• Introduction
• Our Values
• Our Approach
  • Stakeholders
  • Policies
  • Governance
  • Data & reporting
• Environmental Stewardship
  • Case studies
• Community Impact
  • Case studies
• Responsible Sourcing
  • Case studies
• Workplace Culture
  • Case studies
• Our Performance
  • Data & reporting
  • Targets & reporting
• Our Partners

RBO is very active in its community and it recently decided to go a step further by opening its doors to the residents of Yaxley, as well as to family and friends of staff, to enable them to gain an insight as to what the business does.

Organising an event in a factory that would be operational during the open day took a lot of preparation and organising with much help and input from members of RBO staff.

To ensure all visitors gained a good insight into 'Factory Life', tours were organised showing people the complete process from delivery of harvested carrots, through washing,, grading, packing and loading for onward transit to the supermarkets. Also included was a visit to the reed beds, which naturally clean and recycle the washline water as well as providing a natural environment for the dipping and frog ponds which encourage wildlife to visit and hopefully become permanent residents! Following the tour, an area was set aside within the factory which contained several information stands along with activities for all the family covering: Meet the Growers: showcasing all of RBO's growers with samples of various fresh produce including white and purple carrots. Visitors knowledge was also tested with a Fruit and Vegetable quiz with a chance of winning a luxury Fruit and Vegetable Hamper.

RBO and the Environment: this area was dedicated to the work that RBO have done to optimise the impact of their operations on the environment, including reducing waste to landfill to almost zero. Our Heritage and Growing Trust: Produce World, of which RBO is part of, is proud of its heritage and wanted to share the company's history. The Growing Trust also plays an important role within Produce World as it coordinates all investment within the community. Through the Trust, RBO is very active in sponsoring activities within the local community as well as raising funds for charities.

Tombola Stall: was very well supported raising funds for the Yaxley Scouts with prizes donated by RBO's suppliers, members of Produce World Group and also RBO members of staff themselves.

Cake and Refreshments Stall: was also well supported with the sale of home-made cakes, soup, teas and coffees with all proceeds going to Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

Feedback on the Open Day was very encouraging with visitors being impressed with the organisation and cleanliness of the site, the efforts put in to satisfy the supermarkets and all the environmental investments being made right in their village. In addition, over £1000 was raised for various charities and local community activities.