weight placed on the market.
For example, Lotus Bakeries succeeded in making the Lotus® Biscoff®

2-piece packaging even thinner in 2022, without compromising on
quality. After extensive research, a suitable method was found to
implement a similar reduction on the larger packages as well. The roll-
out for this is scheduled for 2023. The bundle packaging around the
Lotus® Biscoff® chocolate was also made even thinner in 2022.
In 2022, Lotus Bakeries was able to make the nākd bar wrappers sit even
tighter around the bars. Such a measure also ensures that less packaging
material is required per bar.
The BEAR wrappers were also changed to recyclable material in 2022,

which significantly reduces the amount of packaging brought onto the
market.
24 - Lotus Bakeries
CARDBOARD
Thinning of cardboard packaging

Besides plastic, Lotus Bakeries also tries to use as little cardboard as
possible. Where possible, recycled paper fibres are used. In 2021, thinner
materials were already being used for the cardboard packaging of the
Lotus® Biscoff® 300-piece box. Based on that success, the cardboard
packaging containing the Lotus® Biscoff® 250gx10 was also optimised in
2022. This cardboard also now contains thinner materials, which means
it weighs less and a larger number of boxes can be put on a transport
pallet. As a result, significantly fewer tonnes of cardboard are placed
on the market every year and 31 less trucks are needed to transport
the cardboard to the factory, which has a positive impact on both CO2
emissions and water consumption.
GLASS
Reduction of glass per jar

After extensive research, Lotus Bakeries succeeded in using thinner
materials for the glass jars of Lotus® Biscoff® spread in 2022, without
compromising on taste and freshness.
This optimised packaging has a positive impact on CO2 emissions and

energy consumption thanks to its lighter weight.

Design for tomorrow
All packaging recyclable by 2025
The recyclability of packaging starts with its design. We constantly Therefore, the technical recyclability rate has remained stable at 97%,
explore sustainable and innovative packaging materials to increase the despite the fact that a switch was made for a number of additional
recyclability of our packaging and at the same time support the recycling products from non-recyclable packaging to recyclable packaging. The
process. We use objective eco-design guidelines to make our packaging significant reduction in the weight of the Lotus® Biscoff® spread glass
recyclable, including CEFLEX and RecyClass. jar explains this stable percentage.
The technical recyclability rate is calculated as follows: the ratio of the Recyclable BEAR wrappers
total weight of the technically recyclable packaging is compared to the A significant achievement for 2022 is related to the brand BEAR from
total weight of packaging of all our brands that we bring to the market the Lotus™ Natural Foods product portfolio. The BEAR wrappers were
as per the end of 2022. changed from a non-recyclable packaging to a recyclable material.
This takes into account consumer packaging, distribution packaging Projects to close the gap to 100% recyclability
as well as transport packaging. This technical recyclability rate is In 2022, a Close-the-GAP-action plan was drawn up to close the gap
determined per packaging component on the basis of state-of-the-art and achieve the 100% technical recyclability of all product packaging
design guidelines for recyclability (Ceflex, Recyclass). The weight of in the Lotus® Biscoff® range, the Lotus™ Natural Foods range, and for
each packaging component is taken into account. the Local Heroes.
All efforts that contribute to reducing the packaging weight we bring to This action plan identifies all the steps to be taken to achieve the set
market affect this percentage. This also includes reducing the weight of objective by 2025.
glass, a recyclable packaging.
26 - Lotus Bakeries
Raising awareness among our consumers;
Aim for circularity together we are reducing the plastic waste mountain
Since we design with recyclability in mind, we believe it is vitally important Lotus Bakeries has informed consumers more explicitly about its
to evolve into a circular economy. packaging recyclability since 2021. This is done by means of a custom
icon that reads ‘recycle me’, combined with the slogan ‘Let’s care for our
Use of recycled material planet together’. That is how Lotus Bakeries wants to create even more
We contribute to this by using recycled content wherever possible, awareness and encourage consumers to sort the packaging correctly so
without losing sight of the requirements of quality and functionality. that it can actually be recycled.
We always strive for what is technically the maximum possible: This icon will appear on every recyclable packaging, in the countries
- For glass, we use 58% recycled material, the maximum achievable where that packaging can effectively be recycled.
without visual side effects.
- For cardboard packaging this is 80%. This ‘recycle me’ icon is an initiative undertaken by Lotus Bakeries and
is not related to any official government authority or certification body.
Circular economy partnerships
Lotus Bakeries also supports various collection and recycling systems,
including Ceflex, The Flexible Plastic Fund. Lotus Bakeries contributes
to ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ systems in various European
countries.

CARBON FOOTPRINT
CO2-NEUTRALITY
Our scope 1, 2, 3 emissions

Climate change is one of our greatest global challenges.
SCOPE 1 EMISSIONS SCOPE 2 EMISSIONS SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS
For the calculation of our scope In 2022, our scope 2 emissions In 2021-2022, we conducted a
1 emissions we take into account only included purchased screening of our upstream and
all GHG. electricity. downstream scope 3 emissions.
The major part of our Scope 1 The scope of the screening

emissions relates to the use of exercise covered 90% of all
natural gas. our upstream and downstream
activities.
Lotus Bakeries is carbon neutral

The result of the screening exercise of scope 3 indicated that more than Lotus Bakeries’ own sites are carbon neutral. This has been the case since
90% of our total emissions comes from scope 3. Analysis showed that 2015 and remains so in 2022.
more than 80% of our scope 3 emissions relate to raw materials.
All our scope 1 and 2 emissions are offset with certificates.
Partnership with CO2logic, South Pole Group
For more than 10 years, Lotus Bakeries has been working with CO2logic, For 2022, we received a CO2-neutral label from CO2logic, a South Pole
the Belgian pioneer in climate action, to monitor our scope 1 and 2 Company, for all our own sites.
emissions. Since 2021, CO2logic has been part of the South Pole Group,
the international leader in climate and environmental services based in
Switzerland.
28 - Lotus Bakeries
SBTI COMMITMENT: NET-ZERO BY 2050
Lotus Bakeries signed the Commitment Letter from the Science Based Scope 3 includes emissions from all our upstream and downstream
Target initiative (SBTi). A copy of the letter is published in the ESG activities.
compilation report.
For Lotus Bakeries, the upstream activity mainly comes from the purchase
The ESG compilation report can be found of raw materials. Since our raw materials come from agriculture, the
on the Lotus Bakeries website: FLAG Target-setting Guidance also applies to the raw materials and
https://www.lotusbakeries.com/reporting-disclosure ingredients we purchase, which requires us to set both a specific FLAG
target and a general scope 3 target for the emissions associated with
Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) our purchasing activity.
The SBTi is a collaboration between Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP),
UN Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and WWF. In order to achieve the reduction of scope 3 emissions, we will work
closely with our suppliers.
SBTi has developed the first global science-based standard for
organisations to set reduction targets to limit global warming to 1.5
degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and achieve net-zero CO2
emissions by 2050.
Reduction objectives must include all GHG (greenhouse gases)

emissions from scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3.

CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION
Lotus Bakeries is aware of the need to look critically at its carbon footprint In August 2022, it was announced that Lotus Bakeries has plans to start a
in the fight against global warming and climate change in general. Biscoff® production facility in Asia to further support its growth ambitions
for Lotus® Biscoff®. The rationale for a third Lotus® Biscoff® plant is
Transition to more sustainable energy sources straightforward. The new plant will provide the necessary additional
Further investments were also made in solar panels at all Lotus Bakeries capacity for the Group, bring fresher cookies to the consumers, allows
sites in Belgium and at the site in South Africa. to respond more quickly and better to local opportunities and aside from
transport costs also reduces the environmental footprint of the company.
The expansion of the headquarters in Lembeke, the ‘House of
Biscoff’, inaugurated in October 2022, was designed according to Multimodal transport in Europe
climate-friendly standards and is a so-called ‘BEN building’ (Bijna- In 2022, in cooperation with the Vlerick Business School, it was
Energie-Neutraal = Almost-Energy-Neutral) with an E-level under investigated which alternative means of transport could be used in Europe
50. The new building includes a geothermal heat pump, LED lights, to get Lotus Bakeries products to end customers. A combination of rail,
intelligent energy monitoring, its own PV production of green electricity ship and truck often offers a more environmentally friendly solution than
on the roof and façade and variable ventilation flows according to CO2 only road transport.
measurements per room. Rainwater is also captured and optimal seepage
of water into the ground is ensured. All logistics flows for Lotus Bakeries in Europe were mapped out in the
study. Based on this analysis, alternative and more sustainable routes
Transition to more sustainable logistics and modes of transport were identified.
Reduction of container transport through local production
In 2022, the North Carolina plant in the United States was expanded to Both its effectiveness and feasibility as well as its cooperation with
include a new production hall. That second hall now has two operational potential partners were evaluated. The first pilot projects were tested
Lotus® Biscoff® production lines. The capacity increase in the United in the Czech Republic, Italy and the United Kingdom.
States will make the continent more self-sufficient for local demand of
Lotus® Biscoff® cookies. The plant in the United States is also sourcing its These tests and new collaborations proved to be very successful. After the
own raw materials and packaging locally and hence more responsibly and positive results, implementation of the multimodal system was started in
sustainably.This capacity expansion brings significant ecological benefits the three aforementioned countries. The next steps are to further expand
by avoiding container transport and the related CO2 emissions. The total the multimodal transport plan to other European countries where possible.
capacity invested to date in the United States avoids 1,500 containers
per year travelling from Belgium to the United States.
30 - Lotus Bakeries
Greening of employee mobility
Company cars
The transition to a greener fleet has already been implemented in various
countries via the car lease policy.
The largest fleet is located in Belgium. Since 2022, our employees in

Belgium can only choose a fully electric vehicle as company car and
electric charging stations are provided to further facilitate this use. Today,
15% of the Belgian fleet are electric cars. This percentage will increase
signficantly once the outstanding orders in 2023 will be delivered.
In anticipation of this, additional charging stations were installed on the

Belgian sites and in-home charging points were installed.
Bicycle lease
Furthermore, there is a bicycle leasing scheme in place for Lotus Bakeries
employees in Belgium and the Netherlands. In Belgium, this programme
has been up and running for several years. Employees who sign up for
this bicycle leasing scheme are committed to coming to work by bicycle
for a minimum number of days a year.
More and more enthusiastic employees are choosing to purchase a

bicycle through this program. This is not only good for the employees’
health, but also has a positive effect on CO2 emissions.

AVOIDING DEFORESTATION AND SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
Combating deforestation Wood and paper
Lotus Bakeries is committed to avoiding deforestation as much as Today, 78% of the cardboard packaging of our brands are FSC, PEFC,
possible by purchasing its raw materials and ingredients sustainably. or SFI-certified with the guarantee that the products come from
This reduces deforestation in our supply chain. We believe that avoiding sustainably managed forests. This preserves biological diversity and
deforestation and conserving local ecosystems are of great importance combats deforestation.
in the fight against climate change. Farmers need to cultivate their raw
materials in a sustainable way. Local sourcing
We also purchase our raw materials and packaging materials locally to
Sustainable sourcing a maximum extent. This means we purchase the greater part of our raw
Lotus Bakeries is aware of the negative impact certain crops can have on materials on the same continent as were we use these in our production.
the environment as well as on the communities living in the areas where We continuously strive to keep the distance between grower and our
those crops are grown. production site as short as possible.
Palm oil
All palm oil that Lotus Bakeries uses in its products is sustainably sourced.
All Lotus Bakeries sites that use palm oil have also obtained the RSPO
certificate.
Cocoa
100% of the cocoa butter and cocoa mass used in our Lotus® Biscoff®
chocolate has been certified by the Rainforest Alliance. This is a
recognised quality mark for working conditions, the environment and
nature conservation for products sourced from rainforest regions.
32 - Lotus Bakeries
WATER MANAGEMENT
Climate change and industrialisation put pressure on the availability of
water, which increases the importance of efficient water management.
Lotus Bakeries recognises that the sustainable use thereof is crucial.
Water is a major source of health and well-being worldwide.
Monitoring
As part of its internal operational reporting, Lotus Bakeries reports on
its water consumption.
Since 2022, water consumption has been among the standard KPIs that
all production facilities report monthly. Based on these reported figures,
Lotus Bakeries monitors the water usage across the various facilities.
Lotus Bakeries used in its production sites 89,578 m3 water.
In the new ‘House of Biscoff’ in Belgium, technology is provided to collect

rainwater and a well water filtration system has been installed. This well
makes it easier for water to seep into the ground, meaning it is more
evenly and better moisted. This contributes to a good groundwater
balance.

EMPLOYEES:
We have a recruitment policy aimed at attracting a diversified and talented group of people who
share our TOP values.
Lotus Bakeries targets long-term employment and offers our employees a pleasant, challenging,
inspiring and safe working environment.
GENDER DIVERSITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS LEADERSHIP TEAM ALL EMPLOYEES
70% 55% 49%

M M M
30% 45% 51%

V V V
34 - Lotus Bakeries
GENDER DIVERSITY1 UNIT 2022 2021 2020
Board of Directors % 70 M | 30 F 70 M | 30 F 70 M | 30 F
Leadership Team2 % 55 M | 45 F 54 M | 46 F 58 M | 42 F
All employees % 49 M | 51 F 48 M | 52 F 48 M | 52 F
GEOGRAPHICAL 1 UNIT 2022 2021 2020
Belgium # 1,378 703 M I 675 F 1,233 597 M I 636 F 1.073

% 51 M I 49 F 48 M I 52 F
South Africa # 518 221 M I 297 F 443 191 M I 252 F 314
% 43 M I 57 F 43 M I 57 F
The Netherlands # 222 122 M I 100 F 229 129 M I 100 F 258
% 55 M I 45 F 56 M I 44 F
United Kingdom # 119 46 M I 73 F 120 50 M I 70 F 152
% 39 M I 61 F 42 M I 58 F
France # 142 76 M I 66 F 139 72 M I 67 F 140
% 54 M I 46 F 52 M I 48 F
United States # 156 89 M I 67 F 92 49 M I 43 F 97
% 57 M I 43 F 53 M I 47 F
China # 33 14 M I 19 F 28 14 M I 14 F 29
% 42 M I 58 F 50 M I 50 F
South Korea # 19 9 M I 10 F 19 8 M I 11 F 21
% 47 M I 53 F 42 M I 58 F
Sweden # 27 19 M I 8 F 23 18 M I 5 F 22
% 70 M I 30 F 78 M I 28 F
Other (AT, CHE, CZ, DE, ES, IT, HK) # 84 33 M I 51 F 72 35 M I 37 F 49
% 39 M I 61 F 49 M I 51 F
TOTAL # 2,698 1,332 M I 1,366 F 2,398 1,163 M I 1,235 F 2,155
% 49 M I 51 F 49 M I 52 F
SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE1 UNIT 2022 2021 2020

Amount of occupational fatalities # 0 0 0
Total occupational accidents per average headcount % 3.2 2.3 2.8

Total occupational accidents involving
# 43
< 7 days absence from work
Total occupational accidents involving
# 42
> 7 days absence from work
Total occupational accidents involving absence from work # 85 52 62
1
The scope of the KPI includes our internal employees.
2
The group comprises the Executive Committee, the General Managers and the Corporate Directors.

PLEASANT, CHALLENGING, INSPIRING AND SAFE
WORKING ENVIRONMENTS
Our corporate values are TOP Diversity policy and inclusion
Team spirit: every link in the process is equally important, from marketing For Lotus Bakeries, diversity is a value to be cherished. It also clearly
over production to packaging. It is essential to work as a well-oiled team. incorporates in its Code of Conduct under Principle II: respect for people.
We work together every day to make Lotus Bakeries a success, in an
inspiring working environment. Therefore, through its recruitment policy, Lotus Bakeries creates a
foundation to attract a diverse and talented group of people. Attention to
Open dialogue: a listening, open attitude, proactive communication and diversity is a key part of this strategy, in which we aim to select candidates
respectful feedback are priorities in dealing with and between employees. with the best range of skills and competences for the role. We also look
This is put into practice via regular departmental meetings, use of internal at the knowledge and experience available in the existing teams and the
communication platforms and promotion of two-way communication desired competences, knowledge and/or experience of the candidate.
between colleagues.
In this way we know we are employing a diverse group of employees, with
Passion: our employees’ commitment is evident on a daily basis in the balanced gender diversity across all employees. We see a nice balance of
workplace. In their justified pride in our products and in our company. 49% men and 51% women within the Lotus Bakeries Group. Also, if we
Investing in our employees benefits the whole company. take a closer look at the Leadership team (55% men, 45% women) and
the Board of Directors (70% men, 30% women), the gender diversity
Recruitment policy in the Group is maintained.
A key challenge for Lotus Bakeries is to attract competent employees who
reflect the TOP values. When selecting new employees, the applicant’s We also see a high level of diversity in age categories in Lotus Bakeries,
competences and the TOP corporate values are paramount. During the and associated experience: 28% in their twenties, 29% in their thirties,
selection process, applicants meet with several Lotus Bakeries employees 21% in their forties, 18% in their fifties and 4% in their sixties.
to gain a good understanding of our company values and culture.
Depending on the position, the selection also includes objective testing Lotus Bakeries is committed to rewarding all colleagues equally for their
or an external assessment tailored to the position for which the candidate work based on the value they create. This regardless of gender, race, or
is applying. Our recruitment is an intensive process where we consciously other factors unrelated to performance.
invest a lot of time to ensure the optimal fit between the future employee
and Lotus Bakeries.
36 - Lotus Bakeries
792
746 29%
28% 569
497
21%
18%
94
4%
<30 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+

Diversity in age
Young Graduate Programme Onboarding

The Lotus Bakeries ‘Young Graduate Programme’ is an intensive two- Once on board, Lotus Bakeries aims for thorough onboarding, in which
year programme designed specifically for graduated masters or MBA new Lotus Bakeries employees are immersed in the company, the
students. For two years, these recent graduates participate in one of products, brands and the culture. Special induction days are organised for
the departments within Lotus Bakeries. In addition, they are given the new employees. From the management level, new employees are invited
opportunity to participate in a cross-departmental strategic project. The to the ‘Group Wide Onboarding days’ that are organised in Belgium.
programme is unique in that it is a function-specific programme in which During an intense two-day programme, they receive more information
the Young Graduate enters a certain function domain (e.g. marketing). about the strategy, the different brands, the organisational structure and
For two years, the Young Graduate is immersed in the various aspects the different departments. A tour of the Lembeke plant is the cherry on
of this domain by a combination of operational activities and projects. the cake. In the case of acquisitions too, we ensure that employees are
quickly integrated into the Lotus Bakeries Group.
The programme was first launched on 1 September 2020. Five Young
Graduates started at the time. Year after year, the programme is growing, Each new office employee will also be asked to complete a survey after
with the 2021 edition consisting of seven Young Graduates and in 2022 several months of service and will be offered a follow-up interview. In
the third wave included ten promising starters. Based on the intake of this survey the employee is asked about the course of the recruitment
candidates and the feedback from the job market, the programme is and onboarding process, and is polled about how the first few months
highly coveted by students. have gone in the position, about how the job and the organisation
meet expectations and how the collaboration with the manager and
with colleagues is going. In countries with a large workforce, such as
Belgium, a specific questionnaire is provided. This is a very valuable
tool and provides useful insights about what is going well and what can
be improved .

Training & development New career website
Once on board, it is important to retain these engaged and motivated In 2022, Lotus Bakeries launched a brand-new career site. This website
TOP talents in the company. Areas of attention in this regard are the strengthens the employer identity and provides a complete overview of
continuing development of our employees, the provision of training all career opportunities within the Group worldwide.
opportunities and constant challenge. Employees are encouraged to
work with their supervisor to seek appropriate development initiatives. The new, easy-to-use site highlights the unique aspects of Lotus Bakeries
as an employer and shows how the organisation distinguishes itself from
It is intended that all processes, from recruitment to onboarding, to other employers.
development and succession, are centrally monitored and managed.
To facilitate this, the MyLotus platform was launched.
Performance process in MyLotus

In 2022, the performance process was fully integrated into the global
HR platform MyLotus (SuccessFactors) where feedback between
manager and employee can occur several times a year. Instead of annual
reviews, this process provides ongoing opportunities to give and receive
feedback and more frequently reflect on the employee’s career path. By
gaining more insight into the strong qualities, areas for improvement
and ambition, the right development and guidance can be given. This
performance process will contribute positively to the employee’s personal
growth, development and commitment.
International connectivity
MyLotus, the global HR platform, also encourages the connectivity
between employees who therefore, despite the further internationalisation
and continuing growth of the Group, can remain closely connected.
Staff organisation and representation

Team spirit belongs to our TOP values. As a group, we believe in an
organisation that works with all employees, employee representatives,
employee organisations and external social stakeholders. We believe
that good collaboration contributes to our success.
38 - Lotus Bakeries
Cosy coffee moment between colleagues

SPEAKING
New career site

strengthens Lotus Bakeries’
employer identity
Stéphanie De Lange
GROUP HR DIRECTOR
Evy Van den Brande

HR TECHNOLOGY & REPORTING MANAGER
Stéphanie De Lange — Group HR Director
Since early 2022, interested candidates have easily been able to Bakeries has unique characteristics because it combines multiple worlds.
find all possible job opportunities at Lotus Bakeries, in all countries “An international player with towering ambitions, grand expansion plans
worldwide, on the new site www.lotusbakeriesjobs.com, the perfect and yet still the warmth and humanity of a family business. Open-
spot to get acquainted with the unique Lotus Bakeries family. minded and inclusive, with room for personal impact. Professional and
personal. Solid and adventurous. You won’t easily find those interesting
UNAMBIGUOUS EMPLOYER BRAND combinations anywhere else,” says Stéphanie.
“Scarcity in the labour market is a challenge that also crosses our path,”
starts Stéphanie De Lange, Group HR Director at Lotus Bakeries. “In “We also notice that in countries where our products already enjoy high
the past, this scarcity was limited to specific bottleneck professions, but brand awareness, our employer awareness can also ride this wave. In
now we see that the War for Talent is prevalent in all markets and that a countries where we are not yet so well-established, this still has to be
wide range of profiles in the labour market is now desired.” worked on. For example, attracting talent in Thailand, a new country
for Lotus Bakeries, will require more effort.”
This created the need to define and profile Lotus Bakeries even more
as an employer brand. After all, within the employer landscape, Lotus
40 - Lotus Bakeries
“Where in the past only a limited number of countries in which Lotus
Bakeries operates had their own job website, we wanted to centralise our
wide range of career opportunities in response to our global growth on the
same clear platform.”
– Stéphanie De Lange
WIDE RANGE OF CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

An attractive career site is therefore the perfect place to highlight both passion is a very strong guiding and present value that all Lotus Bakeries
the employer identity and the career opportunities. “Where in the past colleagues have in common. We also wanted that to be reflected on
only a limited number of countries in which Lotus Bakeries operates the career site. And what better way to do that than having our own
had their own job website, we wanted to centralise our wide range of employees speak in testimonials,” says Stéphanie.
career opportunities in response to our global growth on the same clear
platform,” continues Stéphanie. Videos and photos of employees, taken at various locations around the
world, give an authentic view of the organisation, giving interested parties
That way, visitors also immediately understand the international character a first look at what it is like to work at Lotus Bakeries. “We notice that if
and scope of Lotus Bakeries and also get to know Lotus Bakeries’ diversity potential colleagues get to know our culture, combined with our personal
of brands and products in an original way. “Our differentiated portfolio, approach and modus operandi, this ensures from the very beginning that
which on the one hand consists of the Lotus® Biscoff® indulgences but they themselves also immediately feel whether or not they would be a
also of the attractive range of natural and healthy snacks within Lotus™ good fit for our company.”
Natural Foods, only serves to fuel further interest in our company. It often
turns out to be an important motivator for new colleagues.” SMOOTHER PROCESS FOR CANDIDATE AND EMPLOYER
Create a fun, smooth and efficient experience from the moment a
CULTURAL MATCH candidate arrives on the new website. That was the goal. Information
A good career site is more than just providing an overview of open needed to be intuitive and quick to find. When creating the site, a great
positions. “It’s also a full on-brand introduction to Lotus Bakeries as a deal of attention was paid to the smooth navigation and to making it as
company, to our company culture and our TOP values. For example, easy as possible to apply.

All experiences are critical in forming an opinion about the workplace. What follows next is a highly personalised and therefore unique
Starting from the first contact, followed by recruitment and onboarding. experience, which fully matches our employer brand,” adds Stéphanie.
“We have therefore ensured that the career site connects seamlessly with
MyLotus, the global HR platform in which all HR data from the different IT DOES NOT STOP THERE
countries is centralised and available in real time,” explains Evy Van den The new website already received a very enthusiastic welcome. “We are
Brande, HR Technology & Reporting Manager. “This integration delivers getting hugely positive reactions from our HR colleagues from other
efficiency gains and ensures that much of the recruitment process, countries, as well as from new colleagues who recently joined,” says Evy.
ranging from processing the applications to the administrative start-up According to the first statistics, on average 10,000 people visit the
and onboarding, is all digital and streamlined. Scanning documents, website every month. “We clearly see a higher inflow of new candidates
emailing back and forth with candidates all disappear thanks to our since the launch of our new website, especially in countries such as the
integrated tools. New employees often tell us that they really appreciate United States, Italy, Spain, Germany and Switzerland.”
being onboarded in such a professional manner.”
“Not only is the inflow important, but of course the number of effective
SHARING IS CARING hires we make through the job site is as well. We can present the first great
The career site has been designed to look good on a laptop, tablet and results for this as well,” says Stéphanie. “We will invest even further in the
mobile phone. An additional benefit is that jobs can also be shared on future in optimising the techniques to make our career site score high in
social media channels such as LinkedIn with just a few clicks. “The shift the search engines (SEO) and in developing authentic video material
from traditional job platforms to social media as an employer channel for specific recruitment campaigns,” she concludes.
is nothing new, so that sharing functionality on our website was a must-
have,” says Evy.
Besides ‘efficiency’ and ‘digitalisation’, ‘personalisation’ and ‘fun’ were

also important elements for the new site. “When visitors navigate
our site, they are asked what their name and their favourite brand is.
42 - Lotus Bakeries
Evy Van den Brande — HR Technology & Reporting Manager
“We clearly see a higher inflow of new

candidates since the launch of our new
website, especially in countries such as
the United States, Italy, Spain, Germany
and Switzerland.”
– Evy Van den Brande

SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Every accident is one too many. Lotus Bakeries will therefore continue There is constant focus on training, awareness and prevention:
to make extra efforts to ensure the risk of accidents at work is as low as • Safety in the workplace is a fixed part of the onboarding programmes
possible. of new employees who start to work in the factory.
• At each production site there is a programme in place for detecting
Strict occupational safety laws apply in all the countries in which Lotus and reporting unsafe situations. In Belgium this is an SOS (Safety
Bakeries operates. Lotus Bakeries adheres strictly to this workplace safety Observation Stop) procedure.
legislation. Thus there are different procedures in place, tailored to the • Different actions illustrate this policy:
specific risks at each of the production sites and in our offices. − Belgium has the VAM (VeiligheidsActieMoment = Safety Action
Moment) awareness-raising process and the ZAP (See and
We try to limit the risks within the following four key areas as much Address Prevention) prevention programme, in which training
as possible: sessions are used to show people how they can approach someone
• Occupational health about safety.
• Personal safety − In South Africa, a health and safety questionnaire is completed
• Process safety each quarter, after which the existing risk assessments are evalu-
• Rolling material safety ated and the existing procedures are tightened up.
− In the Netherlands, the Geldrop and Enkhuizen production entities
The starting point in each case is a risk assessment, which is used as a have the occupational health and safety vignette.
basis for measures to be taken to limit the risks as far as possible. − In the United States, a monthly safety walk is set up by an external
partner.
In practice − All the sites report monthly on the number of accidents at work
New machinery is designed to the latest safety standards and undergoes with absence.
an extensive Site Acceptance Test by our own safety officers. Machinery
is adapted where necessary to meet our high safety standards. No fatalities occurred in the year 2022. Despite various safety
programmes and initiatives, the number of accidents at work increased
Safety procedures to make working in the production environment as safe in 2022. In the majority of the cases, the incidents were not severe and
as possible are available. These procedures are transformed into work employees could return back to work within 7 days. After each incident,
instructions for each workstation. Adapted work clothing also contributes the necessary measures were taken immediately to raise awareness of
to a safe work situation. the employees in the departments concerned. Internal motivational
campaigns were also set up to reward accident-free months.
44 - Lotus Bakeries
Colleague supervises the fully automated line in the production plant

PLEASANT WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Lotus Bakeries aims to provide a pleasant working environment, with a
range of facilities such as standing desks to encourage working standing
up, showers to make it easier for employees to cycle to work and sufficient
expanses of glass to create light and airy offices.
New and more spacious office buildings

Given its ever growing workforce, Lotus Bakeries continues to invest in
new pleasant workplaces. In 2022, for example, various departments
within Lotus Bakeries moved to new and more spacious offices.
In Belgium, the brand new, modern extension of Lotus Bakeries’

headquarters, called the ‘House of Biscoff’, was inaugurated in October
2022. With its great expanse of glass, the ‘House of Biscoff’ is an oasis
of light and space. The green garden to the rear of the building and
the broad terraces on the building’s first and third floors make a major
contribution to the sense of space.
In the brand-new Natural Balance Foods and Urban Fresh Food office in
St. Albans, United Kingdom, a deliberate choice was made for spacious,
bright, open spaces rather than separate desks. These offices have both
large and small meeting rooms for our employees to use. Here too light
and space are of paramount importance and again there are cosy lunch
areas for people to meet.
Due to the growing number of colleagues, there was also a need for more
office space for the Lotus Bakeries UK team in the United Kingdom. They
moved to a new building, located in Cheshire. All employees now have
Afternoon break in the recreation area more space, more meeting facilities and a pleasant lunch area in the office.
In Germany, the growing team moved to a new, larger and much more
modern office in Dusseldorf, with more meeting facilities and more
comfort. Here, too, a nice lunch area is provided, where employees can
drink coffee and enjoy a bite to eat together.
46 - Lotus Bakeries
Exercising in the ‘House of Biscoff’ gym
Fitness and health

Both the sales office of Spain and the sales office of the Czech Republic A lot of attention has been paid to fitness and sports at all Lotus Bakeries
also continued to expand their teams. The current offices in Madrid and locations. Different initiatives are taken depending on the site. For
Prague were thoroughly renovated and significantly expanded in terms of example, the ‘House of Biscoff’ in Belgium and the offices in the United
surface area. In Madrid, the available area was even doubled. This extra States and Sweden have a gym with showers, which employees are eager
space creates a more comfortable and pleasant working environment to use. In the Netherlands, the annual padel tournament was organised
which promotes employee satisfaction and well-being. in October 2022.

Other locations are also seriously involved in sports: the option of signing
up to a bicycle lease programme, weekly boot camps, joint cycling or
walking tours, or other sports activities.
Health and mental well-being are also themes that are put on the agenda
across all sites within the Group. In September 2022, a working group in
Belgium lent its support to a campaign to raise awareness about a healthy
lifestyle. The week of 10 October was all about mental well-being with a
daily activity to highlight positivity. In France, another workshop on the
theme of ‘healthy nutrition’ was organised in 2022. In the Netherlands,
several vitality workshops took place in 2022, such as: ‘How do I reach
100?’, ‘Shift work sleeping, fitness and 10 things to do and not to do’,
‘Work-life balance’, ‘Health under control’. And in China, there was a
visit from a health expert who provided guidance on healthy lifestyles
and tips on ergonomic work postures. There are weekly healthy lunches
or free pieces of fruit available at many sites.
TEAM SPIRIT
All Lotus Bakeries sites also make time to strengthen the belonging and
team spirit. In Korea, a real baking competition took place in the month of
May, at the time the coronavirus numbers had started to drop again, as
well as a ‘welcome back to the office’ event. Barbecues were organised in
France and Belgium for the whole internal workforce. In the Netherlands,
the entire plant team got together for a cosy Christmas dinner and in
China, the team bonded over a cosy Thanksgiving team event. In the
United States, they celebrate colleagues who have been working at Lotus
Bakeries for a year with a little gift: a highly personalised mug, which
shows characteristic qualities of the person in question.
48 - Lotus Bakeries
Baking competition with Lotus® Biscoff® products

COMMUNITY:
THE AMBITIONS OF LOTUS BAKERIES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY PILLAR ARE FOCUSED ON FOUR DOMAINS
THAT IT CONSIDERS MOST RELEVANT:
ETHICAL BUSINESS RESPONSIBLE

PRODUCT SAFETY EDUCATION
PRACTICES SOURCING
50 - Lotus Bakeries
STATUS
ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES UNIT 2022 2021 2020
% of internal employees who have signed the Code of Conduct1 % 99.9 99.8 99
% of key suppliers which have signed the Code of Conduct2 % 90.5 90.1 62
% of our key palm oil suppliers which have signed Lotus Bakeries’
Palm Oil Policy3 % 90 90 96
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING UNIT 2022 2021 2020
% of our production sites which process palm oil and have

achieved the RSPO certificate % 100 100 100
% of our Lotus® Biscoff® chocolate products with
the Rainforest Alliance quality mark % 100 100 100
PRODUCT SAFETY UNIT 2022 2021 2020
Lotus Bakeries production sites where our products are produced

with external quality certification (BRC, IFS) % 100 100 100
1
An internal employee is an employee who is connected to Lotus Bakeries with an employment contract, either of unlimited duration or of limited duration.
2
Key suppliers are all of our suppliers of end products (external production), raw materials, packaging and machinery, with whom Lotus Bakeries has entered into a
written contract.
3
Palm oil suppliers who have signed up to the Lotus Bakeries palm oil policy or have their own palm oil policy in force that includes at least equal standards and who
supply ingredients or raw materials containing at least 50% palm oil, and in so far these products represent more than 5% in any recipe.

ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES
Lotus Bakeries actively assumes its social responsibility. We guarantee conversion into product specifications and customer information in a
ethical business practices throughout the organisation. With our more efficient way. This database was taken into use at the first site in
Foundation for Education, we support educational projects and 2022. The further roll-out to other sites and production partners will
contribute to the prospects of future generations. take place in 2023.
ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES IN OUR OWN ORGANISATION 2. Respect for fellow human beings:
The Code of Conduct was approved by the Board of Directors on Lotus Bakeries is responsible for a safe working environment and places
April 2, 2020 and was implemented in 2020. As of 2021, every new great importance on integrity and respect for fellow human beings.
employee who is recruited must sign this. This Code forms an integral Respecting human rights and labour regulations, including the freedom
part of the employment contract. of association of employees and combating child labour, are important
objectives. All personal data are treated with respect at all times and in
The Code of Conduct accordance with the relevant rules and regulations.
Lotus Bakeries sets out at all times to act with integrity, honesty and
fairness and in full compliance with the applicable laws, rules and Practical example 2022
regulations. It has developed a Code of Conduct containing six main • In 2022, Lotus Bakeries has first of all standardised its recruitment
principles that its employees must respect at all times: process unified at a global level in order to further streamline
equal treatment of all potential candidates. By centralising the
The full Code of Conduct is available in 10 different languages career opportunities, the company has to offer globally on a single,
on our website: https://www.lotusbakeries.com/governance- uncluttered platform – https://www.lotusbakeriesjobs.com – all
practices-and-policies candidates have access to the same information and each application
follows a standard process that, in case of a successful match between
1. Transparency: the applicant and Lotus Bakeries, continues through to contract
Lotus Bakeries aims for clear and accurate communication with its negotiations and onboarding.
customers, suppliers, consumers and business partners and encourages
open communication with all its stakeholders. Lotus Bakeries also refrains • In addition, Lotus Bakeries took further steps in its GDPR policy in
from non-conforming, dishonest, fraudulent or misleading marketing 2022 as a result of the publication of the new standard contractual
practices. clauses by the European Commission for data transfers in 2021. For
example, the international data transfers have been reviewed, a data
Practical example 2022 transfer impact assessment has taken place for all intercompany data
Lotus Bakeries also wishes to inform the consumer transparently about flows in and out of the EU and a qualitative intercompany data transfer
verified claims that were made with regard to the product. In 2021 a agreement has been entered into.
revamped database was developed to manage this information and the
52 - Lotus Bakeries
3. Trading fairly & compliant: 5. Securing information:
Lotus Bakeries ensures fair competition, respect for export regulations Lotus Bakeries does all it can to protect its own confidential information
and the prevention of insider trading. and the confidential information of third parties.
Practical example 2022 Practical example 2022

• Since the war started in Ukraine in February 2022, also within Lotus Last year, Lotus Bakeries reviewed and further tightened up its Trade
Bakeries more focus has been put on tightened export regulations Secret Policy. Focusing on the trade secrets in the plants, now spread
in order to ensure that in an ever-changing and evolving situation across three and soon across four continents, responsibilities, procedures,
all applicable import and export laws and regulations continue to be policies as well as access matrixes have been revised.
complied with.
6. Respect for the environment & responsible sourcing policy:
• In 2022, Lotus Bakeries further rolled out the ‘Competition Compliance Lotus Bakeries closely monitors the impact of its activities on the
Programme’. All new employees in the marketing, sales and purchasing environment and constantly strives to reduce its ecological footprint.
departments were invited to an initial two-and-a-half-hour interactive
workshop at which eight issues are explained using real case studies. The For our concrete 2022 operations, reference is made, among other
existing teams in the United States, Asia and International Distributors things, to the 2022 ambitions and achievements for the environment
Natural Foods also participated in this training, if they had been unable on p. 84 and to the implementation of the Supplier Code of Conduct
to join in 2021, partly due to travel restrictions as a result of COVID-19. on p. 118 of this annual report.
293 employees have now joined the programme. All of them are sent
an online training programme six times a year in which a competition law The full Code of Conduct is available in 10 different
topic is explained once more, and they are invited to participate in a quiz. languages on our website: https://www.lotusbakeries.com/
sustainability-policies
And lastly, reference is made to the Dealing Code which is
available on our website: Responsibilities
https://www.lotusbakeries.com/governance-practices-and-policies Each employee of Lotus Bakeries has a responsibility to comply with the
principles of the Code of Conduct.
4. Combating corruption:
Lotus Bakeries has a policy of zero tolerance of bribery and corruption The responsibility for implementing the Code of Conduct lies with the
and oversees a clear process for conflict of interest and accurate accounts Compliance Officer, supported by the local HR departments.
and records, reporting and bookkeeping.

Whistleblowing
All employees of Lotus Bakeries are encouraged to report concerns In 2022, the Board of Directors was informed about the nature of the
about the Code of Conduct to the Compliance Officer. Lotus Bakeries complaints received.
prohibits retaliation against individuals who report problems in good faith
and is committed to investigating such reported problems. Implementation
The Code of Conduct has been translated into the official languages
In the context of Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament of those countries in which Lotus Bakeries has a sales office or a factory.
and of the Council of October 23, 2019 on the protection of persons The document is available in ten languages.
reporting breaches of Union law (the Directive) and laying down the
minimum standards for whistleblowing protection, Lotus Bakeries The Code of Conduct has been added to the onboarding pack for new
has revised its whistleblowing system. The Directive has now been employees at all our sites and the onboarding programme includes a
implemented in part of the European Member States, including in presentation on it.
Belgium, by the law of November 28, 2022 transposing the EU
Whistleblowing Directive for the private sector. The law was published The employees of Lotus Bakeries were asked to sign the Code of
in the Belgian Official Journal on December 15, 2022 and enters into Conduct and have all received a brief explanation of the six principles
effect on February 15, 2023. In order to comply, Lotus Bakeries has it contains. At the end of 2022, 99.9% of employees had signed the
selected a platform in which, among other things, anonymous reporting Code of Conduct.
is possible, confidentiality is guaranteed, and accurate follow-up of the
legal obligations is guaranteed. Further implementation will take place RESPONSIBLE PURCHASING & ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES
in early 2023. AT OUR SUPPLIERS
Supplier Code of Conduct
In 2022, the Compliance Department received a range of queries The principles set out in the Lotus Bakeries Code of Conduct are also
through the reporting line referred to in the Code of Conduct. In imposed on our suppliers of packaging, raw materials, equipment and
addition, three complaints were received from employees, which were finished products. In 2022, 90.5% of our key suppliers of finished
all investigated and resolved. These complaints were able to be handled products (external production), raw materials, packaging and machinery
locally. with which Lotus Bakeries has concluded a written contract had signed
the Supplier Code of Conduct.
Reporting
Where necessary, the Compliance Officer reports to the Board of
Directors once a year on the enforcement of the Code of Conduct,
covering any breaches and concerns raised and also the action points
formulated to prevent repetition.
54 - Lotus Bakeries
4. Traceability
The principles to which these suppliers must commit can be summarised • The supplier must keep adequate records of its direct suppliers
as follows:
We expect these suppliers to implement the Supplier Code of Conduct
1. Lawful and ethical business practices and to inform their employees, agents and subcontractors in a careful
• Respect for human rights and transparent manner.
• Child labour will not be accepted under any circumstances
• Treating people with dignity, honesty, fairness and respect Responsibilities
• Refraining from any form of discrimination, harassment, verbal or The purchasing department is responsible for implementing the Supplier
physical abuse Code of Conduct, supported where necessary by Legal & Compliance.
• Implementation of thorough health and safety procedures
• Compliance with the occupational laws and regulations in the Whistleblowing
workplace Suppliers are asked to bring any concerns to the attention of their
contact at Lotus Bakeries. From 2023, they will also be able to report
2. Fair business practices any complaints via the online whistleblowing platform selected by
• Compliance with the relevant competition laws Lotus Bakeries, in which, among other things, anonymous reports are
• Use of fair and transparent price mechanisms and other contractual possible, confidentiality is guaranteed, and accurate follow-up of the
provisions in respect of suppliers legal obligations is guaranteed.
• Zero tolerance of bribery and corruption
• Protection of Lotus Bakeries’ confidential information Monitoring
• No falsification, smuggling or other related crimes The Supplier Code of Conduct includes an obligation for the supplier
to provide documentation that Lotus Bakeries can use as a basis for
3. Respect for the environment verifying compliance with the Supplier Code of Conduct.
• Obtaining and documenting all necessary environmental permits,
licences and registrations. Lotus Bakeries already carries out audits at its suppliers, but they mainly
• Setting up an environmental management system, including: focus on quality and food safety. It is looking at ways it can monitor proper
− Processes aimed at waste reduction, lower energy consumption, enforcement by the suppliers of other principles in the Code of Conduct
lower emissions and the prevention of pollution and if possible integrate them into the existing audits.
− Preservation of biodiversity, including threatened flora and fauna
(no deforestation) and focusing on soil protection Lotus Bakeries expects suppliers to take all the limiting action required
− Respect for water sources and ensuring good water and (waste) as a result of any gaps found.
water management
− No use of illegal products and limitation of the use of pesticides
and other legal chemicals

RESPONSIBLE SOURCING
Implementation
The Supplier Code of Conduct was implemented in 2020, is supplied Lotus Bakeries is aware of the negative impact certain crops can have
in the language of the contract and is available in ten languages. The on the environment and also on the communities living in the areas
suppliers of packaging, raw materials, equipment and finished products where they are grown.
with which Lotus Bakeries had a framework agreement at the time of
implementation were asked to sign the Code of Conduct separately. PALM OIL
Since then, this code has been an integral part of the standard contracts RSPO certificate
with our new suppliers. Moreover, all our general purchase conditions It is important to Lotus Bakeries that the palm oil it uses in its products
contain a reference to the Supplier Code of Conduct, which is available has been produced sustainably and does not contribute to deforestation
on our website. or the destruction of vulnerable areas. That is why Lotus Bakeries only
buys RSPO certified palm.
In 2022, 90.5% of key suppliers had signed the Code of Conduct.
In 2022, Lotus Bakeries was a member of, among others, the RSPO
(Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) and the Belgian Alliance for
Sustainable Palm Oil and was committed to purchasing only sustainable
palm oil.
Moreover, all Lotus Bakeries’ sites that use or purchase palm oil also have
an RSPO certificate.
Palm Oil Policy: investment in sustainable

agriculture and reforestation
Lotus Bakeries selects its key palm oil suppliers carefully on the basis of
the NDPE principle (No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation) in
its purchasing standards.
In addition, Lotus Bakeries requires its key palm oil suppliers to also invest
in a number of projects to, among other things, rejuvenate forests and
help farmers switch to sustainable cultivation.
Lotus Bakeries has endorsed this in its palm oil policy. At the end of
2022, 90% of key palm oil suppliers had endorsed Lotus Bakeries’ palm
oil policy.
56 - Lotus Bakeries
PRODUCT SAFETY
The full text of the Sustainable palm oil policy is available QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
on our website: https://www.lotusbakeries.com/sustainability- The Lotus Bakeries quality policy is an integral part of its strategy aimed
policies at building on strong, reliable brands. The strength of our brands is after
all highly dependent on the quality of our products.
COCOA
Rainforest Alliance To assure this quality Lotus Bakeries has a quality policy in force, which
The cocoa butter and cocoa mass used in our Lotus® Biscoff® chocolate can also be viewed on the website.
has been certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
The full text of the quality policy is available on our
SOY website: https://www.lotusbakeries.com/sustainability-policies
IP certificate
The soybean flour in the Lotus® Biscoff® products is IP certified (‘Identity Responsibility
Preserved’). This means that the soy flour we use in our products can The Corporate Quality Assurance department is responsible for auditing
be traced to the sustainable plantation from which this raw material the quality of our products, under the direction of the Corporate QA
originates. Director, who has final responsibility for ensuring that the terms and
conditions of Lotus Bakeries’ quality management system are met at
Responsible Soy Association all our production sites and in all Lotus Bakeries’ offices. The Area QA
In 2022, Lotus Bakeries was also a member of the RTRS (Round Table Managers have the same responsibilities for their region.
on Responsible Soy Association – Switzerland).
Scope of product safety and quality
Lotus Bakeries’ quality management system covers the entire value
chain. From the purchase of raw materials and packaging, to production,
labelling and delivery of the finished products to the customer. External
production is also covered by the quality management system.
Quality control of suppliers

Supplier selection
Our suppliers are selected according to predetermined criteria, including
the availability of an effective quality and food safety management
system, assured by an independent food safety certification body. An
effective tracing system forms part of this, so that Lotus Bakeries knows
where the raw materials come from at all times.

Specifications Quality assurance finished products
In addition, Lotus Bakeries has also drawn up specifications with product Finished products are first examined critically at our production sites
safety requirements to be met for raw materials and packaging materials in the form of self-assessment by the production department. The
that are critical for product safety, such as flour, eggs, fats, margarines, quality of our finished products is also assured by analyses in our internal
chocolate and printed packaging with direct product contact. laboratories. The results of these laboratory analyses are reported to
management monthly.
Inbound controls
The products supplied by our suppliers are also subject to an inbound Training
control. We assess the analysis report supplied by the supplier and check In 2022, a thorough HACCP training course was organised by the
it with regular counter analyses by our own specialist internal laboratories. Corporate Quality department for all local HACCP teams. There is
In July 2022, the project for uniform registration of the acceptance also a food defence plan, aimed at preventing deliberate contamination,
sampling in SAP was successfully completed. In 2023, the inbound in place at each site. Every employee attends the necessary training on
controls will be further tightened in collaboration with the sites. these processes.
The screening of suppliers Internal audits

Supplier screenings are also supplemented by supplier visits and Verification takes place on the basis of internal audits. In 2022 there
audits, which are conducted annually on the basis of performance were 96 internal audits. Each production site has been audited at least
measurements, and also at new suppliers. In 2022, eleven audits were five times.
carried out at suppliers of raw materials and three audits were carried
out at suppliers of packaging materials. In addition, another four visits External audits
took place at raw material suppliers. External certification is a major support in the continuous improvement
of both processes and products. Every Lotus Bakeries production site
Only on the basis of these detailed performance measurements can is BRC or IFS certified. The quality management system undergoes an
we ensure that we continue to work with the best suppliers at all times. annual assessment on the basis of different criteria and corrective and
preventive action is taken as a result.
Quality assurance of our production processes and finished products
HACCP Quality processes for our production partners (co-manufacturing)
Production processes are available for all production sites that are Our external production partners are monitored in an identical way by
designed to assure the quality and the safety of our products. Detailed our Corporate Quality Assurance department. There were eight physical
HACCP plans (product safety risk studies) have been produced. They are audits last year, 41 in-person visits and six digital quality meetings over the
updated at least annually or with every major adjustment of the process or past year. The requirements we set for our external production partners
machinery. In 2021, the framework for the HACCP plans was thoroughly are laid down contractually in a clear schedule of requirements. Products
revised and the production sites started working with this in 2022. of production partners are assessed in the same way as our own products.
58 - Lotus Bakeries
Quality processes for our customers
First and foremost, our finished products, both the product itself and the
packaging, must comply with the relevant food legislation. The labelling
of products and the processing of raw materials and packaging according
the regulations of the country of commercialisation are monitored by the
Corporate Quality Assurance.
We also wish to inform the consumer transparently about verified claims

made with regard to the product. In 2021 a revamped database was
developed to manage this information and the conversion into product
specifications and customer information in a more efficient way. The
database was put into use in 2022 and the further roll-out to other sites
and production partners will take place in 2023.
We receive, register and handle product complaints systematically and,

since 2020, they have been registered in a central database for all the
sales offices in the group. The number of complaints and their seriousness
are monitored very closely and a monthly report is made to management.
Thorough packaging inspection by colleagues from the QA team

Annual testing and continuous monitoring
of our quality management system
Lotus Bakeries has specific product withdrawal and recall procedures.
There is a trained crisis management team in each of our sites and
sales offices. Each year, the procedures are tested unannounced in
collaboration with external parties.
Learning points are identified and adjusted from the results of this test,
and monitoring and action plans are drawn up.
In 2022, Lotus Bakeries organised two recalls, one in Belgium and one
in Germany, following a thorough risk analysis. The necessary steps
were taken in a timely manner and preventive measures were taken
immediately to prevent recurrence in the future.
The various components of our quality management system are

adequately safeguarded thanks to these various steps.
60 - Lotus Bakeries
Colleague performs microbiological control

NUTRITIONAL POLICY Superior taste experience
Lotus Bakeries has a clear nutritional policy, focusing on five specific Lotus Bakeries wants to be able to offer its consumers delicious, high-
objectives. quality snacks at any time of the day. A superior taste experience is key to
this, both in the range of biscuits and pastries and in the range of natural
The full text of the nutritional policy is available on our snacks. We only use high-quality ingredients and we monitor production
website: https://www.lotusbakeries.com/sustainability-policies and supply chain processes from beginning to end. Ensuring the quality,
origin, composition and safety of our products is vital. Our R&D
The R&D department wants to contribute to better products through department plays an important part in this: it has the task of developing
new insights into characteristics and interactions between raw materials products with attention to constantly improving quality and taste.
and ingredients. To this end, it draws not only on its own expertise but
also on that of well-known university knowledge institutions, as well as Diverse range
on existing innovation platforms set up by the food industry. Lotus Bakeries aims to offer every consumer a quality range of snacks
at every moment of consumption. It does this through a portfolio of
Our efforts in the field of innovation are also translated into an extensive products with a variety of nutritional compositions.
and innovative product range. The five objectives of our nutritional policy
are always paramount. With the acquisition of brands such as nākd, TREK, BEAR and Urban
Fruit, the focus has expanded to fruit and nut-based snacks. Moreover,
the takeover of Kiddylicious has meant an expansion of our range with
SUPERIOR TASTE DIVERSE

EXPERIENCE RANGE
62 - Lotus Bakeries
Clear information
and responsible marketing
snacks and meals for little ones. These Natural Foods brands provide In order to support consumers in their nutritional choices, we believe it
the consumer with the option to choose a healthy or healthier alternative is important to give them accurate product information, including the
to existing snacks in the food category. nutritional values.
No artificial flavours or colours Lotus Bakeries also takes an unequivocal position with regard to
To exclusively offer our consumers healthy and high-quality products, we responsible advertising towards children.
aim not to use any artificial flavours or colours in our products. We have
considered it important as a business to use pure and natural ingredients For example, Lotus Bakeries Belgium signed the Belgian Pledge 3.0,
since our foundation in 1932. which expands its commitment to responsible advertising for children
compared to its existing commitment under the Belgian Pledge 2.0.
Variety in portion sizes This revised version extends the guidelines to social media channels
It is our ambition to offer consumers responsible snacks. Not just with our when communicating via influencers.
range of natural snacks, but also by making several of our top products
available in large and small packs, that contain less than 150 Kcal a
portion.
NO ARTIFICIAL VARIETY IN CLEAR INFORMATION

FLAVOURS OR COLOURS PORTION SIZES & RESPONSIBLE MARKETING

Colleague measures out the exact doses and verifies the viscosity
64 - Lotus Bakeries
LOTUS BAKERIES FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION
Mission: Lotus Bakeries aims to make a substantial contribution to Our underlying principles are clear:
carefully selected education projects with a focus on high-quality • We want to give vulnerable or disadvantaged children and young
education for vulnerable or disadvantaged children and young people. people in various regions access to high-quality education.
• We do this by supporting projects aimed at elementary and secondary
At Lotus Bakeries we contribute to the well-being of our fellow human education, but also aimed at technical skills and out-of-school cultural
beings by providing support to education. The reason is simple: education or sporting activities.
is the key to breaking the vicious circle of poverty. • We select a limited number of projects to which we can make a
substantial contribution.
Anyone with access to high-quality education can learn a trade and
thus also gain access to the labour market, earn an income and support
a family, share knowledge and continue to develop.
Education is a universal human right to which every child is entitled for

good reason. Education provides future prospects. Education helps the
child become an independent and self-reliant human being. Someone
who can contribute to the economy. In this way education is the key to
success of the child and society.
66 - Lotus Bakeries
In 2022 Lotus Bakeries supported 8 development projects within
the framework of the Lotus Bakeries Foundation for Education:
Kusasa Academy
The Kusasa Academy is an education project in the Western Cape
province of South Africa for which Lotus Bakeries has been the main
sponsor since 2018. Every year, some 150 children, 75 girls and 75 boys,
receive a good basic education and are supported in their continued
development. As a result, they can look forward to a better future, which
also benefits society in the region.
In 2022, this non-profit celebrated its 15th anniversary, and has a proven,
lengthy track record of having a meaningful impact on education and
the community.
The annual graduation ceremony took place in November 2022.

The ceremony was a combination of a school party, the graduation
ceremony and the rebranding of the school. The name of the school
was changed from ‘Early Learning Centre’ to ‘The Kusasa Academy’.
As tradition would have it, all students took the floor and explained what
The Kusasa Academy means to them and the dreams they cherish for the
future. “No easy task to speak to an audience of 450,” explains Marie-
Louise Raymond, Headmaster of The Kusasa Academy. “But all the
students have done a great job! We are extremely grateful to Lotus
Bakeries for the annual financial donations, which play an important role
in the future of these children.”

Lotus Bakeries child sponsorships TAJO
This project was set up in conjunction with Cunina at the school in By lending its support to the Ghent Talent Studio for Young People
Reichenau, Underberg, South Africa. Since 2017, the employees of (TAJO), Lotus Bakeries is choosing to provide socially vulnerable young
Lotus Bakeries Corporate have been given the opportunity to become people in the Ghent region (Belgium), and as of 2022 also in Kortrijk
sponsors. All sponsored children are offered an education from the (Belgium), with new opportunities and to fuel their motivation to start
first year of primary to the final year of secondary. This is a long-term studying.
commitment of 12 years for around 140 children.
This geographical expansion means that the non-profit organisation
will reach even more vulnerable young people and will be able to make
an even greater impact. That’s why Lotus Bakeries has decided to raise
the financial support in 2022, which should give this expansion an extra
boost.
TAJO introduces young people to the most diverse professions and

the associated competencies and talents through interactive workshops
every Saturday. These workshops are provided by experienced guest
teachers. For example, young people can experience which disciplines
appeal to them and are encouraged to study in a direction that takes
them further, at school and in life.
In order to maintain the connection with the young people over the
summer of 2022, TAJO organised summer activities for all TAJO
youths in July and August. A trip to the beach, to the Blaarmeersen,
an artful tour in Ostend, a day of discovery of technology or nature in
the Technology Park-Zwijnaarde, the Bourgoyen and the University of
Applied Sciences West Flanders (Howest), went down a treat.
68 - Lotus Bakeries
City Pirates Gammol
Through City Pirates, a social football project in the Antwerp area Gammol is a non-profit organisation committed to the needs of
(Belgium) that uses football to give young people a chance and to learn education and healthcare in Gambia.
skills, we want to give young people from the Antwerp area a chance
of training, a diploma and a job. The youths learn, among other things In 2021, they built a new school in Sanchaba, but additional construction
through sport, what teamwork, perseverance, effort and discipline is, with projects were planned in 2022. For example, in 2022, they worked
a focus on equality, respect and commitment. And all this in view of a on additional classrooms, a teacher room and the playground was also
stable and balanced future. City Pirates also provides social and financial levelled. Decent sanitary facilities, which were missing before, were
guidance for parents, after-school activities and homework tutelage for provided in 2022. Classes now have both new and used tables and
the children. The non-profit organisation now has 200 volunteers and chairs to accommodate the ever-increasing number of students.
1,500 players, has a first team in second amateur division and receives
logistical support from Club Brugge KV.
In 2022, among other things, a tournament for foreign-language

newcomers was organised in collaboration with the Federal Agency for
the reception of asylum seekers (Fedasil), International Organisation for
Migration – UN Migration and CAW group, the Peace Run from the Gooikenshoeve
Stadspark to Schoonselhof took place and there was participation in the VZW Gooikenshoeve was set up to provide psychologically and
#properebuurten (‘clean neighbourhoods’) initiative. Ketnet wrapper socially vulnerable young people and young adults from 17 to 25 with a
Héritier Tipo visited City Pirates in December as part of De Warmste worthwhile daytime activity in a small-scale, safe and warm environment.
Week (a Belgian solidarity campaign). In this way they want to nurture the hope and the ability of their guests to
find a way into normal social integration and interaction with themselves
and others. Lotus Bakeries is keen to do its bit in this regard.

Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs
A future for disadvantaged young people in Walungu thanks to
Literacy training for women training in sustainable agriculture and economy
The ‘Literacy for women as a weapon for their emancipation’ project In 2022, Lotus Bakeries also supported the project ‘Future for
has been supported by Lotus Bakeries since 2021 and was continued disadvantaged young people in Walungu’. Unemployment is particularly
in 2022. high in the Congolese region of Walungu. Even young people who have
completed their studies are struggling to find work.
The emancipation of women and their social and economic emancipation
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Benin depend on On the one hand, this project aims to support young Congolese in their
education. Leuven Coopération and its local partners organise literacy vocational training and on the other hand to strengthen the technical and
courses for women and girls in these countries. These courses have a entrepreneurial skills of their teachers. After graduation, the young people
direct and significant impact on the emancipation of these women and receive individual guidance on starting an independent activity within
the image they have of themselves and their families. agriculture or a craft. The teachers are trained by experienced partners.
The focus is on agricultural schools and crafts, because the Walungu
area is mainly an agricultural area and there are many opportunities
in that sector. The young people are taught exactly what sustainable
agriculture is.
70 - Lotus Bakeries
A few projects in 2022:
In total, four agricultural schools receive intensive guidance, 150 • As part of the social-professional integration of young people from
teachers receive additional training, 350 students receive support, 50 agricultural schools in the Walungu region, last-year students from
vulnerable young people receive an individualised programme and 60 the various agricultural schools visited a micro farm. The students
young people receive support in the development of their professional learned about the different farming methods, the horticultural crops
or entrepreneurial activities. The families of all these young people also grown using agroecological technology and were able to talk to the
benefit from the better opportunities they receive. veterinarian. This visit introduced the young people to the profession
and showed that it is possible to set up a sustainable and cost-effective
The four participating schools are: Maka Technical Institute – Karhagwa agricultural project, even with little resources.
Technical Institute – Muku Technical Institute – Ciherano Technical • 33 teachers and technical teachers, including four school headmasters,
Institute. got trained on how to set up a continuous upskilling plan. Another
two visits also took place to exchange experiences between technical
teachers from the same disciplines.

EU TAXONOMY
OVERVIEW OF THE EU TAXONOMY APPLICATION OF THE EU TAXONOMY REGULATION
This section contains the EU Taxonomy disclosures required by Article We have concluded that our core economic activities related to the
8 of Regulation 2020/852 (the EU Taxonomy Regulation). production and selling of indulgent and natural snacking products are
not covered by the Climate Delegated Act and consequently are at
The EU Taxonomy Regulation identifies the following six environmental present not considered Taxonomy-eligible.
objectives:
As none of our revenue-generating activities are described currently
1. Climate change mitigation in the Climate Delegated Regulations, our reporting under the EU
2. Climate change adaptation Taxonomy Regulation is limited.
3. The sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources
4. The transition to a circular economy
5. Pollution prevention and control
6. The protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems
The EU has published a catalogue of economic activities that can be

considered for the first two environmental objectives: the Climate
Delegated Regulations.
The sectors currently covered include energy, selected manufacturing

activities, transport and buildings.
The manufacturing of food products and beverages is not yet covered

by the Climate Delegated Regulations.
72 - Lotus Bakeries
CURRENT OTHER ACTIVITIES AND OUTLOOK ON OUR DEFINING OUR KPIS
POTENTIAL FOR TAXONOMY-ELIGIBILITY GOING FORWARD The definition of the key performance indicators (KPIs) is determined
It is important to note that ‘non-eligible’ under the EU Taxonomy in accordance with Annex I of the Art. 8 Delegated Act.
Regulation refers to the fact that the activities at present remain outside
the scope of the economic activities for which technical screening criteria Turnover KPI
have been developed under the current Delegated Regulations. The turnover KPI is defined as the proportion of Taxonomy-eligible
economic activities in our total turnover (numerator) divided by the
We will continue to assess our Taxonomy-eligible and aligned activities net turnover (denominator). The denominator of the turnover KPI is
considering the evolving legal framework of the EU Taxonomy Regulation based on our consolidated revenue as presented in our Consolidated
and to continue to integrate the requirements of the EU Taxonomy in Income Statement.
our business model and reporting policies and procedures.
With regard to the numerator, we have not identified any Taxonomy-
In the meantime, we keep exploring ways to reduce our emissions. eligible activities as explained above.
For a qualitative description of our CapEx and OpEx relating to climate CapEx KPI
change mitigation and adaptation we refer to Chapter 2 of our Annual The CapEx KPI is defined as Taxonomy-eligible CapEx divided by our
Report. total CapEx.
Total CapEx (denominator) consists of additions to tangible and

intangible assets during the financial year considered before depreciation,
amortisation and any re-measurements, including those resulting from
revaluations and impairments, for the relevant financial year and excluding
fair value changes. The denominator includes also additions to tangible
and intangible assets resulting from business combinations and leases.
With regard to the numerator, as we have not identified Taxonomy-

eligible economic activities, we do not record CapEx related to assets or
processes that are associated with Taxonomy-eligible economic activities.

OpEx KPI TAXONOMY KPI’S FOR THE PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2022
The OpEx KPI is defined as Taxonomy-eligible OpEx divided by our As our economic activities are not covered by the Climate Delegated
total OpEx. Act, the share of Taxonomy-eligible economic activities in our total
revenue is 0%. Consequently, the related CapEx and OpEx are also 0%.
Total OpEx (denominator) includes direct non-capitalised costs that
relate to research and development, building renovation measures, short- We acknowledge that the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)
term lease, maintenance and repair, and any other direct expenditures 2021/2178 of July 6, 2021 (hereafter referred as Regulation) requires
relating to the day-to-day servicing of asset of property, plant and to disclose the information referred to in Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 2,
equipment by the undertaking or third party to whom activities are of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 as specified in Annex I to the Regulation,
outsourced that are necessary to ensure the continued and effective presented in a tabular form by using the templates set out in Annex II
functioning of such assets. to the Regulation.
With regard to the numerator, as we have not identified Taxonomy- However, as most fields would be empty or nil, for the sake of clarity
eligible economic activities, we do not record OpEx related to assets or for our readers, we present all required information as in the simplified
processes that are associated with Taxonomy-eligible economic activities. tabular form hereunder.
PROPORTION OF TAXONOMY- PROPORTION OF TAXONOMY- PROPORTION OF TAXONOMY-

IN MILLION EUR TOTAL ELIGIBLE (NON-ALIGNED) ECONOMIC ALIGNED ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES NON-ELIGIBLE ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES (IN %)
ACTIVITIES (IN %) (IN %)
Revenue 877.5 0% 0% 100%
Capital expenditure (CapEx) 149.6 0% 0% 100%
Operating expenditure (OpEx) 26.5 0% 0% 100%
74 - Lotus Bakeries
R&D colleague places sensor to measure the temperature of the dough

LIMITED ASSURANCE REPORT
INDEPENDENT LIMITED ASSURANCE REPORT ON THE
SUBJECT MATTER INFORMATION OF THE CARE FOR
TODAY SECTION IN THE ANNUAL REPORT 2022 OF LOTUS
BAKERIES NV
To the Board of Directors of Lotus Bakeries NV of systems and processes relevant for the preparation of the Subject
Matter Information that is free from material misstatement, whether
This report has been prepared in accordance with the terms of our due to fraud or error.
engagement contract dated 1 February 2023 (the “Agreement”),
whereby we have been engaged to issue an independent limited AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITY
assurance report in connection with a selection of sustainability KPIs Our responsibility is to express an independent conclusion about the
included in the Annual Report as of and for the year ended 31 December Subject Matter Information based on the procedures we have performed
2022 of Lotus Bakeries NV (the “Report”), as listed in the Appendix and the evidence we have obtained.
of this assurance report.
We conducted our work in accordance with the International Standard
THE DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY on Assurance Engagements 3000 (Revised) “Assurance Engagements
The Directors of Lotus Bakeries NV (“the Company”) are responsible for other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information” (ISAE
the preparation and presentation of the selection of sustainability KPIs 3000), issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards
for the year 2022 included in the Report, as listed in the Appendix of Board. This standard requires that we comply with ethical requirements
this assurance report (the “Subject Matter Information”), in accordance and that we plan and perform the engagement to obtain limited assurance
with the criteria disclosed in the Report (the “Criteria”). as to whether any matters have come to our attention that cause us to
believe that the Subject Matter Information has not been prepared, in
This responsibility includes the selection and application of appropriate all material respects, in accordance with the Criteria.
methods for the preparation of the Subject Matter Information, for
ensuring the reliability of the underlying information and for the use of The procedures performed in a limited assurance engagement vary
assumptions and estimates for individual sustainability disclosures which in nature and timing from, and are less in extent than for, a reasonable
are reasonable in the circumstances. Furthermore, the responsibility of assurance engagement. Consequently, the level of assurance obtained in
the Directors includes the design, implementation and maintenance a limited assurance engagement is substantially lower than the assurance
76 - Lotus Bakeries
OUR INDEPENDENCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
that would have been obtained had a reasonable engagement been We have complied with the independence and other ethical requirements
performed. The selection of such procedures depends on our professional in respect of auditor independence, particularly in accordance with the
judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement rules set down in articles 12, 13, 14, 16, 20, 28 and 29 of the Belgian
of the Subject Matter Information in accordance with the Criteria. Act of 7 December 2016 organizing the audit profession and its public
oversight of registered auditors, and with the independence and other
The scope of our work comprised the following procedures: ethical requirements of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants
• assessing and testing the design and functioning of the systems issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants, which
and processes used for data-gathering, collation, consolidation and is founded on fundamental principles of integrity, objectivity, professional
validation, including the methods used for calculating and estimating competence and due care, confidentiality and professional behaviour.
the Subject Matter Information as of and for the year ended 31
December 2022 presented in the Report; Our firm applies International Standard on Quality Management n°1,
• conducting interviews with responsible officers; Quality Management for Firms that Perform Audits and Reviews
• reviewing, on a limited test basis, relevant internal and external of Financial Statements, and Other Assurance Related Services
documentation; Engagements], and accordingly, maintains a comprehensive system of
• performing an analytical review of the data and trends in the quality management including documented policies and procedures
information submitted for consolidation; regarding compliance with ethical requirements, professional standards
• considering the disclosure and presentation of the Subject Matter and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Information.
The scope of our work is limited to assurance over the Subject Matter
Information for the year 2022. Our assurance does not extend to
information in respect of earlier periods or to any other information
included in the Report.

OUR CONCLUSION OTHER MATTER -
Based on the procedures we have performed and the evidence we have RESTRICTION ON USE AND DISTRIBUTION OF OUR REPORT
obtained, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe Our report is intended solely for the use of the Company, to whom it is
that the Subject Matter Information within your Annual Report as of addressed, in connection with their Report as of and for the year ended
and for the year ended 31 December 2022 has not been prepared, in all 31 December 2022 and should not be used for any other purpose. We
material respects, in accordance with the criteria disclosed in the Report. do not accept or assume and deny any liability or duty of care to any other
party to whom this report may be shown or into whose hands it may come.
OTHER ESG RELATED INFORMATION
The other information comprises all of the ESG related information Gent, March 30, 2023
in the Report other than the Subject Matter Information and our
assurance report. The directors are responsible for the other ESG PwC Bedrijfsrevisoren BV/Reviseurs d’Entreprises SRL
related information. As explained above, our assurance conclusion represented by
does not extend to the other ESG related information and, accordingly,
we do not express any form of assurance thereon. In connection with Lien Winne1
our assurance of the Subject Matter Information, our responsibility is Registered auditor
to read the other ESG related information and, in doing so, consider
whether the other ESG related information is materially inconsistent
with the Subject Matter Information or our knowledge obtained during
the assurance engagement, or otherwise appears to contain a material
misstatement of fact. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or
material misstatement of fact, we are required to perform procedures to
conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the Subject Matter
Information or a material misstatement of the other information, and to
take appropriate actions in the circumstances.
1
Lien Winne BV, member of the Board of Directors, represented by its
permanent representative Lien Winne
78 - Lotus Bakeries
APPENDIX – SUBJECT MATTER INFORMATION
In section “02 our sustainability programme - care for today, respect for tomorrow”:
On page 85:
Environment Packaging % of packaging of all Lotus Bakeries brands that is recyclable

Carbon footprint % of our owned sites that have earned the CO2 -neutral label
Output of scope 1 & 2 CO2 equivalent emissions per tonne produced on our owned sites
Output of scope 1 & 2 CO2 equivalent emissions per tonne produced on our owned sites, excluding own
transport
Kg of waste per tonne generated
On page 99:
People Gender diversity % men-%female for Board of Directors, Leadership team and all employees
Geographical coverage Geographic distribution: total headcount per country and split between men/female (absolute and in %)
Safety in the workplace Total occupational accidents involving absence from work
On page 115:
Community Ethical business practices % of internal employees who have signed the Code of Conduct
% of key suppliers which have signed the Code of Conduct
% of our key palm oil suppliers which have signed Lotus Bakeries’ Palm Oil Policy
Responsible sourcing % of our production sites which process palm oil that has achieved the RSPO certificate
External quality certificates Lotus Bakeries production sites where our products are produced with external quality certification (BRC, IFS)

02 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
DECLARATION
Corporate Governance Declaration 83
80 - Lotus Bakeries
Lotus Bakeries -81
82 - Lotus Bakeries
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DECLARATION
GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
Lotus Bakeries adopts the Corporate Governance Code 2020 as a The Board of Directors chose to consolidate its current single-tier
reference code, in accordance with Article 3:6(2) of the CAC and the governance model as referred to in Article 7:85 et seq of the CAC,
Royal May 12, 2019 laying down the corporate governance code to be since the functioning of the Board is highly effective and transparent.
complied with by listed companies. The powers relating to day-to-day management versus supervision/
control are clearly defined, the Board is kept thoroughly informed at
Lotus Bakeries’ Corporate Governance Charter, which outlines our all times by the CEO and the EXCO and all necessary decisions are
corporate governance policy and the internal rules of procedure of the approved and/or ratified.
Board of Directors, the Committees and the Executive Committee, was
discussed by the Board of Directors and approved on April 2, 2020. SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARES
Share capital
More information about our Corporate Governance The share capital of Lotus Bakeries NV amounts to EUR 3,591,183.65.
Charter can be found on our website: https://www.
lotusbakeries.com/governance-practices-and-policies Notices with respect to Art. 34 of the Royal Decree of
November 14, 2007 - anti-takeover measures
In this annual report, we report factual applications of the Corporate The Board of Directors of Lotus Bakeries NV was authorised by the
Governance Charter. Extraordinary General Meeting of May 8, 2020 to increase issued
capital one or more times up to a maximum amount of four million seven
ADOPTION OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE 2020 hundred and eighty-eight thousand two hundred and forty-four euros
As set out below, Lotus Bakeries follows all principles contained in the and eighty-seven cents (EUR 4,788,244.87). This authorisation was
Corporate Governance Code 2020, except for Article 7.12 concerning granted for a period of five years starting on the date of the publication
the possibility of clawing back variable remuneration paid to the members of the resolution of the Extraordinary General Meeting of May 8, 2020
of the executive management, or withholding the payment of variable in the Supplements to the Belgian Official Journal.
remuneration.
Within the limits of the aforementioned authorised capital, the Board
The Board of Directors is not convinced of the enforceability of a of Directors of Lotus Bakeries NV was furthermore authorised by
claw-back clause in employment contracts or service agreements with the Extraordinary General Meeting of May 8, 2020, within a period
management companies, which cannot be amended unilaterally. Nor of three years commencing with the Extraordinary General Meeting
does it see the need for such a claw-back clause since, according to the of Shareholders of May 8, 2020, following notification from the
remuneration policy, the variable remuneration is allocated solely on the Financial Services and Markets Authority of a public takeover bid for the
basis of verified, audited and published results. Company’s stock, to increase the Company’s capital subject to fulfilment
of the legal requirements.

Shares
Since the beginning of January 2002, Lotus Bakeries NV shares have directly or indirectly, by direct subsidiaries of the Company within the
been listed on the continuous trading market of Euronext (Brussels). meaning of Article 7:221 CAC.
Previously, the shares were listed on the spot market. • To dispose of shares, profit-sharing certificates or other certificates
acquired by the Company, whether via the stock exchange or
On December 31, 2022 there were 816,013 shares of Lotus Bakeries otherwise, through sale, exchange, contribution, conversion of bonds
NV, in registered or dematerialised form. or any other form of transfer (whether or not for consideration), to
offer them to the staff, to offer them to one or more specified persons
Share options other than staff, or to otherwise exercise control over them, always
In the context of the Lotus Bakeries NV share option scheme, 792 new in accordance with the legal provisions, or to cancel these shares or
share options were issued in 2022. As at December 31, 2022 the total profit-sharing certificates, without requiring further approval or other
number of unexercised share options was 3,695. intervention of the General Meeting of Shareholders and without
any time restrictions.
• To acquire, whether via the stock exchange or otherwise, whether
GRANTED IN 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
directly or indirectly, the Company’s stock, when such acquisition is
Number granted 1,846 1,179 1,199 962 660 792
necessary to prevent the Company from suffering serious imminent
Number exercised (1,593) (798) (60) (50) (33) -
damage. This authorisation is granted for a period of three years.
Number expired (253) (40) (50) (40) (26) -
Available options - 341 1,089 872 601 792
2,500 treasury shares were purchased over the course of 2022. The
total number of treasury shares in the portfolio at the end of the financial
Purchase of treasury shares year is 5,072 shares. They represent an accounting par value of EUR
The Extraordinary General Meeting of May 8, 2020 authorised the 22,316.80 or 0.62% of the issued share capital.
Board of Directors of Lotus Bakeries NV as follows regarding the buying
and selling of treasury shares:
• For a period of five years, within legal limits, whether via the stock
exchange or otherwise, whether directly or indirectly, whether by
purchase or exchange, whether by contribution or any other form of
acquisition, to acquire shares, profit-sharing certificates or certificates
related thereto, with as compensation the average closing share price
of the Company over the last thirty calendar days prior to the date
of purchase, reduced by twenty percent as a minimum price and
increased by ten percent as a maximum price. This authorisation
applies also to the acquisition of shares of the Company, carried out,
84 - Lotus Bakeries
SHAREHOLDERS AND SHAREHOLDERS STRUCTURE
The shareholding structure of Lotus Bakeries NV on December 31, 2022:
NO. OF SHARES NO. OF VOTING RIGHTS % OF SHARES % OF VOTING RIGHTS
Stichting Administratiekantoor van Aandelen Lotus Bakeries1 408,007 816,014 50% 65.03%
Lotus Bakeries NV 2
5,072 5,072 0.62% 0.40%
Publicly held 402,934 433,802 49.38% 34.57%
Total 816,013 1,254,888 100% 100%
1
Stichting Administratiekantoor van Aandelen Lotus Bakeries is not controlled. The interest of Stichting Administratiekantoor van Aandelen Lotus Bakeries in Lotus Bakeries NV appears in the
transparency notification that Lotus Bakeries NV received on September 29, 2021*.
2
The voting rights attached to the shares held by Lotus Bakeries NV have been suspended. The dividends have not been suspended and will be distributed to Lotus Bakeries NV.
*
Pursuant to article 6 of the Law of May 2, 2007 on disclosure of participating interests.
Communication according to Article 14(1) of the Law of May 2,

2007 on disclosure of major holdings
Lotus Bakeries NV did not receive a transparency notification in 2022.
Communication according to Article 74(7) of the Law of April 1,

2007 on public takeover bids
Lotus Bakeries NV is not aware of any updates to any communication
according to article 74 of the Law of 1 April 2007.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board of Directors Non-executive directors:

Composition • Beneconsult BV, represented by its permanent representative
On May 13, 2022, the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders Benedikte Boone
reappointed Lema NV (represented by its permanent representative, Current term of office ends: 2024 General Meeting
Michel Moortgat) as director of Lotus Bakeries NV. However, as a • PMF NV, represented by its permanent representative
result of a demerger which took place on June 8, 2022, Lema NV Emanuel Boone
was dissolved without liquidation and this management mandate was Current term of office ends: 2026 General Meeting
cancelled. In light of this, the Board of Directors decided to provisionally • Concellent NV, represented by its permanent representative
fill the vacancy in accordance with Article 13 of the Articles of Association Soﬁe Boone
of Lotus Bakeries NV and Lema BV (represented by its permanent Current term of office ends: 2024 General Meeting
representative Michel Moortgat) was co-opted as director. The next • Anton Stevens
General Meeting of Shareholders will decide on the final appointment. Current term of office ends: 2025 General Meeting
Furthermore, on May 13, 2022, the Ordinary General Meeting also Independent directors:
accepted the resignation of PMF NV, represented by its permanent • Palumi BV, represented by its permanent representative
representative Johan Boone, as well as the appointment of PMF NV, Peter Bossaert
represented by its permanent representative, Emanuel Boone. Current term of office ends: 2025 General Meeting
• Benoit Graulich BV, represented by its permanent representative
The current composition of the Board of Directors: Benoit Graulich
Current term of office ends: 2025 General Meeting
Chairman: • Lema BV, represented by its permanent representative
Vasticom BV, represented by its permanent representative Michel Moortgat
Jan Vander Stichele Current term of office ends: 2026 General Meeting
Current term of office ends: 2025 General Meeting • Sastraco BV, represented by its permanent representative
Sabine Sagaert
Managing director: Current term of office ends: 2023 General Meeting
Mercuur Consult BV, represented by its permanent representative
Jan Boone Secretary:
Current term of office ends: 2025 General Meeting • Brechtje Haan
86 - Lotus Bakeries
Benedikte Boone Emanuel Boone
Non-Executive Director Non-Executive Director
• Master’s degree in Applied Economics (KU Leuven) • Master’s degree in Bioengineering (KU Leuven)
• She has held positions at Creyf’s Interim and Avasco Industries • 2003-2012 technical and operational positions at several
• Director in various family companies (Bene Invest BV, Holve NV breweries (Heineken/Alken-Maes and Van Steenberge)
and Harpis NV) and also director at Deceuninck NV • Since 2012, business and process consultant for multiple
• Member of the Board of Directors at Lotus Bakeries since 2012 breweries and maltster
• Since 2022, director at Herbafrost NV
Jan Boone • Member of the Board of Directors at Lotus Bakeries since 2022
CEO / Managing Director
• Master’s degree in Applied Economics (KU Leuven); Sofie Boone
Master in Audit (UMH) Non-Executive Director
• Started his career in the Audit department of PwC • Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences (KU Leuven),
• Between 2000 and 2005 Head of Corporate Controlling, postgraduate degree in Business Economics (Vlekho) and Business
member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors Management for pharmacists (Vlerick Business School)
at Omega Pharma • 1996 – 2001: deputy pharmacist and titular pharmacist
• Since 2005, active at Lotus Bakeries as Managing Director • Since 2002, owner and titular pharmacist of Boone pharmacy in
and since 2011 as CEO Tervuren
• Member of the Board of Directors at FC Bruges and FF2032 • Since 1999, active as volunteer departmental pharmacist at the Red
• President of the Board of Directors of Animal Care, a listed company Cross Tervuren
in the veterinary sector • Member of the Board of Directors at Lotus Bakeries since 2016
• Since 2005, member of the Board of Directors at Lotus Bakeries
and Managing Director since 2011 Peter Bossaert
Independent Director
• Commercial engineer (University of Antwerp)
• 1989 - 1997: various marketing and sales roles at Unilever and Campina
• Between 1989 and 2018 active at Medialaan (today DPG Media),
from 2012 as CEO
• Since 2018, CEO at KBVB
• Member of the Board of Directors at Lotus Bakeries since 2017

Benoit Graulich Anton Stevens
Independent Director Non-Executive Director
• Master’s degrees in Law, Business and Finance (KU Leuven) • Master’s degree in Law (UGent) and in Notarial law (UGent)
• Began his professional career at PwC and then at Paribas Bank/Artesia • Member of the Board of Directors at Lotus Bakeries since 2002
Bank. In 2000 he became a partner at EY. Currently he is a managing
partner at Bencis Capital Partners Jan Vander Stichele
• Various directorships at Cofinimmo and FF2032, among other organisations Chairman of the Board of Directors
• Member of the Board of Directors, Audit Committee and Remuneration • Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (KU Leuven) and Candidate
and Nomination Committee at Lotus Bakeries since 2009 degree in Applied Economics (KU Leuven)
• Was technical director of the Verlipack Group
Michel Moortgat • Since the end of 1996, active in the Lotus Bakeries Group as General
Independent Director Manager Lotus Bakeries France, thereafter as General Manager
• Master’s degree in Business and Finance (Ichec Brussels) and MBA Operations and between 2011 and 2016 as Executive Director
(Vlerick Business School) • Member of the Board of Directors of Ardo Group, B.I.G., Connect+,
• Since 1991, active at Duvel Moortgat and since 1998 as CEO Frigilunch and OLV Ziekenhuis Aalst (hospital)
• Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Audit • Chairman of the Board of Directors at Fost Plus and Flanders’ FOOD
Committee at Lotus Bakeries since 2018 • Member of the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee and the
Remuneration and Nomination Committee at Lotus Bakeries since 2005
Sabine Sagaert
Independent Director
• Master’s degree in Commercial Engineering (KU Leuven),
Master in Economic Legislation (UCL) and MBA (KU Leuven),
graduate degree in Taxation (Fiscale Hogeschool Brussel)
• Has held various positions at CBR Cementbedrijven and AB Inbev,
for instance as Business Unit President Belux. Subsequently,
she led the Dental Division at Arseus
• Since 2011, employed by Cargill as General Manager Malt Business
Europe. As of 2015, Global Managing Director Malt Business
and since June 2018, Managing Director Oils and Seeds Emea
• Since 1 October 2020, Managing Director Bakery Products at
Vandemoortele
• Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Remuneration
and Nomination Committee at Lotus Bakeries since 2011
88 - Lotus Bakeries
Activities of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors met six times in 2022. All directors were present • Recruitment policy
at all meetings, except PMF NV, represented by Mr Johan Boone, on • Post-acquisition results Kiddylicious
February 4, 2022 and Lema BV, represented by Michel Moortgat, on • Reports and recommendations from the Committees
22 March and 24 May 2022. • Cyberstrategy
Within the Board of Directors, the following matters were discussed Over the course of 2022, there were no incidences within the Board of
in detail: Directors which led to the application of the conflict of interest procedure
• Investment budget and global budget as set out in Articles 7:96 and 7:97 CAC.
• Financial results
• Growth plans Audit Committee
• Sales results and channels The Audit Committee consists of two independent directors and
• Organisational changes one non-executive director. The two independent directors are Lema
• Evolution of prices and availability of raw materials and packaging BV, represented by its permanent representative Michel Moortgat
• Evolution of energy prices and labour costs (Chairman) and Benoit Graulich BV, represented by its permanent
• Price negotiations with customers representative Benoit Graulich. The non-executive director is Vasticom
• Results at 31/12 and 30/06 and proposed press release BV, represented by its permanent representative Jan Vander Stichele.
• General Meeting: All members have accounting and audit experience.
− Agenda
− (Re)appointments In 2022, the Audit Committee met three times. All directors were
− Dividend proposal present at all meetings. The Auditor participated in all three meetings,
• Capex investments and expansions of capacity: at which he presented his findings to the Audit Committee.
− Europe, Belgium
− Americas, United States The subjects examined were:
− Asia, Thailand • Discussion of report and internal controls / recommendations of the
− Africa, South Africa Statutory Auditor
• Strategy Lotus® Biscoff® • Discussion of annual and interim results
• Product developments and innovations • Risk management – priorities and evolutions
• Redesign projects: • Audit plan 2022
− Lotus® Biscoff®
− nākd
• Lotus® Biscoff® partnerships

Remuneration and Nomination Committee Evaluation of the Board of Directors and its Committees
The Remuneration and Nomination Committee consists of two The operation of the Board of Directors and of the Committees is
independent directors and one non-executive director. The independent evaluated every three years. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the
directors are Sastraco BV, represented by its permanent representative Board of Directors is undertaken by the Board itself under the leadership
Sabine Sagaert (Chairman) and Benoit Graulich BV, represented by its of its Chairman. This evaluation covers the size of the Board, the general
permanent representative Benoit Graulich. The non-executive director functioning of the Board of Directors, the way meetings are prepared,
is Vasticom BV, represented by its permanent representative Jan Vander the contribution of each individual director to the work of the Board, the
Stichele. All members have both HR management and remuneration presence and involvement of each individual director at meetings and
policy experience. decision-making, the composition of the Board of Directors and the
interaction with the Executive Committee.
The Committee met twice in 2022, with all members present.
This assessment makes it possible to constantly optimise the
The subjects examined were: management of Lotus Bakeries. Where appropriate, based on this review,
• Remuneration policy and its application and eventually in consultation with external experts, the Remuneration
• Remuneration of CEO and Executive Committee and Nomination Committee presents a report on the strengths and
weaknesses of the Board of Directors and, where necessary, a proposal
for the appointment of a new director or the non-prolongation of
a directorship. The non-executive directors evaluate annually the
interaction of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee
and when appropriate, submit proposals for improving cooperation. The
CEO and the Remuneration and Nomination Committee also together
evaluate annually the operation and performance of the Executive
Committee. The CEO is not present at his own evaluation.
90 - Lotus Bakeries
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Composition of the Executive Committee: First and foremost, Lotus Bakeries fulfils the diversity criteria regarding
• Jan Boone, permanent representative of Mercuur Consult BV, CEO the number of independent directors and the number of directors of
• Isabelle Maes, permanent representative of Valseba BV, CEO Natural Foods a different gender. In this respect, Lotus Bakeries declares that the
• Mike Cuvelier, permanent representative of Cumaco BV, CFO composition of its Board complies with the requirement for at least
• Ignace Heyman, permanent representative of Heycom BV, COO one third of directors to be of a different gender than that of the other
• William Du Pré, Corporate Director Quality, Procurement and R&D members. The aforementioned obligation is contained in Art. 7:86 CAC.
It also wishes to point out in this connection that the abovementioned
The members of the Executive Committee are appointed by the independent directors fulfil the independence criteria of Article 7:87
Remuneration and Nomination Committee. of the CAC and the Corporate Governance Code 2020. However,
concerning Benoit Graulich BV, it is noted that the Ordinary General
The Executive Committee held 24 official meetings in 2022. All Meeting of Shareholders of May 18 2021 reappointed Benoit Graulich
members were present at all meetings. BV as independent director, since all of the specific independence criteria
of Article 3.5 of the Belgian Corporate Governance Code 2020 were
DIVERSITY POLICY fulfilled but one, i.e. the criterion that a director must have held the
Lotus Bakeries ensures the presence on the Board of Directors, the position of non-executive director for no longer than 12 years. This was
Committees and the Executive Committee of critical members with not considered to detract from the independence of Benoit Graulich (and
specialist knowledge of the various areas relevant to Lotus Bakeries. Benoit Graulich BV), who in carrying out his duties as director always
Certain diversity criteria are imposed by law and are naturally adopted demonstrates an independent and critical attitude and has confirmed
by Lotus Bakeries. Moreover, skills, competencies and diversity are that he has no relationship whatsoever with the Company, the executive
paramount in the selection of members of the Committees, the Executive management, the reference shareholder or other shareholders owning
Committee, and in the selection of candidates for the Board of Directors more than 10% of the shares which could jeopardise his independence.
proposed to the General Meeting.

Besides these diversity criteria enshrined in law, Lotus Bakeries also The results of this policy are illustrated in the CVs described above.
aims for diversity in knowledge and experience and, when selecting This means Lotus Bakeries has a balanced Board of Directors in which
candidates, performs a thorough assessment based on competencies the majority shareholder, the independent directors and the executive
which would additionally benefit the company in view of the existing board are sufficiently represented. Some diversity parameters within
competencies among the members of the Board of Directors. In defining the Board of Directors:
the appointment procedure and selection criteria for candidates for the
Board, the following principles are always applied:
• The candidate must be expert in a field pertaining to the Company’s
VARIOUS ACADEMIC BACKGROUNDS:
activities.
10X DIFFERENT
• The competencies, knowledge and/or experience which the candidate
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
possesses must complement the competencies already present in
the Board. independent dependent
• In the interests of diversity on the Board, the Board shall consider 4 6
different nominations, taking into account diversity in terms of gender,
age and background, for example. GENDER DIVERSITY
• Each candidate must have sufficient availability to fulfil his/her men women
obligations properly, while non-executive directors must hold no
7 3
more than five directorships in listed companies.
92 - Lotus Bakeries
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Moreover, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee selects Lotus Bakeries aims for transparent communication about financial
the members of the Executive Committee on the basis of knowledge, and non-financial results to all of its shareholders. This information
competencies, experience, background and skills and aims for diversity is communicated to existing and potential shareholders on various
in these areas so as to have all knowledge in house to manage Lotus platforms. For example, Lotus Bakeries publishes an investor relations
Bakeries with a team specialising in all relevant areas. Within the Executive presentation every six months, the most recent of which was published
Committee, there is currently a good balance between members with on February 7, 2023. It also organises analyst presentations, which can
a financial background and members with a marketing and/or sales be consulted by interested parties on the Lotus Bakeries website.
background. A good proportion of members with a long history in the
company and members with a fresh view on matters is also ensured. More information about our investor relations can be found
Some diversity parameters within the EXCO: on our website: https://www.lotusbakeries.com/ir-presentation
VARIOUS ACADEMIC BACKGROUNDS:

3 OUT OF 5
SENIORITY LEVEL WITHIN LOTUS BAKERIES

< 10 years > 10 years
2 3
GENDER DIVERSITY
men women
80% 20%
More information about the diversity policy and diversity

ratios within Lotus Bakeries can be found on page 100 of
this Annual Report.

REMUNERATION REPORT
Introduction
The purpose of the 2022 remuneration report is to provide transparent • Each director, except the Chairman, receives an annual remuneration
information about the specific remuneration policy adopted by Lotus of (i) EUR 20,000 and (ii) 4 shares in the Company.
Bakeries for directors and executive managers. It will be submitted to • The Chairman of the Board of Directors receives an annual
the Ordinary General Meeting of May 12, 2023 for approval. The 2021 remuneration of (i) EUR 40,000 and (ii) 10 shares in the Company.
remuneration policy was adopted by 94.13% of the votes at the Ordinary The Chairman receives additional remuneration of EUR 100,000 for
General Meeting of May 13, 2022. representing the Company with respect to interest groups.
• The members of the Audit Committee and the Remuneration and
The works council has also been informed in accordance with the Nomination Committee receive an annual remuneration of EUR
provisions of the Act. The report has also been reviewed by the Auditor. 5,000 per mandate.
This 2022 remuneration report explains how the remuneration The non-executive directors must keep the shares they receive by way
corresponds to the remuneration policy approved by the Board of of remuneration for at least one year after leaving the Board and for at
Directors on April 16, 2021 and which was adopted on May 18, 2021 least three years after the awarding of these shares. The non-executive
by the General Meeting with 97.27% of the votes, in accordance with directors receive no performance-based remuneration such as bonuses,
provision 7.3 of the Corporate Governance Code and Article 7:89(1) stock-related long-term incentive schemes, fringe benefits, pension
of the Belgian Companies Code. The remuneration policy remains plan-related benefits or share options.
unchanged since then.
Besides the fee, all reasonable expenses of the members of the Board
More information about our remuneration policy can of Directors incurred with the consent of the Chairman of the Board of
be found on our website: https://www.lotusbakeries.com/ Directors are reimbursed.
governance-practices-and-policies
The provisions concerning the remuneration of non-executive directors
Statement on remuneration policy applied in 2022 apply equally to executive directors in their capacity as directors.
Non-executive and executive directors
The remuneration policy for directors of the Company approved at The remuneration of the directors is evaluated every two years via a
the Ordinary General Meeting of May 18, 2021 comprises a fixed relevant random sample of other listed companies. This allows Lotus
remuneration, paid partly in cash and partly in shares in the Company Bakeries to attract directors with the appropriate competencies to realise
and set based on the responsibilities of and time spent by the director its ambitions.
and the latter’s specific role as Chairman of the Board of Directors or
Chairman or member of a Committee. Specifically: No adjustments have been made to the remuneration policy compared
to 2021.
94 - Lotus Bakeries
Overview of remuneration
TOTAL REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS (IN EUR)
RATIO OF FIXED
NAME & FUNCTION EXTRAORDINARY TOTAL TO VARIABLE
DIRECTOR YEAR FIXED REMUNERATION VARIABLE REMUNERATION EXPENSES1 REMUNERATION REMUNERATION
OTHER PENSION 1 YEAR MULTIPLE

BASE SALARY ALLOWANCES BENEFITS COSTS VARIABLE YEARS VARIABLE
Mercuur Consult BV, represented by 2022 20,000 20,000 100%/0%

Jan Boone, executive (member BoD, CEO) 2021 20,000 20,000 100%/0%
Vasticom BV, represented by Jan Vander Stichele, 2022 50,000 100,000 150,000 100%/0%
non-executive (Chairman BoD, member Audit
Committee and member Nomination and
Remuneration Committee) 2021 50,000 100,000 150,000 100%/0%
PMF NV, represented by Emanuel Boone, 2022 20,000 20,000 100%/0%

non-executive (member BoD) 2021
Anton Stevens, 2022 20,000 20,000 100%/0%

non-executive (member BoD) 2021 20,000 20,000 100%/0%
Beneconsult BV, represented by Benedikte Boone, 2022 20,000 20,000 100%/0%

Concellent NV, represented by Sofie Boone, 2022 20,000 20,000 100%/0%

Palumi BV, epresented by Peter Bossaert, 2022 20,000 20,000 100%/0%

Benoit Graulich BV, represented by Benoit 2022 30,000 30,000 100%/0%
Graulich, non-executive (member BoD, member
Audit Committee and member Remuneration
and Nomination Committee) 2021 30,000 30,000 100%/0%
Lema BV, represented by Michel Moortgat, 2022 25,000 25,000 100%/0%
non-executive (member BoD, Chairman Audit
Committee) 2021 25,000 25,000 100%/0%
Sastraco BV, represented by Sabine Sagaert, 2022 25,000 25,000 100%/0%
non-executive (member BoD, Chairman
Remuneration and Nomination Committee) 2021 25,000 25,000 100%/0%
1
Renumeration for representing the company with respect to interest groups

Overview of remuneration in shares
TOTAL REMUNERATION DIRECTORS (IN SHARES)
NAME & FUNCTION DIRECTOR MAIN CONDITIONS OF STOCK GRANT PLANS
DETAILS OF THE PLAN PERFORMANCE PERIOD GRANT DATE VESTING DATE END OF RETENTION PERIOD
Fixed annual remuneration At least 1 year after

Mercuur Consult BV, represented by Jan Boone, 01/01/2022
adopted at OGM of May 13, 2022 May 13, 2022 end of directorship and
executive (member BoD, CEO) until 31/12/2022
18 May 2021 3 years after awarding
Vasticom BV, represented by Jan Vander Stichele, non-executive Fixed annual remuneration At least 1 year after
01/01/2022
(Chairman BoD, member Audit Committee and member adopted at OGM of May 13, 2022 May 13, 2022 end of directorship and
until 31/12/2022
Nomination and Remuneration Committee) 18 May 2021 3 years after awarding

PMF NV, represented by Emanuel Boone, 01/01/2022
non-executive (member BoD) until 31/12/2022

01/01/2022
Anton Stevens, non-executive (member BoD) adopted at OGM of May 13, 2022 May 13, 2022 end of directorship and
until 31/12/2022

Beneconsult BV, represented by Benedikte Boone, 01/01/2022

Concellent NV, represented by Sofie Boone, 01/01/2022

Palumi BV, represented by Peter Bossaert, 01/01/2022
Benoit Graulich BV, represented by Benoit Graulich,

non-executive (member BoD, member Audit 01/01/2022
Committee and member Nomination until 31/12/2022
and Remuneration Committee)
Lema BV, represented by Michel Moortgat, Fixed annual remuneration At least 1 year after
01/01/2022
non-executive (member BoD, Chairman adopted at OGM of May 13, 2022 May 13, 2022 end of directorship and
until 31/12/2022
Audit Committee) 18 May 2021 3 years after awarding
Sastraco BV, represented by Sabine Sagaert, Fixed annual remuneration At least 1 year after
01/01/2022
non-executive (member BoD, Chairman adopted at OGM of May 13, 2022 May 13, 2022 end of directorship and
until 31/12/2022
Remuneration and Nomination Committee) 18 May 2021 3 years after awarding
To
96 - Lotus Bakeries
INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPORTED FINANCIAL YEAR
OPENING BALANCE SHEET DURING THE YEAR CLOSING BALANCE SHEET
STOCKS HELD STOCKS SUBJECT

AT THE START STOCKS SUBJECT STOCKS GRANTED TO A RETENTION
OF THE YEAR1 GRANTED STOCKS VESTED STOCKS TO PERFORMANCE BUT NOT VESTED PERIOD
8 4 4 0 0 16
20 10 10 0 0 30
0 4 4 0 0 4
8 4 4 0 0 16
8 4 4 0 0 16
8 4 4 0 0 16
8 4 4 0 0 16
8 4 4 0 0 16
8 4 4 0 0 16
8 4 4 0 0 16
Total 84 46 46 0 0 162
1
Only those shares are shown, which the directors hold by virtue of their mandate.

Executive managers
Furthermore, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee makes The long-term bonus is awarded and paid annually, with a settlement
specific recommendations to the Board of Directors on the remuneration of accounts during the third year of the evaluation period. The Board
of members of the executive management. In addition to the fixed of Directors approved the final, audited results on February 6, 2023,
remuneration, there is a variable compensation for members of the and, on this basis, on the advice of the Remuneration and Nomination
executive management, which depends on the results of the Lotus Committee, established that all criteria were met. Consequently, 100%
Bakeries Group. of the long-term bonus will be paid to all members of the executive
management in 2023.
The variable remuneration is based on well-defined criteria with a one-
year evaluation period but also evaluation periods of two and three years. The bonus plan for executive management provides that the bonus is
earned only after approval of the consolidated figures by the Auditor
• The criteria for determining the short-term bonus are as follows: and then by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee.
− 1/3rd of the short-term bonus depends on the consolidated turnover
growth achieved by Lotus Bakeries Group over the past financial Those members of the executive management who are subject to a
year contract of employment enjoy an additional pension plan and other
− 1/3 rd of the short-term bonus depends on the consolidated benefits, mainly comprising insured benefits such as guaranteed income
recurring operating result achieved during the past financial year and the cost of a car. Similar arrangements are in place for those members
− 1/3rd of the short-term bonus depends on the consolidated recurring of the executive management who work through a management
operating cash flow achieved during the past financial year. company.
The Board of Directors approved the final, audited results on 6 There also exists a stock option plan with a fixed number of options
February 2023, and, on this basis, on the advice of the Remuneration for the members of the executive management. Allocated options are
and Nomination Committee, established that all criteria were met. not normally deemed to be acquired finally and cannot be exercised
Consequently, 100% of the 2022 short-term bonus will be paid to all during the first three years after being allocated. Upon early departure,
members of the executive management in 2023. the options not yet exercisable at that time can no longer be exercised.
• The criteria for determining the long-term bonus are as follows:
− 1/3rd of the long-term bonus depends on the consolidated reve- Furthermore, the Board decided that members of the executive
nue growth achieved by Lotus Bakeries Group as specified in the management will each have to own at least EUR 250,000 worth of
multi-year plan in place shares in the company by the end of 2022, which must be kept so long
− 1/3rd of the long-term bonus depends on the consolidated recurring as they remain a member of the executive management. All members
operating result as specified in the multi-year plan in place of the executive management currently meet this requirement.
− 1/3 of the long-term bonus depends on the consolidated recurring
rd
operating cash flow as specified in the multi-year plan in place.
98 - Lotus Bakeries
If a member of the executive management is also an executive director,
his or her remuneration also includes the compensation he or she receives
in the latter capacity.
The remuneration policy for members of the Executive Committee

is set every two years based on a proposal by the Remuneration and
Nomination Committee. Individual remuneration is reviewed annually.
To this end, Lotus Bakeries uses the services of an international
HR consultancy firm, that assesses the functions and presents the
corresponding salary package as commonly awarded in the relevant
market. The consultant reports directly to the Remuneration and
Nomination Committee and provides verbal explanations.

Overview of remuneration of CEO and executive management (in EUR)
RATIO OF FIXED
NAME & FUNCTION MEMBER EXTRAORDINARY TOTAL TO VARIABLE
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT YEAR FIXED REMUNERATION VARIABLE REMUNERATION EXPENSES REMUNERATION REMUNERATION
OTHER PENSION 1 YEAR MULTIPLE YEARS

BASE SALARY ALLOWANCES BENEFITS1 COSTS VARIABLE VARIABLE
Mercuur Consult BV, 2022 1,028,017 - 47,156 166,235 541,954 541,954 - 2,325,316 53% / 47%
represented by
Jan Boone (CEO) 2021 909,698 - 43,064 146,304 479,579 479,579 - 2,058,224 53% / 47%
2022 2,003,327 - 107,057 323,731 831,645 831,645 - 4,097,404 59%/41%

Other members
executive management
2021 1,783,189 - 87,839 285,614 739,784 739,784 - 3,636,210 59% / 41%
1
The other benefits relate primarily to insured benefits.
100 - Lotus Bakeries

Consultation moment between colleagues in logistics warehouse

Overview of compensation executive management (in options)
NAME & FUNCTION MEMBER

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT KEY CONDITIONS OF OPTION PLANS
DETAILS PERFORMANCE END OF EXERCISE PRICE

OF THE PLAN PERIOD GRANT DATE ACQUISITION DATE RETENTION PERIOD EXERCISE PERIOD OF THE STOCK
Mercuur Consult BV, R2018 15/05/2018 01/01/2022 01/01/2022-14/05/2023 2,373.00

represented by
Jan Boone (CEO) S2019 10/05/2019 01/01/2023 01/01/2023-09/05/2024 2,351.58
T2020 08/05/2020 01/01/2024 01/01/2024-07/05/2025 2,828.95
U2021 18/05/2021 01/01/2025 01/01/2025-17/05/2026 4,517.14
W2022 13/05/2022 01/01/2026 01/01/2026-12/05/2027 5,114.50
Valseba BV, R2018 15/05/2018 01/01/2022 01/01/2022-14/05/2023 2,373.00

represented by
Isabelle Maes S2019 10/05/2019 01/01/2023 01/01/2023-09/05/2024 2,351.58
(CEO Natural Foods)
T2020 08/05/2020 01/01/2024 01/01/2024-07/05/2025 2,828.95
U2021 18/05/2021 01/01/2025 01/01/2025-17/05/2026 4,517.14
W2022 13/05/2022 01/01/2026 01/01/2026-12/05/2027 5,114.50
Cumaco BV, R2018 15/05/2018 01/01/2022 01/01/2022-14/05/2023 2,373.00

represented by
Mike Cuvelier (CFO) S2019 10/05/2019 01/01/2023 01/01/2023-09/05/2024 2,351.58
T2020 08/05/2020 01/01/2024 01/01/2024-07/05/2025 2,828.95
U2021 18/05/2021 01/01/2025 01/01/2025-17/05/2026 4,517.14
W2022 13/05/2022 01/01/2026 01/01/2026-12/05/2027 5,114.50
Heycom BV, R2018 15/05/2018 01/01/2022 01/01/2022-14/05/2023 2,373.00

represented by
Ignace Heyman (COO) S2019 10/05/2019 01/01/2023 01/01/2023-09/05/2024 2,351.58
T2020 08/05/2020 01/01/2024 01/01/2024-07/05/2025 2,828.95
U2021 18/05/2021 01/01/2025 01/01/2025-17/05/2026 4,517.14
W2022 13/05/2022 01/01/2026 01/01/2026-12/05/2027 5,114.50
William Du Pré R2018 15/05/2018 01/01/2022 01/01/2022-14/05/2023 2,373.00

(Director Procurement,
QA en R&D) S2019 10/05/2019 01/01/2023 01/01/2023-09/05/2024 2,351.58
T2020 08/05/2020 01/01/2024 01/01/2024-07/05/2025 2,828.95
U2021 18/05/2021 01/01/2025 01/01/2025-17/05/2026 4,517.14
W2022 13/05/2022 01/01/2026 01/01/2026-12/05/2027 5,114.50

INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPORTED FINANCIAL YEAR
OPENING BALANCE SHEET DURING THE YEAR CLOSING BALANCE
OPTIONS GRANTED BUT NOT ACQUIRED OPTIONS OPTIONS OPTIONS SUBJECT OPTIONS GRANTED OPTIONS SUBJECT TO A
AT THE START OF THE YEAR GRANTED ACQUIRED TO PERFORMANCE BUT NOT ACQUIRED RETENTION PERIOD
255 0 255 0
255 0 0 255
200 0 0 200
130 0 0 130
0 130 0 130
128 0 128 0
128 0 0 128
100 0 0 100
65 0 0 65
0 65 0 65
128 0 128 0
128 0 0 128
100 0 0 100
65 0 0 65
0 65 0 65
128 0 128 0
128 0 0 128
100 0 0 100
65 0 0 65
0 65 0 65
128 0 128 0
128 0 0 128
100 0 0 100
65 0 0 65
0 65 0 65
Total 2,459 325 767 0 2,017 0

Severance payments Evolution of the remuneration and of the performance
The members of the Executive Committee who are remunerated on of the Company over the last five years
an independent basis and through a number of board mandates, have a The following table shows the evolution of remuneration and business
severance payment of a maximum of 12 months of the fixed and variable performance over the past five financial years.
remuneration. The other member of the Executive Committee is bound
by an employment contract for employees. No severance payments were
paid to Executive Committee members in 2022.
Executives
The remuneration policy of the executives is determined by the Executive
Committee, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee approves.
To this end, Lotus Bakeries also uses the services of an international HR
consultancy firm, which assesses the functions and presents the going-
rate salary package for the relevant market.
IN THOUSANDS OF EUR 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
REMUNERATION OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Vasticom BV, represented by Jan Vander Stichele, non-executive (Chairman BoD, 150 150 150 150 150
member Audit Committee and member Remuneration and Nomination Committee) 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
/ / / / 20
PMF NV, represented by Emanuel Boone, non-executive (member BoD)
/ / / / /
20 20 20 20 20
Anton Stevens, non-executive (member BoD)
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
20 20 20 20 20
Beneconsult BV, represented by Benedikte Boone, non-executive (member BoD)
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
20 20 20 20 20
Concellent NV, represented by Sofie Boone, non-executive (member BoD)
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
20 20 20 20 20
Palumi BV, represented by Peter Bossaert, non-executive (member BoD)
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Benoit Graulich BV, represented by Benoit Graulich, non-executive (member BoD, 30 30 30 30 30

member Audit Committee and member Remuneration and Nomination Committee) 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Lema BV, represented by Michel Moortgat, non-executive 25 25 25 25 25

(member BoD, Chairman Audit Committee) / 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Sastraco BV, represented by Sabine Sagaert, non-executive (member BoD, 25 25 25 25 25

Chairman Remuneration and Nomination Committee) 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

IN THOUSANDS OF EUR 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
REMUNERATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
20 20 20 20 20
Mercuur Consult BV, represented by Jan Boone, executive (member BoD, CEO)
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
REMUNERATION CEO
Jan Boone, CEO 1,458 1,914 1,962 2,058 2,325

Evolution (%) 115% 131% 102.5% 104.9% 113.0%
REMUNERATION OF OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
Total remuneration 2,358 3,296 3,466 3,636 4,097

Number of members executive management 5 5 5 5 5
Evolution (%) 138% 140% 105% 105% 113%
PERFORMANCE OF LOTUS BAKERIES
Market capitalisation (on 31 dec) 1,753,830 2,113,470 3,002,928 4,561,513 5,157,202

Evolution market capitalisation (%) 102% 121% 142% 152% 113%
Turnover 556,435 612,737 663,289 750,251 877,451
Evolution turnover (%) 106% 110% 108% 113% 117%
Rebit 95,030 102,891 111,114 123,805 140,188
Evolution Rebit (%) 106% 108% 108% 111% 113%
Rebitda 110,346 123,580 135,683 150,967 169,909
Evolution Rebitda (%) 106% 112% 110% 111% 113%
Net result 67,872 75,769 82,545 90,743 103,283
Evolution net result (%) 105% 112% 109% 110% 114%
REMUNERATION OTHER EMPLOYEES
Total remuneration 111,977 123,493 137,116 152,857 173,618

Number of employees (FTE)1 1,555 1,821 2,214 2,305 2,550
Evolution (%) 106% 110% 111% 111% 114%
1
Full-time employee calculated as 12-month average.
The ratio between the highest remuneration of members of management reported since Lotus Bakeries NV has no employees. With a view to
and the lowest compensation (in full-time equivalents) of employees transparency, this ratio is reported for Lotus Bakeries Corporate NV.
of Lotus Bakeries NV, as stipulated by Article 3:6(3) CAC, cannot be This ratio is 17.2.

03 ENTERPRISE
RISK MANAGEMENT
Enterprise Risk Management 108

CAGR SINCE 2015
Lotus Bakeries -107

ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT
RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Lotus Bakeries has implemented a continuous risk management process As such, the enterprise risk management of Lotus Bakeries consists of
aimed at ensuring that risks are identified, assessed, prioritised, controlled the following key components:
and monitored in such a way that they can be kept at an acceptable level. • Risk identification: this involves identifying the sources of risk that
The risk management process is aligned with the implementation of could impact the Group. These sources could include anything from
the strategic, operational and financial objectives of the Company. The food safety and quality risks, to operational and financial risks.
entire risk management process is based on the COSO Enterprise Risk • Risk assessment: once risks have been identified, it is important to
Management framework. assess their impact and likelihood of occurrence. This helps to prioritise
the most critical risks and determine the appropriate response.
The Company is exposed to a wide range of risks within the context of its • Risk mitigation: after risks have been identified and assessed, strategies
activities that can result in its objectives being affected or not achieved. are developed to mitigate or manage those risks. This may include
Mitigating these risks is a key task of the Executive Committee (EXCO). implementing process improvements, implementing controls, or
The EXCO has full responsibility for the risk management process for transferring risk through insurance.
Lotus Bakeries and reports on this periodically to the Audit Committee. • Risk monitoring: ongoing monitoring of risks is critical to ensure
that the Group is prepared for potential threats and to assess the
Lotus Bakeries has a one-tier governance model, in accordance with effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies.
the Belgian Companies Code. The Board of Directors bears ultimate • Communication and training: effective communication and training
responsibility for the management of risks within the Company, assisted are essential for an ERM program to be successful. All employees
by the Audit Committee. The day-to-day management is delegated to should understand their role in identifying and managing risk and
the CEO, assisted by the EXCO. The Audit Committee receives regular should be trained on how to do so.
reports on risk management.
The Governance structure of Lotus Bakeries is supported by the
implementation of various internal Governance policies, procedures
and processes, such as:
• Corporate Governance Charter
The Corporate Governance Charter is designed to give a detailed
and transparent picture of Lotus Bakeries’ policy regarding corporate
governance and is updated based on developments in such policy and
changes in the relevant regulations.
• Dealing Code
The main purpose of the Dealing Code is to prevent the misuse or
appearance of misuse of information which directors or employees
of Lotus Bakeries may possess about Lotus Bakeries and which is not

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND MITIGATING MEASURES
generally available to investors. Particular attention is paid to those On a periodic basis, risks are assessed, monitored and adjusted by the
shares, share options or other rewards received under Lotus Bakeries’ EXCO. The risk management matrix defined is discussed with and
incentive plans, to those who buy or sell Lotus Bakeries shares, and to reported to the Audit Committee.
those who use Lotus Bakeries shares as collateral for a loan.
• Code of Conduct For each of the principal risks identified, a risk owner has been appointed
Lotus Bakeries is committed to act with integrity, honesty, fairness who ensures a concrete action plan to mitigate the potential impact of the
and in full compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations at risks. The risk owner is also responsible for the follow-up of the deﬁned
all times. It has developed a code of conduct which sets out six key actions. The results are reported periodically to the Audit Committee.
principles which must be respected by all employees of Lotus Bakeries
at all times. The risk management program of the Group is an ongoing process that
• Remuneration Policy requires regular review and revision to ensure that it remains effective in
The approved remuneration policy complies with the Second Share- the face of changing risks and circumstances and new threats.
holder Rights Directive, Directive (EU) 2017/828, Article 7:89(1) of the
Companies and Associations Code and the Corporate Governance The principal risks listed hereafter are considered to be the most
Code 2020. This remuneration policy was approved at the Ordinary relevant for the business of the Group that might have an impact on
General Meeting of May 18, 2021 and is published on the website. the achievement of the Group’s strategic objectives.
The responsibilities of the various departments in the Lotus Bakeries

Group (ranging from procurement, manufacturing, logistics to sales,
management of customer relations and Corporate services) are set out
in clear guidelines. As such, all employees clearly know their roles and
responsibilities.

KEY COMPONENT RISK RISK DESCRIPTION & MITIGATING ACTIONS
Product Quality & Safety Failure to meet quality and food safety standards expose the Group to business interruption, litigation,
product liability and recall claims. Lotus Bakeries applies the highest product safety standards to the
entire production and distribution process, from the purchase of raw materials through the distribution
of the final product, supported and guaranteed by structured procedures and systematic internal quality
audits. External audits take place at regular intervals.
Counterfeiting/Intellectual property The success of the Lotus® Biscoff®, LotusTM Natural Foods and Local Heroes products and brands is
accompanied with the risk of counterfeiting, both in terms of the recipes of our products and the visual
identity of our brands.
First of all, the recipe. The quality of all Lotus Bakeries products is an absolute priority. All employees
are strongly committed to the continuous pursuit of high quality products and processes. The R&D
department wants to use new insights into interactions between different raw materials to contribute
to better products. For this purpose, we do not only call on our own expertise, but also on that of well-
known university research institutes, as well as existing innovation platforms set up by the food industry.
Our innovation efforts also translate into an extensive and innovative product range, in which quality and
superior taste are paramount. To safeguard these efforts as much as possible, our recipes are protected
as trade secrets wherever possible. To this end, strict procedures are in place regarding access, transfer
and storage of data. In addition, the R&D team monitors and analyses competing products on a regular
basis.
To protect our brand identity in the best possible way, a clear strategy is in place aimed at identifying
our brand assets, defining the desired protection, use and enforcement of our brands. Protection
levels are updated annually, both at product and geographical level. Thanks to an automated, global
notification system, the Intellectual Property department stays on top of identical or similar registrations.
Furthermore, copycats in the market are reported on a continuous basis by our own employees and our
distributors. Since 2021, Lotus Bakeries has also been working with an online monitoring system for an
even more accurate detection of copycats.
Inflation and volatility of raw materials The risk of unfavourable effects of fluctuations in raw material prices on the results is limited by conclud-
and packaging costs ing forward contracts with a fixed price for the most important raw materials. For other raw materials and
packaging, annual agreements are used where possible.
People Job market shortages Given the scarcity on the labour market, Lotus Bakeries needs to pay attention to attracting sufficient tal-
ent to support its growth plans. To this end, Lotus Bakeries can rely on a professional recruitment policy,
onboarding process and training & development plan. We have also been deploying a Young Graduate
Programme since 2020, with which we make young talent enthusiastic about our company. Finally, much
attention is paid to employer branding and translating our corporate identity internally and externally.

ESG Climate change We are committed to the environment and help fight global warming. Lotus Bakeries is aware of the
negative impact the industry can have on the environment and society and the responsibility it bears as
an industrial partner. Lotus Bakeries also sees opportunities to contribute to the progress of society and
limiting global warming.
Climate-related disruption (including extreme weather events, floods, deforestation) might impact our
operations and/or consumer demands and preferences. In everything we do, we strive to reduce our
ecological footprint. We are already carbon neutral today with our 12 factories.
We signed the Commitment Letter of Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), committing to science-
based reduction targets, in line with SBTi Criteria and Recommendations, in order to limit global
warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The ‘Care for Today, Respect for Tomorrow’ sustainability ambition clearly embodies how Lotus Bakeries
wants to deal with sustainability and responsibility. This action plan has been widely distributed to all
employees as well as to the Board of Directors. Lotus Bakeries chooses to report on its priorities, targets
and achievements taking into account the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as defined by the
United Nations and in accordance with the core GRI standards.
Packaging Lotus Bakeries recognises the problems related to the use of plastic packaging, including ocean pollu-
tion, carbon emissions, and the use of non-renewable resources. Lotus Bakeries shares the concerns and
wants to assume responsibility to move from the current linear economy, where packaging is produced,
used and thrown away, to a circular economy, where materials are kept within the loop. To this end, Lotus
Bakeries has formulated clear ambitions and a clear strategy.
Palm oil Lotus Bakeries is aware of the possible negative impact of palm oil cultivation on the environment, in
particular deforestation, as well as the possible social impact in the regions where palm oil plantations
are cultivated. For Lotus Bakeries, it is important that our consumers and customers have confidence
that the palm oil used in our products has been sustainably sourced. Lotus Bakeries carefully selects its
suppliers based on its responsible sourcing standards according to NDPE (No Deforestation, No Peat,
No Exploitation). Lotus Bakeries is a member of RSPO and is committed to purchasing only certified
sustainable palm oil. All Lotus Bakeries sites which process palm oil have also obtained the RSPO
certificate.
Furthermore, Lotus Bakeries requests its suppliers to invest in following initiatives and to actively inform
the Company on a regular basis:
- Supporting smallholder producers to enter sustainable supply chains
- Protecting and restoring forests in a palm oil production landscape
- Support of a landscape/jurisdiction approach to sustainability in palm oil producing areas and
- Support for one or more local conversion projects in palm oil producing countries
As such, Lotus Bakeries aims to drive the transformational change needed in the palm oil supply chain.
Water usage Our ESG approach and objectives require Lotus Bakeries to rethink the use of natural resources and
more specifically water. Effective water supply and usage management is important for our activities.
The risks related to water include water scarcity, water quality issues, regulatory compliance and
reputational risks. As a consequence, understanding how our operations use water helps us to manage
the risks associated with water supply and usage, while maximising the efficient use of this valuable
resource.

IT architecture Data protection and cybersecurity Considering the ever-increasing digitalisation, the risk of unauthorised access to confidential data
of Lotus Bakeries and personal data processed by Lotus Bakeries remains real. Fraud in the form of
cybercrime is also high on the agenda.
Within Lotus Bakeries, clear policies are in place regarding access and security of business-critical
information. Multi-factor authentication contributes to the security of our information. Corporate ICT
has taken various measures to prevent, detect and limit the impact of cyberattacks. In addition, there is
an annual audit of the security of our ICT systems. Automated and continuous awareness efforts among
Lotus Bakeries employees are also implemented.
Financial Foreign currencies The functional currency of the Company is the euro, which is also the Company’s reporting currency.
Translation gains or losses that result from remeasuring foreign subsidiaries’ local currencies to EUR are
recorded in other comprehensive income. Foreign currency transactions resulting in gains or losses are
recorded in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
The main foreign currency transactions are denominated in USD, GBP, CZK, CNY, KRW, SEK and
ZAR. The Group assesses on a case-by-case basis how to avoid any unfavourable currency impact and
aims to hedge as many transactions as possible through a natural hedge.
Other financial risks The Group’s activities are exposed to a variety of other financial risks: market risk (including interest
rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. For more details, refer to the consolidated financial
statements in note 26.
External Compliance and regulations Lotus Bakeries is a global company generating the bulk of its revenue outside the home countries.
environment As such, the Group is subject to applicable laws and regulations in the global jurisdictions in which it
operates. As a manufacturer of food products with global commercial operations, these applicable laws
and regulations relate to product safety, product labelling, health and safety, intellectual property rights,
anti-bribery and corruption, competition, data protection, export regulations, human right and taxes.
Wars As a global company, the Group may be impacted by conflicts in countries in which it operates. Op-
erations and business could be affected indirectly by a conflict. These impacts may come from supply
issues, an inflationary macro-economic environment, credit risks on customers and increasing financing
costs.
Pandemics and other infectious As the Group is operating around the globe, a global epidemic or pandemic outbreak may affect our
diseases business contingency.
As such, crisis management is in place, which has been proved to be effective in the context of the
COVID-19 pandemic.

04 GRI REPORT 2022
GRI Report 2022
General Disclosures
Sector Standards
Topic Standards
GRI content index
116
118
127
127
134

Lotus Bakeries -115
GRI REPORT 2022
Lotus Bakeries’ objective of sustainability reporting using the GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards
(GRI Standards) is to provide transparency on how our organisation contributes or aims to contribute
to sustainable development.
GRI is the world’s leading standard for corporate sustainability reporting (www.globalreporting.org).
Lotus Bakeries NV’s 2022 GRI Reporting references to the GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards
published on June 30, 2022, effective as from January 1, 2023.
All material standards and indicators discussed are reported as fully as the available data allow.
The GRI content index shows which GRI Standards and disclosures our organisation has used.
The information disclosed should be read together with Lotus Bakeries’ Annual Report 2022.
For further information about the data of the annual review or more information about the Lotus
Bakeries Group, please contact:
Lotus Bakeries NV
Corporate Secretary
Gentstraat 1
B -9971 Lembeke
T + 32 9 376 26 11
F + 32 9 376 26 26
[email protected]

RELEVANT GRI STANDARDS AND LINK WITH THE SDGs
SDGS
By signing the UN Global Compact, Lotus Bakeries commits to promote 2 General Disclosures 2021
203 Indirect Economic Impacts 2016
the SDGs. Below, we indicate the link between the GRI Standards 404 Training and Education 2016
reported on and the SDGs that Lotus Bakeries is supporting in its
sustainability programme ‘Care for Today, Respect for Tomorrow’.
301 Materials 2016
302 Energy 2016
303 Water and Effluents 2018
SDGS 305 Emissions 2016
306 Waste 2020
201 Economic Performance 2016
302 Energy 2016
305 Emissions 2016
308 Supplier Environmental Assessment 2016
2 General Disclosures 2021
303 Water and Effluents 2018

305 Emissions 2016 305 305 Emissions 2016
306 Waste 2020 308 308 Supplier Environmental Assessment 2016
403 Occupational Health and Safety 2018
404 Training and Education 2016

205 Anti-corruption 2016
206 Anti-competitive Behavior 2016
403 Occupational Health and Safety 2018
408 Child Labor 2016
203 Indirect Economic Impacts 2016 2 General Disclosures 2021
404 Training and Education 2016 203 Indirect Economic Impacts 2016
405 Diversity and Equal Opportunity 2016

201 Economic Performance 2016
301 Materials 2016
302 Energy 2016
404 Training and Education 2016
405 Diversity and Equal Opportunity 2016
408 Child Labor 2016 The GRI content index with reference to the GRI Standards is enclosed
409 Forced or Compulsory Labor 2016
at the end of this report, page 134.

GENERAL DISCLOSURES
GRI 2 – GENERAL DISCLOSURES 2021
1. THE ORGANISATION AND ITS REPORTING PRACTICES

Disclosure 2-1 Organisational details The name of the reporting company is Lotus Bakeries NV.
The location of the company’s headquarter is Gentstraat 1, B- 9974- Lembeke, Belgium.
Lotus Bakeries has a total of 12 operating production facilities spread across Belgium, the Netherlands, France,
Sweden, South Africa and the United States and is investing in a new production facility in Thailand.
Lotus Bakeries has 21 Sales Offices and one own distribution centre.
We further refer to the Annual Report, Chapter 3, Our organisation, pages 144-158, to the Financial Supplement,
pages 56-57 and to www.lotusbakeries.com.
Lotus Bakeries NV (‘The Company’) was incorporated on 30 March 1934 under Belgian law and has its head
office in Lembeke, Belgium at Gentstraat 1. The Company is registered in Belgium.
The Lotus Bakeries shares are listed since January 2002 on the Euronext Brussels stock exchange under the ticker
LOTB and ISIN code 0003604155.
As of 15 February 2023, Lotus Bakeries NV has been included in the BEL® ESG index on Euronext Brussels. The
BEL® ESG index consists of 20 companies from the BEL®20 and the BEL® Mid indices of the Euronext Brussels
stock exchange demonstrating strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices.
On the basis of a total number of 816,013 ordinary shares and a closing share price of EUR 6,320.00, Lotus
Bakeries’ market capitalization amounted to EUR 5,157,202,000 at the end of 2022 (EUR 4,561,513,000 on 31
December 2021).
The significant shareholders of the Company are listed in Chapter 4 – Report of the Board of Directors, under
paragraph ‘Shareholders and shareholders structure’, page 173 of the Annual Report 2022.
Disclosure 2-2 Entities included in the organisation’s sustainability All fully consolidated subsidiaries are included. We refer to the Annual Report 2022 - Financial Supplement, Note
reporting 32, pages 56-57.
If for certain specific topics not all fully consolidated subsidiaries are included, this is indicated in the text.
Disclosure 2-3 Reporting period, frequency and contact point The reporting period is 01.01.2022-31.12.2022. The sustainability reporting is annual, whereas the financial
reporting is twice a year.
The difference is explained by legal requirements. As from financial year 2022, the financial year end reporting
and the sustainability year end reporting have the same publication date. We refer to our website for the financial
calendar: www.lotusbakeries.com.
For questions about the report or reported information we refer to:
Lotus Bakeries NV
Corporate Secretary
[email protected]
Disclosure 2-4 Restatements of information Compared to last year no restatements have been performed.
Disclosure 2-5 External assurance Although this is not yet legally required, the Board accepted the proposal of the EXCO to have an assurance
report for certain ESG KPIs.
Since the reporting period 2020, an assurance report and statement on certain ESG KPIs contained in the Annual
Report is publicly available.
The assurance report and statement 2022 is part of the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, pages 140-143. The
auditing partner is PwC Reviseurs d’Entreprises SRL. The audited KPIs and the assurance standards used are
described in the assurance statement. The auditing partner is the same as for the financial audit.

2. ACTIVITIES AND WORKERS
Disclosure 2-6 Activities, value chain and other business Lotus Bakeries is active in the packed foods manufacturing and food sector.
relationships
Lotus Bakeries is active worldwide in the indulgent and natural snacking segment with the Lotus®, Lotus® Biscoff®,
nākd, TREK, BEAR, Kiddylicious, Peter’s Yard, Dinosaurus, Peijnenburg, Annas and Snelle Jelle brands.
Lotus Bakeries offers its products in approximately 70 countries across Europe, America, Asia-Pacific and the
Middle East.
Lotus Bakeries has 12 operating production facilities in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, South
Africa and the US and 21 own sales organisations in Europe, America and Asia. Lotus Bakeries also works with
commercial partners in approximately 50 countries worldwide. We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 3,
Our organisation, pages 152-158.
The Company serves customers in the retail channel, distributors, the out of home channel, airlines, B2B and B2C.
The Company purchases its raw materials, ingredients, goods and packaging from other manufacturing
companies or traders.
Lotus Bakeries sources its raw materials, ingredients and packaging as much as possible on the same continent
as where production takes place. Main raw materials are flower, sugar, eggs, fats and fruit and are sourced from
third parties.
The palm oil it sources is 100 % RSPO certified.
The key Palm Oil Suppliers are asked to sign Lotus Bakeries Palm Oil Policy and 90% has signed.
The Lotus® Biscoff® Chocolate is 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified.
The soy flower is IP certified.
All key Suppliers are asked to sign the Code of Conduct for Suppliers. 90.5 % of the key Suppliers signed the
Code of Conduct for Suppliers (90.1 % in 2021).
In 2022 significant changes included:
• Substantial investments were made to increase the production capacity for Lotus® Biscoff® in Belgium and
the United States;
• a third production hall was constructed in Wolseley, South Africa;
• Kung Oscar Pepparkakor, a premium, traditional Swedish Pepparkakor brand was acquired;
• acquisition of 100% of the shares of Peter’s Yard, a British artisanal sourdough company;
• expansion of the Courcelles manufacturing site with a second production hall;
• expansion of the headquarters in Lembeke with the ‘House of Biscoff’;
• Lotus Bakeries unveils production plans in Thailand.
We further refer to the Annual Report 2022, Highlights pages 12-17 and to Chapter 3 – Our organisation, pages
152-153 and 162-165.
The annual sales in 2022 amounted to EUR 877.5 million. In 2022, Lotus Bakeries achieved a growth of 17%.
The company’s consolidated equity amounted to EUR 572.1 million in 2022 (EUR 519.5 million in 2021). The
company’s net financial debt was EUR 153.6 million compared to EUR 81.8 million in 2021. We further refer to the
Annual Report 2022, pages 18-19 for some key figures and to the Financial Supplement, pages 8-9 for details on
the consolidated equity. We further refer to the Financial Supplement, pages 26-27 for the geographic segment
reporting.

Disclosure 2-7 Employees At the end of 2022, Lotus Bakeries had an internal workforce of 2,698 employees. Internal workforce are employees
who have an employment contract with Lotus Bakeries of limited or unlimited duration, full-time or part-time.
The Company had 1,366 (51%) female internal employees and 1,332 (49%) male internal employees.
GEOPGRAPHICAL COVERAGE
BELGIUM # 1,378 703 M I 675 F
% 51 M I 49 F
SOUTH AFRICA # 518 221 M I 297 F
% 43 M I 57 F
THE NETHERLANDS # 222 122 M I 100 F
% 55 M I 45 F
UNITED KINGDOM # 119 46 M I 73 F
% 39 M I 61 F
FRANCE # 142 76 M I 66 F
% 54 M I 46 F
UNITED STATES # 156 89 M I 67 F
% 57 M I 43 F
CHINA # 33 14 M I 19 F
% 42 M I 58 F
SOUTH KOREA # 19 9 M I 10 F
% 47 M I 53 F
SWEDEN # 27 19 M I 8 F
% 70 M I 30 F
OTHER (AT, CHE, CZ, DE, ES, IT, HK) # 84 33 M I 51 F
% 39 M I 61 F
TOTAL # 2,698 1,332 M I 1,366 F
% 49 M I 51 F
Lotus Bakeries’ internal workforce has a good spread over the different age categories:
• 28 % are under the age of 30
• 29 % are between 30 and 39 years old
• 21% is between 40 and 49 years old
• 18 % is between 50 and 59 years old
• And 4 % are over 60 years old.
The average age as per 31 December 2022 is 39 years.
Expressed in FTE, the internal workforce equals 2,602.64.
Information is mainly collected in Lotus Bakeries Internal HR system MyLotus (‘SuccessFactors’) which is
gradually implemented since mid-2021.
Disclosure 2-8 Workers who are not employees The external workforce of Lotus Bakeries comprises mainly temporary workers in the production plants and some
specialised functions. They are either contracted directly or through an interim agency.
The external workforce expressed in FTE equals 272.49.

3. GOVERNANCE
Disclosure 2-9 Governance structure and composition Lotus Bakeries adopted the Corporate Governance Code 2020 as a reference code, in accordance with Article
3:6(2) of the CAC and the Royal Decree of 12 May 2019 laying down the corporate governance code to be
complied with by Belgian listed companies.
The Lotus Bakeries’ Corporate Governance Charter, which outlines our corporate governance policy and
the internal rules of procedure of the Board of Directors, the Committees and the Executive Committee, was
discussed by the Board of Directors and approved on 2 April 2020.
The Board of Directors chose to consolidate its current single-tier governance model as referred to in Article 7:85
et seq. of the CAC, since the functioning of the Board is highly effective and transparent. The powers relating to
day-to-day management versus supervision/control are clearly defined, the Board is kept thoroughly informed at
all times by the CEO and the EXCO and all necessary decisions are approved and/or ratified.
The highest governance body is the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors installed an Audit Committee and a Remuneration and Nomination Committee. For the
composition of the Board of Directors and its committees we refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 4 ‘Report
of the Board of Directors’, paragraph 5 – Corporate Governance Declaration, pages 171-193. We also refer to the
Corporate Governance Charter, publicly available on our website: www.lotusbakeries.com
Disclosure 2-10 Nomination and selection of the highest We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 4 ‘Report of the Board of Directors’, pages 171-193. We also refer to
governance body the Diversity Policy, publicly available on our website: www.lotusbakeries.com
Disclosure 2-11 Chair of the highest governance body The Chair of the highest governance body is not a senior executive officer in the organisation. Conflicts of
interest are prevented and mitigated according to the Lotus Bakeries Remuneration Policy, publicly available on
our website: www.lotusbakeries.com.
Disclosure 2-12 Role of the highest governance body in overseeing The Executive Committee (‘EXCO’) determines Lotus Bakeries Group’s strategy and objectives and submits
the management of impacts them to the Board of Directors for approval. This strategy is implemented by the country and regional
organisations (‘areas’) in the different business units, supported by the corporate departments. We refer to the
Annual Report 2022, Our organisation, paragraph 1 Group structure and day-to-day management, pages 146-153.
Lotus Bakeries’ ‘Care for Today, Respect for Tomorrow’ sustainability strategy is the responsibility of the EXCO
which reports regularly to the Board of Directors on this topic. We refer to the Annual Report 2022, page 78.
During 2022, following points were amongst others discussed in the Board of Directors and in its Committees:
• The availability of raw materials and packaging
• The evolution of energy prices and labour costs
• Capex investments and expansion of capacity
• Recruitment policy
• Product developments and innovations
• Risk management – priorities and evolutions
We refer further to the Annual Report, pages 177-181.
Disclosure 2-13 Delegation of responsibility for managing impacts The delegation of responsibility is organised according to the Corporate Governance Charter, publicly available
on the website. The Board of Directors relies on the EXCO for the implementation of its policy.
The EXCO is responsible for implementing the Company’s strategic, operational and financial objectives
and directs the management of the Group. Managing the impacts on the economy, environment and people
is delegated to the EXCO. The CFO, member of the Executive Committee, is responsible for reporting on
economic, environmental and social topics. We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 4, paragraph 5
Corporate Governance Declaration, pages 171-193 and to the Corporate Governance Charter, available on the
website: www.lotusbakeries.com.
Disclosure 2-14 Role of the highest governance body in sustaina- Chapter 2 of the Annual Report – Our sustainability programme – ‘Care for Today, Respect for Tomorrow’ has
bility reporting been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.
Disclosure 2-15 Conflicts of interest Conflicts of interests are managed by the Board of Directors according to the Corporate Governance Charter,
publicly available on the website and according to Articles 7:96 and 7:97 CAC.
Over the course of 2022, there were no incidences within the Board of Directors which led to the application of
the conflict of interest procedure as set out in Articles 7:96 and 7:97 CAC. We refer further to the Annual Report
2022, Chapter 4, paragraph 5 Corporate Governance Declaration, pages 171-193.

Disclosure 2-16 Communication of critical concerns The Code of Conduct as well as the Suppliers Code of Conduct contain the possibility to report concerns. Both
Codes are publicly available on our website in different languages: www.lotusbakeries.com.
All employees of Lotus Bakeries are encouraged to report concerns about the Code of Conduct to the
Compliance Officer. Lotus Bakeries prohibits retaliation against individuals who report problems in good faith
and is committed to investigating such reported problems.
In 2022, the Compliance Department received a range of queries through the reporting line referred to in the
Code of Conduct. In addition, three complaints were received from employees, which were all investigated
and resolved. Where necessary, the Compliance Officer reports to the Board of Directors once a year on
the enforcement of the Code of Conduct, covering any breaches and concerns raised and the action points
formulated to prevent repetition.
In 2022, the Board of Directors was informed about the nature of the complaints received. We refer further to the
Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, Community, pages 114-127.
Suppliers are asked to bring any concerns to the attention of their contact at Lotus Bakeries. From 2023, they will
also be able to report any complaints via the online whistleblowing platform selected by Lotus Bakeries, in which,
among other things, anonymous reports are possible, and confidentiality and accurate follow-up of the legal
obligations are guaranteed. We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, Community, pages 114-127.
Disclosure 2-17 Collective knowledge of the highest governance Lotus Bakeries ensures the presence on the Board of Directors, the Committees and the Executive Committee
body of critical members with specialist knowledge of various areas. Skills, competencies and diversity are paramount
in the selection of candidates for the Board of Directors proposed to the General Meeting. At regular times,
presentations of changes in law, regulations or market practices are prepared for the Board of Directors
to advance their knowledge in the field of sustainable development. We refer further to the Diversity Policy,
publicly available on our website: www.lotusbakeries.com and to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 4, paragraph 5
Corporate Governance Declaration, pages 171-193.
Disclosure 2-18 Evaluation of the performance of the highest We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 4, Report of the Board of Directors, under paragraph ‘Evaluation of
governance body the Board of Directors and its Committees’, page 178.
Disclosure 2-19 Remuneration policies We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 4, Report of the Board of Directors, under paragraph ‘Remuneration
report’, pages 182-193 for the remuneration policy applied in 2022 for the non-executive and executive directors,
the executive managers and executives.
The evolution of the remuneration and of the performance of the Company over the last five years can be
consulted on pages 192-193 of the Annual Report 2022. We further refer to the Lotus Bakeries Remuneration
Policy, publicly available on our website.
Disclosure 2-20 Process to determine remuneration We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 4, Report of the Board of Directors, under paragraph ‘Remuneration
report’, pages 182-193.
Disclosure 2-21 Annual total compensation ratio The ratio between the highest remuneration of members of management and the lowest compensation (in full-
time equivalents) of employees of Lotus Bakeries NV, as stipulated by Article 3:6(3) CAC, cannot be reported
since Lotus Bakeries NV has no employees. With a view to transparency, this ratio is reported for Lotus Bakeries
Corporate NV. The ratio is 17.2. We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 4, page 193.

4. STRATEGY, POLICIES AND PRACTICES
Disclosure 2-22 Statement on sustainable development strategy We refer to Chapter 2 of the Annual Report 2022 ‘Care for Today, Respect for Tomorrow’, pages 74-75, for the
Statement of Jan Boone, CEO Lotus Bakeries Group.
Disclosure 2-23 Policy commitments Lotus Bakeries corporate values are Team Spirit, Open Dialogue and Passion (TOP). These values are reflected
in different policies. We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, Employees, page 100.
Lotus Bakeries subscribed the UN Global Compact and was accepted in March 2021 as a member. We refer to
the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, page 80. The first Communication on Progress has been published on our
website in June 2022. The next Communication on Progress will be available on the website of the UN Global
Compact. We refer to our website: www.lotusbakeries.com.
Lotus Bakeries has various policies that address ethical business practices. Lotus Bakeries has since 2020 a Code
of Conduct and a Suppliers Code of Conduct. Lotus Bakeries further has a Palm Oil Policy. For more information
on these policies we refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, under paragraph ‘Ethical business practices’,
pages 116- 120.
The Code of Conduct and the Suppliers Code of Conduct are publicly available on our website in 10 languages.
The Palm Oil Policy is publicly available on our website. The Lotus Bakeries Dealing Code is publicly available on
our website under investors relations.
All production plants of Lotus Bakeries are certified according to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and
therefore have a BRC or IFS certificate. We request such a certificate also from our suppliers of raw materials,
packaging and production partners. In all production sites, HACCP principles are developed and food-defense
plans to avoid intentional contamination are in place. All these policies were approved by the most senior level
in our organisation.
Lotus Bakeries uses only RSPO certified palm oil. The Lotus® Biscoff® Chocolate is 100% Rainforest Certified.
Lotus Bakeries soybean flour is IP certified. We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, ‘Responsible
sourcing’, pages 120- 121.
Disclosure 2-24 Embedding policy commitments We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 4, Ethical business practices, pages 116-120 and to the Policies which
are publicly available on our website. Within these policies, the responsibilities for implementation are defined.
Training is given and is part of the onboarding programme.
Disclosure 2-25 Processes to remediate negative impacts We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 4, Ethical business practices, pages 116-120 and to the Policies
which are publicly available on our website. Within these policies, the processes to remediate negative impacts
are defined. Overall governing processes are defined in the Governance Charter.
Disclosure 2-26 Mechanisms for seeking advice and raising Concerns about the Code of Conduct can be reported by all employees of Lotus Bakeries to the Compliance
concerns Officer. Lotus Bakeries prohibits retaliation against any person who reports issues in good faith and commits to
investigate any such reported issues. Lotus Bakeries will take corrective action if warranted by the situation. Failure
to comply with the Code may result in disciplinary or legal action. We refer further to the Annual Report 2022,
Chapter 4, Ethical business practices, pages 116-120 and to the Policies which are publicly available on our website.
Within these policies, the processes for seeking advice or raising concerns are defined. More information on the
whistleblowing programme and reporting can be found in our Annual Report 2022 as mentioned above.
Disclosure 2-27 Compliance with laws and regulations No significant non-compliances need to be reported.

Disclosure 2-28 Membership associations For Lotus Bakeries important associations are the following:
• Lotus Bakeries is an active member of Ceflex and endorses the strategy that has been determined by
CEFLEX. The ‘Design for a circular economy’-guidelines of CEFLEX are taken as a basis to determine the
technical recyclability of Lotus Bakeries flexible packaging.
• Lotus Bakeries endorses the design-guidelines of Recyclass for rigid packaging. Lotus Bakeries endorses the
EllenMacArthur and ISO18601 definition of packaging component.
• Lotus Bakeries is a member of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Malaysia, Round Table on
Responsible Soy Association, Switzerland (RTRS), Belgian Alliance for Sustainable Palm Oil, Ceflex, UN
Global Compact, Fevia, Choprabisco, Pack4Food, HFCE Halal Food Council of Europe, Flocert, The
Consumer Goods, Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs, Belgian Institute for Packaging, Flanders Food VZW,
VCK (Flemish Institute for Quality Control), Vegan Action and VOKA.
Disclosure 2-29 Approach to stakeholder engagement The major stakeholder groups are employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, investors, policymakers, NGOs,
sector experts, knowledge institutions, opinion makers in the markets in which Lotus Bakeries operates, local
communities and vulnerable groups.
At all levels Lotus Bakeries engages with its stakeholders, taking into account the principles contained in its Code
of Conduct and Suppliers Code of Conduct.
Lotus Bakeries engages with all its stakeholders on an ongoing basis, via business contacts, meeting sessions with
internal and external stakeholders, cooperation initiatives, exchange of information, various projects, conferences,
brainstorm sessions. The engagement with stakeholders takes place within the entire organisation, on corporate
level but also on regional and local level. Information from stakeholder engagement is centralised and reported via
various internal reporting channels, within the areas, business units and corporate level.
Via its Foundation for Education Lotus Bakeries engages with vulnerable groups, especially young children.
We refer to our Annual Report 2022, pages 130-135 for more information on the Lotus Bakeries Foundation for
Education.
Disclosure 2-30 Collective bargaining agreements All employees have the right to collective bargaining.
The right of collective bargaining and freedom of association is included in our Code of Conduct, which is
publicly available in 10 different languages on our website.

GRI 3 – MATERIAL TOPICS 2021
Disclosure 3-1 Process to determine material topics We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, pages 78-79. The result of the last update indicated a shift in
importance of energy consumption as a result of the increased energy costs, the uncertainty of energy supply in
certain regions and the awareness of its effect on global warming.
Disclosure 3-2 List of material topics We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, pages 78-79. The top 20 sustainability priorities remained the
same. The energy consumption, however, moved up from medium importance to high importance.
Disclosure 3-3 Management of material topics The 20 top priorities have been linked to our sustainability strategy ‘Care for Today, Respect for Tomorrow’, which
is based on three pillars:
1. Environment
2. Employees
3. Community
For each pillar we report our ambitions, achievements and relevant policies in our Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2
‘Care for Today, Respect for Tomorrow’, pages 74-135. We further refer to additional specific information following
the Topic Standards included in the text hereafter.

SECTOR STANDARDS
No Sector Standards are applicable for the Lotus Bakeries Group for
the reporting period 01.01.2022-31.12.2022.
TOPIC STANDARDS
GRI 201: ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE 2016
Disclosure 201-1 Direct economic value generated and distributed We refer to the Financial Supplement of the Annual Report 2022.
Disclosure 201-2 Financial implications and other risks and The business of Lotus Bakeries depends primarily on the availability of key raw materials such as flower, sugar,
opportunities due to climate change eggs, oils, fats, fruit and vegetables. Events such as changes in temperatures, poor weather conditions and soil
degradation can negatively impact the availability and price of these raw materials and affect the business.
Climate change has an impact on the agricultural regions where those raw materials are grown.
Lotus Bakeries is conscious of the negative impact certain crops can have on the environment and also on the
communities living in the areas where they are grown. We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 4, paragraph
6.2. Principal risks and mitigating measures, pages 195-198.
To mitigate these risks, Lotus Bakeries has various policies in place to guarantee a sustainable procurement and to
avoid deforestation. We refer to our Annual Report 2022, page 96.
Disclosure 201-3 Defined benefit plan obligations and other Lotus Bakeries accounts for its pension liabilities according to its valuation rules. We refer to the Financial
retirement plans Supplement of the Annual Report 2022, Notes to the consolidated financial statements, to Note 1.19. Employee
benefits, pages 21-22, to Note 5. Employee benefit expenses, page 28 and to Note 22. Employee benefit
obligations, pages 45-46.
Disclosure 201-4 Financial assistance received from government We refer to the Financial Supplement to the Annual Report 2022, Notes to the consolidated financial statements
to Note 1.9 Government grants, page 18. During the reporting period no government grants were received .
GRI 203: INDIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACTS 2016

Disclosure 203-2 Significant indirect economic impacts With its Foundation for Education, Lotus Bakeries wants to contribute to carefully selected educational
projects focusing on providing quality education to disadvantaged children and young people. Lotus Bakeries is
convinced that education is the key to breaking the vicious circle of poverty. Lotus Bakeries is further supporting
the emancipation of women and contributing to sustainable agriculture. We refer to the Annual Report 2022,
Chapter 2, pages 130-135.

GRI 205: ANTI-CORRUPTION 2016
Disclosure 205-2 Communication and training about anti-corruption The Lotus Bakeries Code of Conduct and Suppliers Code of Conduct contain a zero-tolerance approach
policies and procedures towards bribery and corruption.
The Code of Conduct states: “We will not offer, pay, seek or accept any payments, gifts or other favours (e.g.
promise of a job, offer of a trip, charitable contribution) to improperly influence a business outcome.”
The Supplier Code of Conduct states: “The Supplier is committed to a zero-tolerance approach towards bribery
and corruption: Supplier shall not offer, pay, seek or accept any payments, gifts or other favours (e.g. promise of a
job, charitable contribution) to improperly influence a business outcome”.
Both Codes of Conduct are publicly available on our website in different languages. We refer to
www.lotusbakeries.com.
At the time of introducing the Code of Conduct internal training has been given. Since then, the training on the
Code of Conduct is part of the onboarding programme.
Disclosure 205-3 Confirmed incidents of corruption and actions taken No confirmed incidents of corruption nor bribery have been reported in the financial year 2022 .
GRI 206: ANTI-COMPETITIVE BEHAVIOR 2016

Disclosure 206-1 Legal actions for anti-competitive behavior, Lotus Bakeries has no pending legal actions for anti-competitive behaviour, antitrust and monopoly practices.
anti-trust and monopoly practice
GRI 207: TAX 2019

Disclosure 207-1 Approach to tax In its Code of Conduct Lotus Bakeries confirms its commitment to adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.
We further refer to the Financial Supplement of the Annual Report 2022, Note 1.21 Income taxes, pages 22-23
and Note 10, Income taxes, page 31.
Disclosure 207-2 Tax governance, control and risk management Tax governance is part of the overall governance structure. Within the EXCO, the CFO is managing tax risks.
Within the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee is overseeing the tax governance.
GRI 301: MATERIALS 2016

Disclosure 301-1 Materials used by weight or volume Lotus Bakeries has a packaging policy built around three pillars:
1. Reduce what we use
2. Design for tomorrow
3. Aim for circularity
For the reductions realised during the reporting period we refer to our Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, pages 85-89.
Lotus Bakeries wants the packaging of all its brands to be 100% recyclable by 2025. For the recyclability
percentage we refer to our Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, pages 85-91. The percentage remained stable in
2022, notwithstanding the important reduction in weight realised for recyclable content brought on the market.
For the use of recycled content we refer to disclosure 301-2.
Disclosure 301-2 Recycled input materials used Lotus Bakeries prefers to use recycled content for its packaging without losing sight of the requirements for
quality and functionality. The Company aims for the maximum technically achievable. As per end 2022, Lotus
Bakeries uses recycled content in different packaging materials:
Glass: 58%
Cardboard: 80%
Plastic: 1% - this percentage remains low as it is not allowed to use recycled content in food contact materials
We refer further to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, page 85 and page 91.

GRI 302: ENERGY 2016
302-1 Energy consumption within the organisation The total energy consumption of our owned sites was 165,868 MWh. The amount from renewable sources was
51,259 MWh and from non-renewable sources 114,609 MWh. Total electricity use was 51,259 MWh of which
51,259 MWh from own production from renewable sources or offset with certificates. The CO2e-emissions from
energy used have been fully offset.
302-3 Energy intensity The energy intensity ratio per ton of production is 1,074 kWh/ton. Energy consumption includes electricity, gas,
fuel and coal. The energy ratio is based on energy consumption within our own production sites.
GRI 303: WATER & EFFLUENTS 2018

Disclosure 303-1 Interactions with water as a shared resource Besides withdrawing water from municipal water supplies, Lotus Bakeries is also collecting rainwater and uses
some groundwater. It is re-using water as much as possible. On one site, Lotus Bakeries has its own wastewater
treatment station. In other production plants wastewater is collected to be treated by an external party. In 2022
Lotus Bakeries used 89,578 m3 water in its owned production sites.
GRI 305: EMISSIONS 2016

Disclosure 305-4 GHG emissions intensity The total scope 1 and 2 emissions of Lotus Bakeries’ owned sites amount to 170 kgCO2e/tonne produced.
All GHG are included. We also refer to the Annual Report, Chapter 2, page 85 and pages 92-97.
Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions We refer to our Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, pages 92-95. Lotus Bakeries signed the SBTi Commitment Letter.
A copy of the letter is enclosed in Chapter 5 of this ESG compilation.

GRI 306: WASTE 2020
Disclosure 306-1 Waste generation and significant waste-related The activities of Lotus Bakeries generate waste in its own activities and downstream. The waste in its own activities
impacts relate, among others, to production waste, grease, residual waste, paper/cardboard. The waste generated
downstream has to do with the end-of life of the products. We refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2,
page 85.
Disclosure 306-2 Management of significant waste-related impacts In order to reduce waste, the production waste is as much as possible re-used as animal feed. Different types of
waste are sorted to facilitate recycling. Waste registers according legislative obligations are kept where needed.
Lotus Bakeries supports various systems and initiatives for collecting and recycling waste, amongst others
CEFLEX, the Flexible Plastic Fund and contributes to ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ systems in various
European countries.
Lotus Bakeries is designing the packaging of all its branded products to become 100% recyclable by 2025. Lotus
Bakeries uses also recycled content in its packaging. We further refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2,
pages 86-91.
Disclosure 306-3 Waste generated The total quantity of waste in Lotus Bakeries owned site amounts to 31.807 tonnes and includes all kind of waste.
The amount of waste per tonne produced in Lotus Bakeries owned sites is 60 kg waste per tonne produced. This
intensity amount includes residual waste, production waste, grease, paper and cardboard.
GRI 308: SUPPLIER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2016

Disclosure 308-2 Negative environmental impacts in the supply Lotus Bakeries is aware that palm oil might have a negative impact on the environment. Therefore 100% of palm
chain and actions taken oil sourced by Lotus Bakeries is RSPO certified.
Lotus Bakeries identified 10 key palm oil suppliers
From these key palm oil suppliers Lotus Bakeries not only requests they sign the Suppliers Code of Conduct but
also requests to sign and adhere to the principles of the Palm Oil Policy of Lotus Bakeries or requests to adhere to
their own Palm Oil Policy containing at least the same requirements as the policy of Lotus Bakeries.
100% of the cacao mass and cacao butter of the Lotus® Biscoff® Chocolate is Rainforest Alliance certified.
The soybean flower in the Lotus® Biscoff® products is IP certified.
We further refer to our Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, page 96, page 115 and pages 120-121.

GRI 401: EMPLOYMENT 2016
Disclosure 401-1 New employee hires and employee turnover During the reporting period in total 825 new employees were hired in different age categories, of which 8% in the
category of above 50 year.
394
48% 238
29% 122
63
15% 8
7%
1%
<30 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+
NEW HIRES
During the reporting period 556 departures occurred.

276 280
226
169 50% 50%
41%
30% 88
44 29
16%
8% 5%
<30 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+ MALE FEMALE
DEPARTURES BY AGE DEPARTURES BY GENDER
The labour turnover rate of the internal workforce is 20.94% of which 17.85% were voluntary leavers.
GRI 403: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 2018

Disclosure 403-2 Hazard identification, risk assessment, and incident An occupational health and safety management system has been implemented in all our sites.
investigation
All occupational accidents are registered and analysed and the necessary measures to mitigate risks are
implemented. Every injury needs to be investigated and proper corrective actions need to be implemented.
The total amounts of occupational accidents and the lost-time occupational accidents are reported on a monthly
basis. Lost-time occupational accidents are accidents whereby the employee is unable to return to work the
following day.
The severity and frequency are calculated monthly and reported per site. In 2022, no fatalities occurred. However,
the number of occupational accidents involving absence from work amounted to 85 (2021:52). These occupational
accidents occurred in the production sites. The increase can be explained by the expansion and the recruitment of
many new young people leading to a decrease in awareness. Different programmes were introduced to increase
the awareness levels. We also refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, page 108.
Disclosure 403-4 Worker participation, consultation and communica- In the sites of Lotus Bakeries, processes are put in place to allow the employees to point out possible hazardous
tion on occupational health and safety situations and to suggest processes to mitigate these. We further refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2,
page 108.
Disclosure 403-5 Worker training on occupational health and safety In the sites of Lotus Bakeries, regular training programmes on health and safety issues are organised. We further
refer to the Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, page 108.

GRI 404: TRAINING AND EDUCATION 2016
Disclosure404-2 Programs for upgrading employee skills and Lotus Bakeries has different programmes in place to provide various forms of training. It has on the job training, an
transition assistance programs onboarding training for all new hires, it organises special courses on specific topics, has HR community meetings,
finance community meetings, sales meetings. In 2020 Lotus Bakeries started with a Young Graduate Programme.
5 Young Graduates started in 2020, 7 Young Graduates in 2021 and 10 in 2022. We further refer to the Annual
Report 2022, Chapter 2, pages 101-102.
GRI 405: DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY 2016

Disclosure 405-1 Diversity of governance bodies and employees Lotus Bakeries has a good gender balance in the different countries where it operates. For an overview of the
gender balance at different levels in the Company and in the different countries, we refer to the Annual Report
2022, Chapter 2, pages 98-101.
Lotus Bakeries offers its employees various opportunities to acquire additional experience by moving to other
functions. The internal mobility rate for white collar and staff is 15.14%.
61 67
56
48% 52%
44% 29
28
22% 23% 15
11% 0
0%
<30 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+ MALE FEMALE
INTERNAL MOBILITY BY AGE INTERNAL MOBILITY BY GENDER
WHITE COLLAR AND STAFF WHITE COLLAR AND STAFF

GRI 407: FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING 2016
Disclosure 407-1 Operations and suppliers in which the right to The Code of Conduct and the Suppliers Code of Conduct explicitly state that all workers should have the freedom
freedom of association and collective bargaining of association and a right to collective bargaining. Both Codes are publicly available in different languages. We refer
may be at risk. to our website: www.lotusbakeries.com and to our Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, pages 116-120.
GRI 408: CHILD LABOR 2016

Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for The Code of Conduct and the Suppliers Code of Conduct of Lotus Bakeries expressly prohibit child labour. All
incidents of child labor workers should be of an appropriate age. Children’s right to childhood and education should be respected at all times
and no child labour is accepted (as defined by the ILO International Labour Standards on child labour). In its own
operations Lotus Bakeries does not allow child labour. Both Codes are publicly available in different languages. We
refer to our website: www.lotusbakeries.com and to our Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, pages 118-120.
GRI 409: FORCED OR COMPULSORY LABOR 2016

Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for Lotus Bakeries’ Code of Conduct and its Suppliers Code of Conduct foresee that work should be conducted on
incidents of forced or compulsory labor a voluntary basis and based on documented terms of employment. All workers should be paid fair wages, in line
with applicable laws and appropriate prevailing industry standards.
Both Codes are publicly available in different languages. We refer to our website: www.lotusbakeries.com and to
our Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, pages 116-120.
GRI 417: MARKETING AND LABELLING 2016

Disclosure 417-1 Requirements for product and service information The Code of Conduct requests transparency, clear and accurate communication. The Code of Conduct is
and labelling publicly available in different languages. We refer to our website: www.lotusbakeries.com and to our Annual
Report 2022, Chapter 2, pages 116-120.
Disclosure 417-2 Incidents of non-compliance concerning product No legal proceedings to be reported.
and service information and labelling
Disclosure 417-3 Incidents of non-compliance concerning marketing No legal proceedings to be reported.
communications
GRI 418: CUSTOMER PRIVACY 2016

Disclosure 418-1 Substantiated complaints concerning breaches of The Code of Conduct requests respect for personal data. The Code of Conduct is publicly available in different
customer privacy and losses of customer data languages. We refer to our website: www.lotusbakeries.com and to our Annual Report 2022, Chapter 2, pages
116-120.

GRI CONTENT INDEX
Statement of use Lotus Bakeries NV has reported the information cited in this GRI content index for the period [01.01.2022-
31.12.2022] with reference to the GRI Standards.
GRI 1 used GRI 1: Foundation 2021
GRI STANDARD DISCLOSURE LOCATION

GRI 2: General Disclosures 2021 2-1 Organisational details Page 118
2-2 Entities included in the organisation’s sustainability reporting Page 118
2-3 Reporting period, frequency and contact point Page 118
2-4 Restatements of information Page 118
2-5 External assurance Page 118
2-6 Activities, value chain and other business relationships Page 119
2-7 Employees Page 120
2-8 Workers who are not employees Page 120
2-9 Governance structure and composition Page 121
2-10 Nomination and selection of the highest governance body Page 121
2-11 Chair of the highest governance body Page 121
2-12 Role of the highest governance body in overseeing the management of impacts Page 121
2-13 Delegation of responsibility for managing impacts Page 121
2-14 Role of the highest governance body in sustainability reporting Page 121
2-15 Conflicts of interest Page 121
2-16 Communication of critical concerns Page 122
2-17 Collective knowledge of the highest governance body Page 122
2-18 Evaluation of the performance of the highest governance body Page 122
2-19 Remuneration policies Page 122
2-20 Process to determine remuneration Page 122
2-21 Annual total compensation ratio Page 122
2-22 Statement on sustainable development strategy Page 123
2-23 Policy commitments Page 123
2-24 Embedding policy commitments Page 123
2-25 Processes to remediate negative impacts Page 123
2-26 Mechanisms for seeking advice and raising concerns Page 123
2-27 Compliance with laws and regulations Page 123
2-28 Membership associations Page 124
2-29 Approach to stakeholder engagement Page 124
2-30 Collective bargaining agreements Page 124

GRI STANDARD DISCLOSURE LOCATION
GRI 3: Material Topics 2021 3-1 Process to determine material topics Page 125
3-2 List of material topics Page 125
3-3 Management of material topics Page 125
GRI 201: Economic Performance 2016 201-1 Direct economic value generated and distributed Page 127
201-2 Financial implications and other risks and opportunities due to climate change Page 127
201-3 Defined benefit plan obligations and other retirement plans Page 127
201-4 Financial assistance received from government Page 127
GRI 203: Indirect Economic Impacts 2016 203-2 Significant indirect economic impacts Page 127
GRI 205: Anti-corruption 2016 205-2 Communication and training about anti-corruption policies and procedures Page 128
205-3 Confirmed incidents of corruption and actions taken Page 128
GRI 206: Anti-competitive Behavior 2016 206-1 Legal actions for anti-competitive behavior, anti-trust, and monopoly practices Page 128
GRI 207: Tax 2019 207-1 Approach to tax Page 128
207-2 Tax governance, control, and risk management Page 128
GRI 301: Materials 2016 301-1 Materials used by weight or volume Page 128
301-2 Recycled input materials used Page 128
GRI 302: Energy 2016 302-1 Energy consumption within the organisation Page 129
302-3 Energy intensity Page 129
GRI 303: Water and Effluents 2018 303-1 Interactions with water as a shared resource Page 129
GRI 305: Emissions 2016 305-4 GHG emissions intensity Page 129
305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions Page 129
GRI 306: Waste 2020 306-1 Waste generation and significant waste-related impacts Page 130
306-2 Management of significant waste-related impacts Page 130
306-3 Waste generated Page 130
GRI 308: Supplier Environmental Assessment 2016 308-2 Negative environmental impacts in the supply chain and actions taken Page 130
GRI 401: Employment 2016 401-1 New employee hires and employee turnover Page 131
GRI 403: Occupational Health and Safety 2018 403-2 Hazard identification, risk assessment, and incident investigation Page 131
403-4 Worker participation, consultation, and communication on occupational health and safety Page 131
403-5 Worker training on occupational health and safety Page 131
GRI 404: Training and Education 2016 404-2 Programs for upgrading employee skills and transition assistance programs Page 132
GRI 405: Diversity and Equal Opportunity 2016 405-1 Diversity of governance bodies and employees Page 132
GRI 407: Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining 2016 407-1 Operations and suppliers in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining Page 133
may be at risk
GRI 408: Child Labor 2016 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor Page 133
GRI 409: Forced or Compulsory Labor 2016 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor Page 133
GRI 417: Marketing and Labelling 2016 417-1 Requirements for product and service information and labeling Page 133
417-2 Incidents of non-compliance concerning product and service information and labeling Page 133
417-3 Incidents of non-compliance concerning marketing communications Page 133
GRI 418: Customer Privacy 2016 418-1 Substantiated complaints concerning breaches of customer privacy and losses of customer data Page 133

05 SBTI COMMITMENT LETTER
SBTi Commitment Letter 138

Lotus Bakeries -137
PARTNER ORGANISATIONS
SBTi Commitment Letter

138 - Lotus Bakeries sciencebasedtargets.org @ScienceTargets /science-based-targets [email protected]






REGISTERED OFFICE
Lotus Bakeries NV
Gentstraat 1
B-9971 Lembeke
T + 32 9 376 26 11
www.lotusbakeries.com
Register of legal persons of Ghent,

Enterprise number 0401.030.860
CONTACT
For further information about the data of the
annual review or more information about the
Lotus Bakeries Group, please contact:
Lotus Bakeries NV
Corporate Secretary
Gentstraat 1
B-9971 Lembeke
T + 32 9 376 26 11
[email protected]
Concept and realisation

Lotus Bakeries and Duval Branding
duvalbranding.com
Illustrations
Sören Selleslagh
sorenselleslagh.com
Photography
Bert Luyckx
bertluyckx.be
Jens Mollenvanger
jensmollenvanger.be
WWW.LOTUSBAKERIES.COM

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ANNUAL REPORT 2022

ESG COMPILATION & GRI REPORT

ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -5

ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -7

GRI Report 2022 116 SBTi Commitment Letter 138

ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -9

ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -13

In order to increase transparency in our reporting, we have

TOP 20 SUSTAINABILITY PRIORITIES

12 Education for all

20 Water consumption and treatment

ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -15

The assurance indicators are marked throughout the text by .

For the assurance report relating to the attested

For the assurance report relating to the attested indicators

ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -17

The new BEL®ESG index was launched on February

Lotus Bakeries was one of 20 companies that were

LOTUS BAKERIES IN TOP 5% OF

In Sustainalytics’ rating, an independent company

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING CARBON FOOTPRINT

Packaging-to-Product Ratio g/kg product 166 179 175

Reduction of plastic tonnes/year 62 22 19

Reduction of glass tonnes/year 1,120

Reduction of cardboard tonnes/year 526

% SKUs with 100% recyclable packaging % 81 73 70

% of packaging of all Lotus Bakeries brands that is recyclable1 % 97 97 97

Use of recycled cardboard % 80 75 77

Use of cardboard with the ‘sustainable managed forest’ guarantee % 78 76 77

CARBON FOOTPRINT UNIT 2022 2021 2020

Energy consumption per tonne kWh/tonne 1,074 1,064 1,0714

Kg of waste per tonne generated2 kg/tonne 60 63 54

ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -21

LOTUS BAKERIES’ VISION OF PACKAGING

Reduce what we use

PLASTIC GLASS CARDBOARD OTHER

ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -23

Reduction in thickness and size of plastic packaging

For example, Lotus Bakeries succeeded in making the Lotus® Biscoff®

The BEAR wrappers were also changed to recyclable material in 2022,

Thinning of cardboard packaging

Reduction of glass per jar

This optimised packaging has a positive impact on CO2 emissions and

ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -25

ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -27

Our scope 1, 2, 3 emissions

SCOPE 1 EMISSIONS SCOPE 2 EMISSIONS SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS

The major part of our Scope 1 The scope of the screening

Lotus Bakeries is carbon neutral

Reduction objectives must include all GHG (greenhouse gases)

ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -29

The largest fleet is located in Belgium. Since 2022, our employees in

In anticipation of this, additional charging stations were installed on the

More and more enthusiastic employees are choosing to purchase a

ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -31

Lotus Bakeries used in its production sites 89,578 m3 water.

In the new ‘House of Biscoff’ in Belgium, technology is provided to collect

ESG compilation & GRI report Lotus Bakeries -33

BOARD OF DIRECTORS LEADERSHIP TEAM ALL EMPLOYEES

GRI Report 2022 116 SBTi Commitment Letter 138