Appreciative – in every phase of our actions

Guidelines, principles, code of conduct, code of behaviour: What may seem strict and brittle at first, helps immensely in day-to-day co-operation – especially in wholesale and foreign trade on an international level. Customers, suppliers, employees – at Kirchner, Fischer & Co, not only do complex interests come together, but also different cultures. So how do we reconcile all these concerns? Above all, honestly and decently according to clear rules!

Our corporate principles promote transparency and strengthen relationships within our entire supply network. After all, who wouldn’t want a working relationship that prioritises honesty and integrity? Just classic Hanseatic and open to diversity.

The corporate principles
of Kirchner, Fischer & Co

• We are an international company that recognises and respects the differences and diversity of cultures.

• We take daily responsibility for our ecological, social and economic actions.

• Our customer satisfaction is our driving force and determines our daily business.

• We comply with applicable law and our own corporate code of conduct.

• Fairness and fair play are the basis of all business activities and a requirement for all people.

• Agreements and arrangements are honoured in a climate of trust.

• We work according to a systematic business plan and regularly review our tasks.

• Short decision-making processes characterise our entrepreneurial activities and make us fast, efficient and successful.

• We respect, support and honour each other.

• Our unique price/performance ratio is characterised by low administrative expenses and the optimal use of operating resources to avoid overcapacity/waste of resources.

• Our growth is determined by our innovative strength and the constant renewal of our company as well as our work processes.

• Our actions are based on strong employees who lead the company and continue to prepare it for the future.

• Praise, criticism and recognition determine a large part of our working atmosphere and characterise our daily work.

As a long-standing member of the German Tea & Herbal Tea Association, Kirchner, Fischer & Co also stands for the implementation of principles relating to human and labour rights, environmental protection and compliance with internationally recognised standards. The association and its members are aware of the existing challenges. For this reason, a code of conduct has been drawn up and signed, the main parts of which can be read here:

Code of Conduct of the German Tea & Herbal Tea Association – Extract

1. Compliance with the applicable laws of sovereign states
The Association and its members recognise the applicable laws and regulations of sovereign states. Every effort will be made to enforce compliance with these laws and regulations in the supply chain.
This includes minimum standards on freedom of association, collective bargaining, organisation of employee representation, minimum wages, working time regulations, prevention of discrimination, health and safety in the workplace.

2. Business integrity
The business behaviour of the signatories and their employees is free from unfair practices.
The signatories may not demand or accept gratuities or other benefits from third parties in connection with their activities, either for themselves or for other persons, or grant third parties inappropriate benefits.
The signatories shall not enter into any agreements that lead to a restriction of free competition.

3. Working conditions

3.1 Remuneration
The wages and social benefits paid to employees must comply with applicable laws, binding collective labour agreements and individual contracts as well as statutory minimum wage regulations and should be suitable to cover the basic needs of employees.

3.2 Child labour
The use of exploitative child labour along the entire value chain, from cultivation to trade, is strictly prohibited. Child labour is defined as work performed by children that poses a mental, physical, social or moral danger or harm to the children and is contrary to their educational needs. In principle, all minimum requirements in accordance with ILO 138 and 182 must be applied.

3.3 Forced labour
No forced labourers or workers otherwise obliged to work under pressure shall be used in an exploitative manner, nor shall any other form of profit be made from such use. Corporal punishment, deprivation of liberty, threats of violence or other forms of bullying or abuse as a means of obtaining discipline or control are not permitted.
The use of workers who are the subject of an official prisoner rehabilitation programme is not considered a breach of the Code.

3.4 Occupational health and safety
Every supplier within the value chain must offer its employees/workers safe and healthy working conditions and have regulated, for example, the handling of hazardous substances, fire protection measures and occupational health and safety on machinery.
The minimum requirement is the provision of clean drinking water, adequate sanitary facilities and access to medical care.

4. Environment
The signatories support and promote sustainable and responsible farming and cultivation methods.
Methods of agricultural utilisation, the use and handling of energy resources, waste water treatment and waste management must meet or exceed the legal requirements.
This applies in particular to the protection of water, soil, plant diversity and animals and therefore the lowest possible and most responsible use of pesticides and fertilisers in cultivation.

The complete Code of Conduct of the German Tea & Herbal Tea Association can be found here:
˃˃˃ Download

Everyday life at Kirchner, Fischer & Co

Trust is based on understanding and comprehension:
That’s why our office team in Elmshorn speaks German and English
as well as other world languages fluently. Comme il faut!

Would you like to meet our international team in person?
Come and visit us!