Governance
At NKG, responsible business relationships, transparent decision-making, and consistent standards of conduct are fundamental to how we operate. Governance therefore means more than having policies and procedures in place; it is about creating the conditions that enable people to make responsible decisions, raise concerns, and manage business relationships with integrity. Our approach combines Group-wide standards with local ownership, recognizing that implementation must be practical and relevant across different countries, cultures, and business environments.
To support consistent implementation, Group Compliance develops policies, standards, and guidance, while individual Group companies are responsible for putting these requirements into practice. This approach is supported by a global network of Compliance Representatives who promote awareness, provide local support, and help ensure that Group standards are applied consistently in day-to-day operations. Regular exchange and training help connect colleagues across regions and strengthen a shared culture of integrity and accountability.
Governance also plays an important role in NKG’s due diligence activities. Through risk-based processes, reporting channels, oversight structures, and continuous improvement efforts, we work to identify and address potential risks related to areas such as human rights, business integrity, supply chains, and regulatory compliance.
Code of Conduct
At the heart of our responsible business conduct is the NKG Code of Conduct, defining how we work together and how we engage with business partners and stakeholders. Approved by the Board, it sets out ethical principles, behavioral expectations, and compliance obligations for all employees worldwide. It covers integrity in business relationships, human rights, labor standards, non-discrimination, environmental responsibility, and the prohibition of corruption. The Code of Conduct is binding and is a prerequisite for working at NKG. It is available in multiple languages via internal systems and the corporate website.
The Code of Conduct is complemented by specific Group-wide policies and procedures addressing key business conduct risks, including Anti-Corruption, Conflicts of Interest, Sanction Screening, and the Grievance Mechanism. Together, these documents translate NKG’s ethical principles into practical requirements, responsibilities, reporting channels, and process requirements for employees and, where applicable, business partners.
Due Diligence
Due diligence is an important part of how NKG manages risks, supports responsible business conduct, and meets stakeholder expectations. Across the Group, we apply risk-based processes to identify, assess, prevent, mitigate, and monitor potential risks related to our operations, business relationships, and supply chains. This helps us make informed decisions, strengthen transparency, and continuously improve our practices.
Our due diligence activities cover a range of topics to help ensure compliance with legal requirements and NKG standards.
Human rights due diligence is a key area of focus under NKG’s Sustainability Strategy. In 2026, NKG introduced a Group-wide Human Rights Due Diligence framework and completed a Human Rights Risk and Saliency Assessment to strengthen its approach to identifying and managing potential human rights impacts across operations and business relationships. Further information can be found in the Human Rights section.
Supply chain due diligence supports our efforts to better understand and manage risks in our supply chains. As part of this approach, NKG has established a Supplier Code of Conduct that sets out the principles and expectations we communicate to suppliers and business partners. Further information can be found in our Supplier Code of Conduct.
NKG also conducts risk-based business partner due diligence to support integrity and compliance in business relationships. Depending on the context, this may include sanctions screening, adverse media reviews, anti-money laundering checks, and other measures designed to identify and manage potential compliance risks.
Due diligence is not a one-time exercise. As risks, regulations, and stakeholder expectations evolve, we continue to develop our processes and management systems to support responsible business conduct across the Group.
EUDR
Learn more about NKG’s approach to EUDR here.
Grievance Mechanism
NKG recognizes that effective human rights due diligence requires accessible mechanisms through which concerns can be raised and addressed. Employees, workers, suppliers, business partners, communities, and other stakeholders therefore have access to channels through which actual or potential concerns related to human rights, business conduct, or compliance can be reported.
As part of this approach, NKG maintains the NKG lntegrity Platform, a publicly accessible whistleblowing and grievance mechanism that allows concerns to be reported confidentially and, where permitted by law, anonymously. The platform is available to both internal and external stakeholders and can be accessed via this link: NKG Integrity Platform. Reports received through the platform are assessed and investigated in accordance with NKG’s established procedures.
Where adverse impacts are identified, NKG seeks to investigate concerns appropriately and determine suitable corrective, preventive, or remedial actions. Information obtained through grievance channels is also used to improve risk management, strengthen preventive measures, and identify potential systemic issues requiring further attention.
Food Safety
NKG takes its responsibility for the safety and quality of its coffee products very seriously. This commitment extends from the farms to shipping coffee to various countries around the world. To us, food safety means that our coffees should be free of contaminants, comply with legal and customer quality standards, and protect consumers’ health. Food safety is a company-wide responsibility involving all employees and stakeholders. NKG regards it as an integral part of our corporate culture.
The Group Compliance function at Neumann Gruppe GmbH is responsible for the continuous development of the group’s food safety management system. Based within the holding company, Group Compliance reports directly to the group’s management. Group Compliance coordinates company-wide standards, guidelines, and support services, monitors regulatory developments, and assists NKG companies with implementing food safety requirements.
To achieve our goals of quality and safety, our policy is based on three pillars: customer-focused thinking and action, continuous improvement, and motivated, qualified employees.
