mozaic smithfield românia · we look back with gratitude and forward with confidence! the efforts...

2 Mozaic Smithfield România

Senior Editor: Bogdan Ban Editors: Cristina Bodea, Andrada CalanceaCollaborators: Anca Hepeș, Adina Uță, Răzvan Gheață, Nicu Voia, Constantin Ungureanu, Gheorghe Bader, Viorel Mara, Alina Uncul, Ludmila Racz, Raluca Dicu, Mihaela Rad, Dani Spiru, Marius Obretin, Cezara Voina.

PRAIS Corporate Communications

Translator: Mihaela Gergely

Design:

CONTENTSEDITORIALShane Smith, Interim President Smithfield Romania

INTERVIEWS WITH GENERAL MANAGERSDana Brindescu-Iovanov, General Manager Smithfield ProdGoran Panici, General Manager Smithfield Romania, Farms Division

NEWSElit Cugir and Vericom, in Our Family! / Recognition from Smithfield Foods Group / Innovation and Promotion of “Bun de gătit” / Professional Training of Employees, a Priority for Smithfield Romania! / The Delegation of the Competition Council Visited Smithfield Romania / His Excellency, the U.S. Ambassador to Romania, a Guest of Smithfield Romania / Smithfield Romania Operations, Appreciated in 2017 /

INTERNAL PROJECTSA New Sustainable Initiative of Smithfield Prod – the “Green Office” Project / Farmer – Partner Program / Prevention of Accidents in a New Approach – S.I.P.S.

COMMUNITY OUTREACHSmithfield Romania Supports a Healthy Lifestyle through Sports! / “Back to School” Program, the 11th Edition / “Be One of Us” Events Calendar – 2017 / “Food for Souls” Project Goes On / ECO Event – Planting of Linden Trees / USAMVB Seminar Supported by Smithfield Romania / Smithfield Academics – Educational Partnership for Practical Training of Specialists in the Field!

EMPLOYEESFarms Employee Profile – Interview Viorel Mara and Gheorghe Bader / Prod Employee Profile – Interview Florin Barna and Adrian Belei / Prod Manager Profile – Mihaela Rad / Farms Manager Profile – Ovidiu Țimbota / Employees of 2017 Smithfield Romania / A New Training Program for the New Employees / Dual School in Its Third Edition / Ongoing Training of Veterinarian Specialists! / Party of Production Employees / ONBOARDING COURSE, Held on the Training-Line of the Deboning Section / Improvement of Production Indices Performance / Smithfield Romania’s Development in the Medium-term – Efficient Strategies

COMTIM PAGESComtim Spareribs – The “Star” of 2017 / COMTIM at Height! / Tasting of COMTIM Products / On the National Day of Romania, Comtim Is Close to Romanians! / Fresh Pork Products Will Also Bear the Comtim Mark / Christmas Recipes

MOZAICCustoms and Traditions in Romania / Our Small Ones / Employees Hobbies: Flavius Bălean, Vet Services

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3Mozaic Smithfield România

Editorial

Shane SmithInterim President Smithfield Romania

Tell us about yourself. I live in Williamsburg Virginia with my wife of nearly 23 years, Kimberly. We have four children, 2 boys and 2 girls that range in age from 21 to 11. My oldest son works in logistics for Smithfield, my oldest daughter is in University here in Virginia and my youngest two are in middle school. What was your journey like to the position of President of Smithfield Romania?I began my career with Smithfield 14 years ago in Smithfield’s hog production operation, Murphy-Brown. A little over a year with MB, I moved to the corporate offices as a financial analyst. At that time Smithfield was a publicly traded company and my job was in the SEC reporting department. I rose to the level of Director of that group before being asked to take the position of International Controller. This was a new position to Smithfield and was required as our operations in Poland, Romania and the U.K., as well as our investments in Spain and

Mexico had been in a continuous growth mode and were becoming a very large component of Smithfield’s global portfolio. This was an exciting opportunity for me as it allowed me to really get out into the field, working with my colleagues in other countries, and allowed me to really touch the business in a way that was not possible before. I was in this role for nearly 4 years when Darek Nowakowski was asked to lead the International group. He asked me to work as his Chief Financial Officer and we have been leading the group for 4 years now. What is your idea of a successful team? There are many definitions of a successful team and that answer, in many cases, is not as simple as the question makes it sound. To me, a successful team is a group of people who can communicate effectively, execute against the strategy and deliver on the promises we have made. As to communication, the best ideas are only thoughts until they are communicated. A successful team has the ability to not only share their ideas and opinions, but to listen objectively to others as well. This is not isolated to the boardroom but spans all across the organization from the top to the bottom. Collectively we can achieve great things together as long as we all communicate. Execution against our strategy requires teamwork as it touches every department in our organization. It has and will require numerous hours of discussion and debate and now it is up to all of us to execute. The promises that I spoke of earlier are not limited to our stakeholders, and a successful team realizes that. It is all encompassing to include our promises to our customers, our communities, and our employees. Every day, we make promises to our customers to deliver a high quality, safe product for them to put on their shelves. Every day we make a promise to our communities to operate in a socially responsible way that would make them proud to have us as members of their community. Every day we make a promise to our employees to provide a safe working environment and to give them the tools they need to be successful. Thoughts for 2018…2018 will be a very exciting time for Smithfield Europe. Our European growth plan includes investment for acquisitions, organic growth and process improvement. We have been given a tremendous amount of support from both Smithfield Foods and WH Group as it relates to this plan and now it is up to us to execute. In Romania, we will be completing the vertical integration loop by completing the acquisition of Elit and Vericom. This is scheduled for January of 2018 and will give us an important foothold in the Romanian packaged meats market. A major part of our focus this year will be integrating these businesses into the Smithfield Romania family. Fortunately, we have professional management teams in both our existing Smithfield operations and in the Elit and Vericom companies so my expectation is that this integration will be very successful. We will continue to invest in our base business as well with additional capital spending on both the farms and the plant.

I am very excited for Smithfield Romania as we look forward to 2018. Over a decade ago since Smithfield has entered into Romania and, as those who have been there since the beginning will tell you, we have had our ups and downs. We are at a point now, however, where we are moving out of our “start-up” phase and into the next phase of sustainable growth. We have learned many lessons in our first decade in Romania and all of those lessons have provided the foundation for us to continue to build upon. I am fully confident that we will meet our growth commitments to our stakeholders, our quality commitments to our customers, successfully integrate Elit and Vericom into our Smithfield Family

2018 will be a very exciting time for Smithfield Europe


Interviews

Dana Brindescu-IovanovGeneral Manager Smithfield Prod

Every December, I am happy to share with you the results of our work, of Smithfield team’s work!

This final year is, now more than ever, a great opportunity to tell you that we ended a record year in 2017, in terms of our Company’s performance.

Beyond the Company’s results, 2017 brought an exceeding of our growth targets, in terms of the number of heads slaughtered and deboned and the volumes sold on all meat market channels, and a 30% increase compared to last year’s volumes of semi-processed products. In these last five years since we’ve drawn a clear strategy to increase our presence in the Romanian modern retail, we recorded a growth in volume six times the quantity of minced and marinated pork products.

In the year just ending, we look back with gratitude and forward with confidence!

The efforts towards innovation, made by our colleagues in Production and Quality, teamed up with the Sales Department, brought to the shelf more Comtim products than any other producer in the food market.

From the year’s novelty, a beautiful and special project for the entire team is our “Bun de gătit” Range, now in a new presentation. We are proud of our tender marinated products, with natural ingredients, without any E numbers, which complement the taste of fresh pork. Comtim meat comes from locally raised pigs, fed with Romanian grains. “Bun de gătit” Range is designed to revive the Comtim tradition and taste and offers you and your families a unique dining experience that is based on the perfect taste of Comtim meat. It is the result of responsible production on the entire chain of the integrated system: from farm to the slaughterhouse, and up in your plate!

We remain a clear leader of the meat market from Romania, not only by our efforts to grow, but also by our achievements in sustainable development. We carry out our mission to always be an example for the Romanian agro-food industry, both in terms of efficient production, implemented at the highest food safety and quality standards, and in terms of our care for the employees and the communities where we operate. We can do this also because of the many programs initiated in support of the communities and people who currently live and work in Banat area: “Food for Souls”, “Back to School”, “Smithfield Academics” or “Green Office”.

Motivation, dedication and team cohesion are those that transform a company into a leader, not only in Romania, but also in the global market. Today, we are larger and better on the market where we operate, and we are preferred by an increasing number of satisfied customers.

In conclusion, I cannot help but think that no matter how good this year was, the future sounds even better!

This is due to how we all have implemented a clear and well defined strategy of sustainable growth and we focused on operational efficiency and primarily on the responsibility of producing quality meat products!

Now, with the winter holidays fast approaching, I wish you all much peace and joy, may you have a wonderful Christmas with your family, and allow yourselves to be delighted and to delight others with our Comtim “Bun de gătit” products! I personally cannot wait to savor the unmistakable taste of the steak filled with plums, cooked in the oven on Christmas Day!

For 2018, only good thoughts, good luck and a lot of creativity!


Goran PaniciGeneral Manager Smithfield Romania, Farms Division

Interviews

All the achievements of 2017 were possible only by the joint forces of all Company employees

One of the most important achievements in 2017 of Farms Division team is the organic development of the program Farmer – Partner, by which we develop partnerships of growth with farmers across the country. Although a young initiative, through our full trust in this program, we were able to instill sufficient confidence so that now, at the end of the year, we have a number of production areas far larger than expected. More pigs raised than planned at the beginning of the year and more kilograms sold have generated in 2017 a greater efficiency in our system and better yields across the production chain. I wish in 2018 for Farms Division to become number 1 within Smithfield Foods Group, in terms of efficiency in production, both in the reproduction and in the finishing farms. For this, the contribution of each of us is essential!

All the achievements of 2017 and the exceeding of the plan, considered early this year a very bold one, were possible by the joint forces of employees company-wide, of both colleagues in the operational and non-operational departments. Our team knows that the Company’s commitment to growth is serious, that we took upon ourselves to deliver 2 million pigs to the slaughterhouse in 2020 and that each of Smithfield’s employees has in this context opportunities of developing their career and contribute to the consolidation of our position as a leader of the industry. We know what our common goal is and I count on each of my colleagues to contribute to its implementation in 2018.

In 2018, farms’ biosecurity will come first. In the epidemiological context of our neighboring countries (increased evolution of African Swine Fever in Ukraine and Republic of Moldavia), we cannot afford to make mistakes. I count on each of you to strictly follow the internal biosecurity procedures and maintain an optimal animal health status in all our farms.

Professional development of employees remains a priority in 2018 and is the responsibility of each manager to identify people with potentially different levels of responsibility and to make sure that they have enough resources to learn and enough opportunities to show their potential, being promoted in the Company. Business management and employees development remain a priority for me personally and for each of Farms Division management team member.

Because we are fast approaching the winter holidays, I want to wish all my colleagues and their families health and great success in 2018. I, personally, will spend the holidays with my family and will think of my colleagues with gratitude and appreciation, while Comtim fresh pork products will definitely be found on the Christmas table.


News

Participation in

Anuga 2017 Fair

During October 5-9, 2017, Smithfield Romania’s Sales Team participated in “Anuga” Fair, held in Cologne, a renowned industry event, now at its 34th edition. ”Anuga” Fair is considered as the biggest and most important food fair in the world, gathering at this edition approximately 7,400 exhibitors from over 198 countries.

INDAGRA 2017

International Fair

Smithfield Romania consistently promotes our products through participation in industry-specific exhibitions and trade fairs. The International Fair of Products and Equipment in Agriculture, Horticulture, Viticulture and Livestock INDAGRA, organized at Romexpo by Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was held during October 25-29, 2017 and this edition hosted over 530 exhibitors from 24 countries.

Smithfield Prod was represented at this fair by a delegation made of colleagues in the Sales, Quality,

Our colleagues in the Sales Team had the opportunity to make the Comtim brand and “Bun de gătit” range known to customers across Europe!

„It was great to meet you last week at Anuga. I was very impressed by the show and you seemed to have a lot of customers coming by the booth. Smithfield Romania is having a great year, and I know everyone is excited about where we are going in the future. I am focused on helping this company grow"

This is the message sent by Joe Weber Executive Vice-President – Smithfield Foods, to our colleague in the Sales Department, Ionuț Crețu – Export Manager.

PR and Purchasing Departments, accompanied by the General Manager, Mrs. Dana Brindescu Iovanov.

At our presentation booth, made in partnership with the supplier Multivac, our colleagues in the Sales Department, Mr. Florin Raba – Commercial Director, Mr. Ionut Crețu – Export Manager, Mr. Cezar Ludosean – Regional Sales Manager Greece, Bulgaria & Cyprus, Mrs. Ioana Bobici – Export Key Account Executive, and Mrs. Adina Uța – Trade Marketing Representative, proudly presented COMTIM – Bun de Gătit products and Animex products (Sous Vide, MAP (packed in a protective atmosphere) turkey meat, fresh and cold cuts).

Many thanks to our colleagues in Bucharest, coordinated by Mr. Gelu Minea, and to our colleagues in Trade Marketing, for their support in the smooth running of the event.

Elit Cugir and Vericom, in Smithfield Family!The parent company, WH Group Ltd, world leader in hog production and pork processing, announced in late September that it extends its market operations in Europe, by purchasing the processors Elit Cugir and Vericom from Romania. In August, Smithfield Group purchased the companies Pini Polska, Hamburger Pini and Royal Chicken from Poland, based on a strategy of expanding on the European market. Purchasing of Elit aligns with the strategic development plan of Smithfield Foods and aims to strengthen the vertically integrated supply chain of Smithfield Romania, by adding a meat processing plant to its existing production capacities in the country: farms, feed mills, and meat processing plant.


News

Recognition from Smithfield Foods Group

Smithfield Foods International Conference,

2018 “The Future is Now”

Sustainability Excellence Awards is a Smithfield Foods program which recognizes the outstanding contribution of companies in the Group and of their employees in achieving their company’s performance, based on sustainable development principles.

At Smithfield Foods Competition – Sustainability Excellence Awards, Smithfield Romania obtained recognition for its project “Specific Working Procedures of the Production Department, Visual Format”. The project consisted in graphic representation of operational departments’ standard working procedures. The innovation was adoption of a new vision that efficiently blends photos with short texts, easy to read and follow during day work. The panel of judges also appreciated the possibility of this project’s transferability, which can be easily adopted by any company within the Group.

This year, Smithfield Romania participated in this competition with a number of 9 different projects in four distinct categories, the winning project being designated from a total of 150 eligible projects.

In December, Smithfield Romania team participated, for the second consecutive year, in Smithfield Foods “One Smithfield” 2018 conference, an opportunity for the 600 colleagues from Smithfield Foods US and all its international divisions to exchange ideas and share the parent company’s messages of appreciation to the divisions where they work in. Smithfield Romania team was represented by Dana Brindescu-Iovanov, General Manager Smithfield Prod and Ionuț Crețu, Export Manager Smithfield Prod.

On this occasion, Ken Sullivan, President and CEO Smithfield Foods, emphasized the certainty of Company’s leading position in the area where we operate. Moreover, he reiterated that the biggest challenge for the whole team, in 2008 as well, is to maintain our highest standards and keep this well-deserved place on the long run, so that we can always be one step ahead!

Smithfield Foods has the duty and the responsibility to build the future for the employees to come!For the sales teams, in terms of direct contact with the market and the consumer, the challenge is to contribute with ideas and innovative projects. Smithfield Foods’ leadership team has also expressed, on several occasions, its potential and willingness to support the Company’s growth and offered assurances to further support any development projects.

Smithfield Romania team has been repeatedly praised for its achievements in terms of volume and profitability.

“The industry is changing! You have to adapt and do things differently!

The future is now!”

Ken Sullivan, President and CEO Smithfield Foods


Innovation and Promotion of

This summer, COMTIM “Bun de Gătit” range was the most popular with our customers. The diverse range has 13 unique products – some recipes come from the traditional cuisine, in a reinterpreted form, while others support modern trends, with sophisticated tastes = all in a single package on the Romanian market!

The double innovative packaging – “flow pack” vacuum and film, unique on the market, guarantees the freshness and tenderness of Comtim products. It preserves the unmistakable characteristic of our products, until they are cooked.

The distinct taste, the inviting smell and the visual experience are completed by the presentation, for an irresistible attraction. The unique packaging and special design are chosen to attract even the most demanding customers. The new website http://www.comtim.ro/bundegatit/ is the latest initiative of Smithfield Romania to promote the premium Comtim “Bun de gătit” range. The website presents the 2 distinct ranges: oven product range and grill product range, along with useful information such as cooking time, protein/calories content and lots of images with … the delicious products.

Bun de Gătit range is marketed under the COMTIM brand and can be found in stores, hypermarkets, supermarkets, and Cash-Carry stores, nationwide.

If you are an active person, who doesn’t have enough time to spend in the kitchen, or whether you’re just starting in the culinary arts, this range of products is exactly what you need!

“Bun de Gătit”

www.comtim.ro

Smithfield Romania Operations, Appreciated in 2017 Smithfield Romania’s operations were appreciated and recognized this year by its presence in all tops in the industry. The rankings based on data from the National Institute of Statistics and the Trade Registry Office designated Smithfield Prod as the largest meat exporter in Romania in 2016, ranking the Company 6th in Ziarul Financiar (Financial Newspaper) Top of Largest 50 Players in the Food and Beverages Industry in 2016. Also, at the gala awards “Top of Companies” 2016/2017, both at county and national level, Smithfield Romania was ranked 1st in the section Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing.Smithfield Prod was ranked 1st in the Top of the Largest Companies in the Meat Industry, published by the Financial Newspaper’s Directory, “The Largest Players in Economy”.

In the internal Smithfield Foods competition, “Sustainability Excellence Awards 2017”, Smithfield Romania was awarded for its outstanding contribution in achieving Company’s performances, based on sustainable development principles. This autumn, Smithfield Prod was nominated among the top players in food industry at Romanian Industry Awards Gala.

News


Professional Training of Employees,

a Priority for Smithfield Romania!

”I had the pleasure to attend the launching of Vet Level 1 – Pig Veterinary Internal Certification Program. The session was presented in such a way as to include all the aspects we are facing daily, as farm veterinarians. The presentation was interactive and accompanied by a course material, where information is well structured and easy to assimilate. I would like to take this opportunity and thank the entire team of Pig Veterinary for the support and efforts undertaken to keep us up to date. I am proud to be part of this Company where people are in a continuous professional development.”

NEW! Launching of

Internal Certification Program for the

Veterinarian Team

Inspired by the success of Smithfield Romania internal certification programs, where colleagues in the Hog Production and Feed Production Departments participate with interest in a growing number, our colleagues in the Veterinary Services Department started their own certification program, designed internally. Thus, this November, Company’s team of veterinarians had the opportunity to be part of the first edition of the Vet Services Internal Certification Program – Level 1, addressed to all veterinarians who are in charge of Smithfield Romania farms!

Launching of this program for professional training and development was designed and organized by the team of coordinating veterinarians, Daniel Spiru, Flavius Bălean, Claudiu Ivan, and Adi Micota. The session started with a theoretical presentation, followed by practical examples, structured on various topics which can be found in the daily work with animals: identification of digestive

diseases, performance of treatments, efficient use of disinfectant, along with the administrative aspects of daily and periodic tasks, such as filling in of charts and records.

Delegation of the

Competition Council

Visited

Smithfield Romania

The official visits organized in the Company this autumn, continued with the visit of an official delegation of the Competition Council, made up of 12 members. The visit received at Company headquarters is part of a series of meetings to the offices of

several companies that operate in the economic environment of Banat area.

The delegation of the Competition Council included the following members:Daniela BĂDILĂ, General Manager / Gheorghe RĂDULESCU, Director / Adrian COMĂNESCU, Director / George ANGLIȚOIU, Head of Department / Lucian STROE, Competition Inspector / Mihaela GEGEA, Competition Inspector / Lucian ALEXĂ, Competition Inspector / Corneliu GRĂDINARIU, Competition Inspector / Eleonora MARTA, Competition Inspector / Alexandru LAZĂR, Competition Inspector / Constantin BRÂNCUȘ, Senior Adviser.

During the slaughterhouse visit, throughout the entire production flow, our guests were able to familiarize with the high operational management standards of Smithfield Romania Slaughterhouse, the largest and most modern in the country. In the production area, the constant concern of the team for maintaining food safety and quality of pork products was also noted.

The success of the official visits becomes a standard of Smithfield Romania’s professionalism in all its operational areas!

The Competition Council is an autonomous body, which manages and implements the Competition Law (no. 21/1996), aiming to protect, maintain and stimulate competition and a normal competitive environment, in order to promote consumer’s interests.

Source: http://www.consiliulconcurentei.

ro/ro/despre-noi.html

Raluca Andrejevic

The program will continue with the annual improvement of the team of veterinarians, in one module per year.

News


His Excellency, the

U.S. Ambassador in

Romania, a Guest of

Smithfield Romania

This November, His Excellency, Mr. Hans Klemm, the United States Ambassador to Romania, accompanied by few of the Embassy staff, visited Smithfield Romania.

The meeting’s point of central interest was the visit of Smithfield Plant from Timișoara. The delegation ended the visit with a tasting of Comtim “Bun de gătit” range, the guests especially appreciating Comtim mici and marinated spareribs.

The success of the visit was the result of Smithfield’s team hard work and professionalism, an aspect noted by our guest, in the message written down in Smithfield Romania’s book of honor.

For all Smithfield Romania employees: I was deeply impressed by the professionalism of all Plant members, the cleaning of all production areas, the innovative approach to the new products placed on the market, and the delicious taste of Smithfield pork.I wish you all good luck!

Hans Klemm, USA AmbassadorNovember 8, 2017

News


Farmer – Partner Program

What can you tell us about your professional training?

The theoretical basis in livestock was acquired at the Zootechnical High School from Curtea de Argeș and, subsequently, at the Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnology from Timișoara, a period I always remember with great pleasure. I started my professional career in poultry raising, where I grew professionally for 5 years. Since 2007, my priority changed towards hog production, where I had contact with livestock production (breeding, finishing-finisher) and related activities (production equipment sales, support specialist).

How is work experience in animal breeding?

In animal production, you get results only if you get involved! In the

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Benefits of Smithfield Farmer-Partner Program: • Working with the largest hog producer in Romania• Guarantee of a genetic line with notable performances and competitive production indices• Implementation of animal welfare principles at the highest industry standards• Production efficiency by applying the know-how system of a company that became number 1 in the field• Access to efficient working procedures, for increased competitiveness and immediate results• Implementation of the most successful animal welfare and food safety policies• Farmer’s economic stability by breeding healthy animals, coming from higher yield genetic lines.• Safety of animal production capitalization in a transparent way, without being affected by market fluctuations or uncertainties• Management procedures and standards in raising animals that provide maximum productivity• Access to the continuous flow of news and information related to the livestock industry• Risk management solutions to prevent various situations• Timely payment, under the contractual agreement, which provides safe earnings and guarantee of investment return in a relatively short time• Positive, stable and predictable cash flow.

Smithfield Romania offers farmers a fair and reliable partnership, based on openness to dialogue!

Interview with Costin Ungureanu, Development ManagerSmithfield Romania, Farms Division

early years, I shaped my personality and formed as a human being, and consider that I lived some special moments at the time – the first satisfaction ensured by the trust given that I was able to manage and form a high performance team. Working with animals is a huge responsibility!

Tell us a few words about the Farmer – Partner Program

The Farmer – Partner Program offers an integrated solution for the development of a successful partnership with the largest livestock producer in Romania. Collaboration on innovative principles in livestock production provides a suitable framework for the development of a traditional, family-based business. The perfect commitment with Smithfield Romania provides mutual beneficial

advantages, through a transparent, organized approach and a know-how transfer.

What are, in your opinion, the main advantages for farmers in partnership with Smithfield Romania?

We stand by our partners, the farmers, from the first day of farms’ population and continue to offer our expertise throughout the entire collaboration. Our partners’ trust is earned through a well-trained team, with years of experience in livestock.

We carefully select healthy piglets, raised in our own sow farms, to give them to our partners in an optimal health, based on performant genetics. The operating systems of the production flow are accompanied by active and participatory consultancy, so that the highest production standards are easily reached!

What does your work at Smithfield Romania imply?

My main goal is identification of potential farmers who wish to collaborate with Smithfield Romania, based on the partnership agreement. I then coordinate a bio-security audit in the farm, along with my colleagues, to make sure that the strict bio-security level imposed by the company is strictly complied with. I analyze the eligibility documents, the permits required and, after drafting the evaluation report, the partnership becomes a reality!

How is a work day for you?

No day is the same as yesterday!Given the Company’s development intentions, identifying potential farmers who want to have a contract-based collaboration with Smithfield is my main priority! My work in the field represents 99% of my daily activity. I set working meetings with farmers, then QA sessions with their teams (legal adviser, economist), for initial discussions to form the basis of a long term partnership based on openness to dialogue.

Costin speaks enthusiastically about his daily work. Even if his priority activities are in a continuous dynamics and each day comes with new challenges, he is optimistic and confident! For the support granted by the internal team he works with, the responsibility of raising animals from Smithfield Romania system is a mission in good hands!

Internal Projects


Internal Projects

What are the biggest challenges you meet in your daily work?

Smithfield Romania ensures a fair partnership, veterinary assistance and bio-security expertise, but market and industry uncertainty is not a constant we can underlie the growth of our operations on.

Which do you think was your biggest achievement so far in your position?

I’ve been part of this ambitious project since March this year and I can say that I am proud that during these nine months the number of partners doubled.

Moreover, I believe that my work has added value: we support maintaining employment in rural areas, and in the operating farms and we support the farmers to continue paying local taxes, to the benefit of the rural communities where they operate, mainly in the South and Southwest regions.

I believe that I have a good collaboration with Smithfield Romania! Initially, I was reluctant about the form of collaboration, but the Company proved to be a reliable partner! The main advantage is that we receive high quality genetic piglets, as we’ve never had before in the farm that I manage! This is reflected in the lower mortality, lower consumption of medication, and lower costs!

Mr. Ovidiu Moisa,Dâmbovița County farmer, 3,800 spaces

I’ve been working only for 5 months in this partnership, but I am already pleasantly surprised by the specialized veterinary assistance and bio-security consultancy I receive from Smithfield’s team! The assistance provided gives the impression of seriousness and efficiency!

Mr. Radu Alexe, Argeș County farmer, 1,990 spaces

13 Counties:Cluj, Mureș, Hunedoara, Timiș, Caraș Severin, Mehedinți, Dolj, Olt, Teleorman, Dâmbovița, Argeș, Brașov, Covasna

A New Sustainable

Initiative of

Smithfield Prod

The “Green Office”

Project – a New

Initiative for

Selective Waste

Collection

7 Eco Years!This is the number of years since starting the project – “Eco Campaign” – a selective waste collection and recycling initiative. The campaign is mainly focused on environmental protection through employees’ involvement in actions of collective selection of paper and plastic waste.

This year, our colleagues in the Environmental Department (Smithfield Prod), together with our PR team, proposed a rebranding project called the Green Office to bring a fresh approach and expand it, including new components.

A more detailed portfolio of waste we can recycle at the headquarters includes now such wastes as: batteries, office supplies, WEEE, working equipment and spray tubes. In the context of this new initiative, we created a new lunch room called the Green Office Room. Here, Smithfield Prod employees can have lunch, in a fresh and pleasant environment.

Promotion of this new action was made by creating new posters, comprising a waste selection methodology and illustrative pictures with each type of waste, to make it easier for employees to be friends with the idea of selective collection.


Internal Projects

We Keep Our High-

Level Certifications

Auditor number

173079 AIB International Certification Services ANSI accredited Certification Body No. 173 certifies that, having conducted an audit For the scope of activities: Slaughtering of pigs, deboning of pork and beef meat. Processing of pork, sheep and beef meat, meat preparations with pork, sheep and beef meat, packaging of meat preparations in modified atmosphere.

Exclusions from scope: None

Product categories: 01 - Raw red meat 03 - Raw prepared products (meat and vegetarian)

SC Smithfield Prod S.R.L.

SITE CODE 3683042 Strada Polona N°4 Timisoara 300523

Romania Has achieved Grade: A

Meets the requirements set out in the

BRC GLOBAL STANDARD for FOOD SAFETY ISSUE 7: JANUARY 2015

Audit program: Announced

Date(s) of audit: 09, 10 and 11 October 2017

Certificate issue date: 15 November 2017

Certificate re-issue date: N/A

Re-audit due date: from 15 September 2018 to 13 October 2018

Certificate expiry date: 24 November 2018

Authorized by Alfonso Capuchino – General Manager, Certification Services

AIB International-CS

1213 Bakers Way, PO Box 3999 Manhattan, Kansas 66505-3999 USA

Certificate traceability reference BRC-FD-016-EC

This certificate remains the property of AIB International-CS To verify the authenticity of this certificate please visit www.brcdirectory.com

Please send feedback on the BRC Global Standard or the audit process directly to [email protected] or call the Tell BRC Hot line +44 (0)20 7717 5959.

85 Hectares of

Forest Saved

In the summer of 2016, Smithfield Romania started a new sustainable project that improves our business efficiency, reducing at the same time the operational risks.

In partnership with a global leader in the rental services of reused pallets and containers, Smithfield Prod started the conversion from the traditional purchasing system of pallets for the goods produced in the slaughterhouse, towards the continuous rental and reusing system of CHEP equipment. Outsourcing the management operations of the pallets used by Smithfield Prod to this rental

supplier, addresses a number of objectives, including costs optimization, operational risks elimination, efficient transport of products and traceability of freight flows, simplification of administrative chores and improvement of commercial relationships. Since August 2016, the logistic supplier has gradually taken over the freight flows on various internal and intra-Community segments of customers.

As of March 2017 to date, by reusing the rented pallets, we estimate to have saved 85 ha of forests that otherwise would have become pallets for freight transportation. At Smithfield Prod, the project was coordinated by Mrs. Cezara Voina, Senior Purchaser, together with the Environmental Department.

„We appreciate the confidence that Smithfield has in this partnership, an important step for CHEP on the very competitive market. From the impact noticed so far, we expect to see chain beneficial reactions and open opportunities to optimize the logistics sector as a whole, as producers and processors will begin to know the concrete benefits of the system of pallets rental and outsourcing”, said Gabriel Andronescu, Country General Manager CHEP Romania.

Congratulations to all our colleagues!

Following the recertification audits conducted this summer at Smithfield Prod, we received certification extension for both food safety systems implemented in the Company. The scores obtained were:• IFS – HIGHER LEVEL 97.94%• BRC – GRADE A.

„These two certifications were maintained this year as well, through a special intra- and inter-departmental collaboration and communication.” Dinu Cerna, Quality System Manager Smithfield Prod

”Following the external audit of TUV Austria, conducted at Padureni Feed Mill – Farm Manager Ionel Radu, Bacova Farm – Farm Manager Cornel Tîrsală, Ciacova Farm – Farm Manager Stoianovici Iovan and Company headquarters, on the management systems implemented at Farms Division (Quality, Environment, Occupational Health and Safety, Food Safety), all four certifications were maintained.”Mircea Bîtcă – Integrated Management Representative, Codruț Dan – Environmental Management Representative, Carmen Corici – Quality Management Representative, Neboișa Giurici – Occupational Health and Safety Representative.


Smithfield

Romania Reacts

Proactively to

African Swine

Fever

To assist in the efforts to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever, in August 2017, Smithfield Romania initiated and launched an extensive program to warn and inform on preventing the disease occurrence in animal farms and private households.

A set of posters and leaflets containing information relevant to recognizing the first signs of the disease were created with support from Smithfield Ferme Production Department. Information was presented in a synthetic manner with relevant photos.

The information campaigns carried out over two weeks addressed Company employees and their families, members of rural communities and farmers, breeders and various public institutions at national level.

Prevention of Accidents in a

New Approach – S.I.P.S.

The reputation of Smithfield Romania in the industry is earned by all employees operating in a responsible way.

To maintain the highest standards in the market of international employers, in terms of health and safety, Smithfield Romania continues to implement the management system which provides guidelines to our employees and subcontractors for activities to prevent accidents and occupational diseases, under a new name: S.I.P.S.

S.I.P.S. is the second iteration of the health and safety management at Smithfield Romania. Previously

known as Accident Prevention System (APS), the new Accident Prevention System in Smithfield (SIPS) was designed to raise awareness to engage employees in programs for health and safety improvements.

Throughout the year, under the name APS, approximately 800 inspection forms were centralized, to support sustained and continuous involvement of all employees, senior management and hierarchical levels.

Also, by making these inspection forms, improvement of occupational health and safety was taken into consideration so that employees can

have the chance to conduct their activities in a safer and healthier working environment.

Article author Raluca Dicu

Internal Projects


Community Outreach

A New Blood Donation Campaign Held at Company Offices

Smithfield Romania organized in early November the second blood donation campaign, attended by 51 donors in the Company. In partnership with “Mission for Children” Association and Timișoara “Blood Transfusion Center”, Smithfield headquarters hosted a team of doctors equipped with a mobile blood sample equipment. The conclusion of the two days of donation was that a small gesture for us can radically make a difference and helping others in need means helping our community!

Smithfield Romania Continues This Year the

“Food Health Lesson”

Educational Awareness Program on the Importance of a Healthy Diet

Over 150 countries marked, on October 16, the “International Food Day”, declared by the UN General Assembly in order to increase public awareness on issues of food worldwide and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

Smithfield Romania, in partnership with the Society of Medical Students from Timişoara held on the “International Food Day”, for the fifth consecutive year, an open lesson called the “Food Health Lesson”.

The 5th grade students from Sânmihaiu Român Secondary School were invited to this session on presenting the concepts of a balanced nutrition in a creative way.

Under the slogan “We eat healthy”, students were excited to learn about the importance of a balanced diet (consumption of food, water and importance of physical exercise), to know what the food pyramid is or why it is important to know the proportions of food recommended for consumption at a specific age. Promoting a healthy diet is a debt of honor that our Company chooses to manifest annually by sending school-aged students important information about balanced nutrition and healthy living. We want to contribute to the acquirement of healthy eating behaviors, from the earliest ages!


• “Periam Parish Fair”– Periam – September 8 • Birda Cultural Week – Birda – September 8-9 • “The Night of Aromanians from Banat”– Dudeștii Noi – September 9• “The Folk Festival and the Scientific Session Local History and Ethnography” - Șicula – September 16 • “Cenei Day”– Cenei – September 24 • “Autumn Festivities”– Jimbolia – September 29 • “Village Days”– Mișca – October 7 • “International Festival of Reciting in the Ancestors’ Language - ”Ștefan Pătruț” – Ohaba-Forgaci – October 8 • “Bulgăruș Village Parish Fair”– Bulgăruș – October 8 • “Gheorghe Tăpălagă Memorial”– Jimbolia – October 10-11 • ,,Plavi Delia” – Sânpetru Mare – October 21 • “Winter Dream”– Timișoara (Asociația Freidorf) – December 7 • “Winter Customs”– Peciu Nou – December 1

29-30 • “Vinga Locality Days”– Vinga – July 29-30 • “Village Days”– Satu nou – August 4-6 • “The Night of Sweet Woodruff”– Bîrsa – August 6 • “Village Days”– Mișca – August 12-13 • “The Parish Fair of Romanian Orthodox Church” – Peciu Nou – August 15 • “Tormac Days”– Tormac – August 25-27 • “Freidorf Neighborhood Days”– Timișoara – September 1-3 • “Cermei Township Reunion”– Cermei – August 8 • “I Never Forget My Language and Folk Costume”– Ciacova• “National Chemistry Camp”– Timișoara – September 3-9

Community Outreach

“Be One of Us” Events Calendar 2017

Smithfield Romania consistently supports cultural and traditional events of communities where it operates, with a desire to assist the localities that maintain and promote the traditional customs of the region.

Here is the calendar “Be One of Us” 2017: • “Traditional Sausages Culinary Competition” – Tormac – February 18• “Ineu Round Dance” – Ineu–April 4• “Village Parish Fair” – Sânmihaiu Român – April 16-17• Printing of Village Monography and Local Newspaper – Șanovița – April 28 • “Serbian Parish Fair” - Sânpetru Mare – May 22• “June 1 … A Child’s Soul” Folk Dances – Mișca – May 31• “Caluserul Dance Festival”– Bocsig – June 4 • “Folk Costume Ball”– Voiteg – June 1 • “Banat Swabian Cultural Heritage” – Nițchidorf – June 8 • “Village Parish Fair”– Măureni și Șoșdea – June 4-12 • “Romanian Parish Fair”– Sânpetru Mare – June 29 • ,,Belzerindfest” – Mișca – July 7-8 • “Periam Days”– Periam – July

Smithfield Romania Supports a Healthy

Lifestyle through Sport!

Warriors CLUB, Children with Big Dreams

In the social responsibility programs initiated by Smithfield Romania, projects that support a healthy lifestyle through exercise and balanced diet are a priority! Non-formal education, which seeks harmonious development through sport, knowing the secrets of the mountains and respecting nature, builds up beautiful, strong and balanced characters.

Through the support provided by our Company in August, this year, the children with big dreams from the Warriors Sports Club attended a training

camp in the mountains of Banat area.

In addition to training for deepening the techniques for their favorite sport, rugby, the camp offered them the opportunity to try other cool games: ping-pong, football or the mind sport – chess! Children also enjoyed knowing each other better, helping in the challenges posed by hiking, visits to spectacular waterfalls or other interesting sights.

Each evening ended with the mirage of campfire, unique memories of a fairytale childhood, where Comtim products, offered as sponsorship by our Company, were savored with great joy, to the delight of everyone present!


Community Outreach

“Back to School”

Program, the 11th

Edition

Three days full of joy and emotions totalizing dozens of beautiful moments spent in the midst of students! The little ones were extremely happy to receive this year, as well, the visit of Smithfield Romania volunteers, laden with backpacks, sweatshirts for sports activities, school supplies for kindergarten activities and timetables with special graphics!

For 11 years, the first chime of the bell, announcing the start of the new school year in communities from Timiș and Arad Counties, became synonym with the visit of Smithfield Romania volunteers! This year 103 volunteers happily responded Present! to the call of joining the caravans full of backpacks and school supplies, provided by our Company!

“Back to School” Caravans together with Smithfield Romania volunteers, have travelled thousands of km to reach the 6,600 students included this year in the program held annually in the communities where the Company operates. Over 400 school and pre-school children of our employees, from 1st to 4th grades, also received a cheerful and colorful backpack, as every beginning of autumn.

Smithfield Romania continues its commitment taken when starting this program, namely to provide at the beginning of each school year, school materials and supplies for students of our communities in Timiș and Arad Counties. If in 2007, when the program was implemented, it comprised 4 localities, starting with 2013 to date, the program was extended to 66 communities. Until this edition, over 40,000 students from localities where Smithfield Romania operates, were included in

the program (4 localities in 2007; 11 in 2008; 36 in 2009, 40 in 2010, 65 in 2011, 61 in 2012 and 66 starting with 2013 to date).

Smithfield Romania supports the educational process at the

regional level and intends to remain a reliable partner for

schools and kindergartens in the Banat region.


team, pursued a notable positive impact on the community – both in terms of awareness and recycling.

In Poporului Park, high school students organized a campaign to collect plastic bottles and participants received a reward, a flower and a good thought.

Smithfield Romania,

Main Sponsor of the

Youth Bank Projects

Smithfield Romania constantly supports the programs organized by young people full of initiative and enthusiasm! Smithfield Romania is the main supporter of various projects supporting the environment and education, organized by the group of teenagers Youth Bank. Therefore, in the last half of the year, these wonderful young people have organized several events, including 3 environmental educational projects:

1. "At Auto we don't walk on green" Project, implemented by the students of the Automotive High School, located in close vicinity of

The Collaboration of Smithfield Romania with “Prof. Dr. Pius Brânzeu'' Center for Experimental Surgery and Microsurgery Goes On

Smithfield Romania supports the events organized by “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara and the Romanian Association of Minimally Invasive Pediatric Surgery, at “Prof. Dr. Pius Brânzeu” Center for Experimental Surgery and Microsurgery.

The two profile institutions organized over the year various national and international courses, such as: International Course of Laparoscopic Surgery “Central & Eastern European Pediatric Minimal Access Surgery Advanced

Skills Lab” organized as trainings for the medical staff, with international participation.

„Thank you for your support while organizing the trainings held at Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara […] The success of this program is primarily due to the support of Smithfield Romania, which allowed the development of trainings without any problems whatsoever”, said Dr. Nistor Alexandru, Training Program Coordinator, Pius Brânzeu Center

the Slaughterhouse, was conducted in several stages, each of which aiming to promote environmental protection among teenagers. Art works were made of recyclable materials, like sculptures from plastic caps or textiles and cement. These items were auctioned during the event “Freidorf Neighborhood Days”. The school yard was also decorated by planting trees and flowers in pots made from used tires.

2. The project of the Ecotim team "Gândește verde, acționează eco" / “Think Green, Act Environmentally” was proposed and implemented by the students of Carmen Sylva High School. In this project, the students, together with their teachers rearranged the schoolyard, which they wanted long renovated and reopened.

3. The project "Nu las în urmă doar PET-uri" / “Don’t Leave Behind Only PETs”, implemented by PETasticii

Food for Souls Project Goes On

Over 7,000 kg of meat and meat products for the needy – this is the 2017 balance of the "Food for Souls” Program, a charitable program of Smithfield Romania to support the families in social difficulty.

“In recent years, we have benefited several times from a fruitful cooperation with Smithfield Romania, through their program “Food for Souls”. The products donated by the Company helped us to considerably improve the quality of food offered to beneficiaries of the Foundation’s Center, but also of poor families included in our charity program. We refer to the fact that monthly, the approximately 50 beneficiaries accommodated in the Foundation’s shelter, and the outside social cases (Timișoara and Timiș County) requesting support, enjoy the social action of Smithfield Romania, which means involvement in social responsibility

and community solidarity. During the winter holidays, we welcome our collaboration with Smithfield Romania and wish them health, good luck with their work, many personal and professional accomplishments, and all the best! Happy Holidays!” says Petru Ilieșu, President of Timișoara ’89 Foundation.

The list of possible program beneficiaries remains open and is encouraging any new partnership with charitable associations. Applications for the program “Food for Souls” can be sent by email at: [email protected] or by fax at: 0256.400.401.

Community Outreach


USAMVB Seminar Supported by

Smithfield Romania.

Partnerships

between

Universities

and Employers, a Real Must!

“Smithfield Academics Program”, launched in 2004

by Smithfield Romania, aims to support the academic

environment and researches from Banat area, through

partnerships that support education and joint research

projects.

The academic environment and the top employers in the agricultural, horticulture, livestock, food, and veterinary medicine sectors in Romania have agreed that we need a closer synchronization of educational programs with the real needs of the market.

In November, Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine organized a workshop, as part of the FDI Project, coordinated by Senior Lecturer Diana Nicoleta Raba, PhD, on “The Educational Offer of “King Mihai I of Romania” University of Agricultural Sciences

and Veterinary Medicine from Timişoara, in the context of labor market needs.

The debates were attended by representatives of the employing companies in the region, operating in the agricultural, horticulture, livestock, food and veterinary medicine sectors, as well as representatives of local authorities: Timiş Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.

From Smithfield Romania, the event was attended by Mrs. Dana Brindescu-Iovanov, General Manager

“As employer of choice and leader in the field it operates in, Smithfield Romania understands the need for specialized training, in accordance with the performance requirements in the industry. We want to support the quality of education by developing long-term partnership programs prepared by specialists in our activity (hog production, food industry and veterinary activities)”, said Cristina Bodea, Sustainability Director Smithfield Romania.

of Smithfield Prod, Mr. Sorin Lazar, HR Manager Smithfield Romania Farms Division, and Mr. Valer Martin HR Manager Smithfield Prod.

At the end of the workshop, the expectations of employers in the public and private sectors related to the professional, organizational and managerial skills of USAMVB Timişoara graduates have been identified and assessed, and suggestions for university classes to include specific notions in line with the needs of the current economic environment have been recorded.

„This approach of consultation and synchronization with the business and future employers is essential for an efficient repositioning of the academia, called to ensure not only a high quality education, but also a continuation of this training to our students in the labor market, after graduation. We want to be true partners with major employers, working together to meet the future requirements of the professions we train them for”, said the University Lecturer Diana Nicoleta Raba, PhD, the project coordinator.

Sorin Lazăr – Smithfield Romania, Farms Division and Dana Brindescu-Iovanov – Smithfield Prod

University Lecturer Diana Nicoleta Raba

Community Outreach


A New After School

in Adea Locality,

Arad County

Creating opportunities for personal development through education is an important process where Smithfield Romania is happy to be involved.

This summer, we had the pleasure to contribute to the foundation of a kindergarten with extended hours in Adea community, Arad County. Thus, through the Company’s contribution, we managed to build together with the local community, a pleasant space with extended program for children from Adea.

This initiative is conducted under the aegis of locality Hall and School, as part of the program “Busy Parents, Educated Children”.

A WINTER DREAM IN FREIDORF, with

Support from Smithfield Romania

”Freidorf

Neighborhood Days”

Smithfield Romania’s project to support continuity of local traditions and customs, “Be One of Us”, was included this year in the celebration called “FREIDORF NEIGHBORHOOD DAYS”, the local event that reached its 9th edition. In Petofi Șandor Park and at the Automotive Technological High School, a series of cultural and sports manifestation were organized on September 1-3, attended by students, youth and seniors of this historic district of Timisoara.

ECO Event – Planting of Linden Trees

Company volunteers participated this fall in a new action aimed at protecting the environment and raise awareness on the importance of maintaining a clean environment: the tree planting campaign. 200 linden trees were planted in close vicinity to Smithfield Romania’s offices, by 40 employees who participated enthusiastically in the creation of new green areas.

More trees = Cleaner air!

The Automotive Technological High School celebrates, every year, winter coming through moments of celebration and songs, known in the community as the “Winter Dream in Freidorf”. ”From the youngest to the oldest, students, teachers, parents and grandparents, enjoyed the poetic moments, the crystalline voices of choir students of our unity, artistic moments brought on our school’s scene by the folk ensemble ”Pusta Banatului”. At the end of the event, Santa showed up with his bag full of gifts for all the good behaved children. By this event, now in its 3rd edition, organizers brought the local community in the midst of the school, representatives of Timișoara Municipality Local Council, the Romanian Orthodox Church, and Freidorf Parish House, consecrated partners of our school. The magical atmosphere, specific

to winter holidays, was created by the sponsors of this event: Freidorf Association, Smithfield Romania, Gaspeco, and Timișoara Culture House. We were happy that we could bring this year as well a warm smile on the faces of our school’s children and students, with the help of our sponsors and Santa.”

Principle of the Automotive High School, Prof. Simona Ecaterina BEJAN,

Community Outreach


Employment Opportunities

Smithfield Academics – Educational

Partnership for Practical Training of

Specialists in the Field!

Smithfield Romania continues, for the 12th consecutive year, its own Internship Program. Through this educational platform, the Company opens its doors annually for students interested to understand and experience the practice part of the fascinating field of hog production and meat production. Therefore, through long-term partnerships with Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, West University from Timişoara, and Timişoara Polytechnic University, we had the opportunity to help shape an educational process where theoretical concepts interwind with practical experiences, to create an academic environment for students who want to become future professionals in the field. Since the beginning of the partnership and to date, Smithfield Romania hosted a total number of 420 interns, of which a large part in the Hog Production and Meat Production Departments. In the 2017 edition, we had the pleasure to have with us on our daily work a number of 74 interns, namely: 35 interns at Smithfield Prod, in the departments: Quality/Processing, Sales, Processing, HR, Financial, Purchasing, Deboning/Quality, Rendering, Technical, Environmental, IT and, respectively, 39 interns at Smithfield Romania, distributed in the following departments: reproduction farms, breeding – finishing farms, Feed Mill, Boar Stud, and Tormac AI Lab.

„I was glad to come back this summer to the PR Department, where I spent some special moments in the stage of organizing and implementing the Company’s social responsibility programs. Volunteer work and visiting the children from schools in Timiş and Arad Counties gave me the most satisfaction!”

Teodora GheltofanStudent

„During the summers spent with my colleagues in the Hog Production Department, I had various and complex responsibilities, which helped me understand and implement all that relates to swine breeding at an industrial level. I understood the importance of these strict bio-security rules aimed at controlling food safety and integrated concepts to which we had access only theoretically. A very useful experience!

After I became a member of the team, virtually there was no adjustment period anymore: I started work and my involvement and recognition results showed up immediately. Today, I am working in a Company in continuous development, where you have the chance to build up a career, learning and having the opportunity to collaborate with competent people.”

Silviu-Alexandru Nanu, Graduate of Iaşi University of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, currently Parţa Farm Manager

Community Outreach


Employees

What does your job in Smithfield Romania involve?It involves keeping all pig farming equipment in working condition and implementing new technologies and techniques, with high performance in this area.

What does your job in Smithfield Romania involve?I’ve been working in the Company’s Maintenance Department for 30 years now. Basically, together with my Department team and colleagues, we make sure that the farms’ equipment and machinery are working in the best conditions possible. At the same time, with the same team, we support and put into practice new projects for the development and expansion of the Company.

New Farms Head of MaintenanceSmithfield Romania

Old Farms Head of MaintenanceSmithfield Romania

Gheorghe Bader

Viorel Mara

The challenge is to find the best technical solutions to achieve optimal performance

Without the support of my colleagues it would be very difficult to solve most of the problems I’m facing daily

What are the challenges involved in your daily work?Finding the best technical solutions to achieve optimal performance, together with the equipment and the people I coordinate and work with. I personally consider myself a convinced environmentalist and that is why all the solutions that I propose and implement must comply with what environmental protection stands for.

What hobbies do you have?My hobbies include traveling, music and working in my orchard and vegetable garden.

Choose three words that define you.Right-minded, innovative and beauty lover.

What would be your ideal living place and why?Somewhere in the mountains, surrounded by lakes and forests, for clean air and tranquility.

What things would you take with you if you were to stay on a deserted island and why?A photovoltaic panel, a laptop with internet connection and a tool set: all these so that I can stay connected to what is happening in the world.

Some thoughts for your colleagues on holidays… Many joys, satisfactions and challenges in the New Year!

What are the challenges involved in your daily work?The biggest challenge is to keep pace with the technological development that requires being well informed, to manage to constantly adapt to various situations that occur daily, to be able to do as such so farmers have all that is necessary to raise pigs in the best conditions possible. Without the support of my colleagues it would be very difficult to solve most of the problems I’m facing daily.

What hobbies do you have?I love traveling and getting to know new people and places. And ... I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t recognize that I also love cars. I like watching Formula 1 and keep up with the novelty in the field.

Choose three words that define you.”RIGHT-MINDED” would be one, although perhaps not everyone would approve it, then …”METICULOS” because I notice details that others don’t see and last … “VOLCANIC” because I have a special temper …

What would be your ideal living place and why?I think I wouldn’t be able to live anywhere but … HOME. This is where I have roots, where my family and friends are and where I certainly have a refuge and understanding.

What things would you take with you if you were to stay on a deserted island and why?I think I’d take various tools, because there is always something to do. Then, I think I’ll take something to listen to music and books.

Some thoughts for your colleagues on holidays…Now with the winter holidays fast approaching, I would like to wish all my colleagues in the Company and, especially to those in the Maintenance Department, for the New Year to bring us all health, prosperity and last, but not least, a HAPPY NEW YEAR!


Employees

Rendering Plant Coordinator Smithfield Prod

Adrian Belei

Utilities ManagerSmithfield Prod

Florin Barna

What does your job in Smithfield Romania involve?I started working in Smithfield’s Rendering Department on September 12, 2007. I still remember my first rainy working day …I started as a Production Line Operator for a period of one year. Around 2009, due to my constant involvement in production, I’ve been proposed as Team Leader of the Production team and, in 2010, as Team Leader of the entire Department, ending in 2016 as Rendering Coordinator. My main task in the Company is to organize production, maintenance, logistics and customer relationships.

What are the challenges involved in your daily work?As challenges, I cannot name any out of the ordinary, because we try all the time to organize our work so that there are no surprises. Of course, there’s no day like another and that’s the great thing about Rendering … we don’t get bored with everyday life monotony.

What hobbies do you have?I love photography, and more recently I discovered sports and healthy eating. I am proud that I managed to lose 20 kg as of February 2017 to date, by implementing the principles of a balanced diet through sports.

Choose three words that define you.Right-minded, punctual, talkative.

What would be your ideal living place and why?I would like to live somewhere where is warm and sunny all the time. Good weather gives us a good mood!

What does your job in Smithfield Romania involve?My work involves the coordination of the Utilities Sector, a sector that provides heat, cold, water supply, management of wastewater treatment plant, and distribution of electricity to the entire platform.

What are the challenges involved in your daily work?Given that the sector I coordinate provides the utilities needed to conduct the production processes, we have to find quick solutions for such challenges so that the production processes are not affected. Luckily, we found here a team of wonderful people who impressed me with their professionalism and involvement that they’ve proven.

What hobbies do you have?Football is my favorite hobby which, unfortunately, I no longer practice as often as I would like. I also like riding my bike, because it relaxes and energizes me.

Choose three words that define you.Persevering, responsible and tolerant.

What would be your ideal living place and why?Anywhere, as long as I am with my family.

What things would you take with you if you were to stay on a deserted island and why?A very difficult question to which I’ll try to answer rationally:- A fishing rod to catch fish;- An axe to cut firewood;- A picture of my family, so I’ll always have them nearby.

There’s no day like another and that’s the great thing about Rendering

I found a team of wonderful people

What things would you take with you if you were to stay on a deserted island and why?A cell phone with internet connection (this being the smartphone era), i don’t think we can be alone anywhere.

Some thoughts for your colleagues on holidays…I wish my colleagues health and strength! There’s a saying: Nothing is impossible, everything has a price!

Some thoughts for your colleagues on holidays…May the beauty of winter holidays find you in your homes, with your loved ones and bring you confidence, strength and hope for the year to come!


Operational Compliance Director Smithfield Romania

Ovidiu Ţimbota

We comply unconditionally with the legal requirements, 100% of the time!

You may find out more about his leadership vision and the newly formed department’s objective, herein below:

He started his career path during his university studies at Banat University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, when he had his first scientific interaction, once with joining the team of agrochemists and soil experts from Timiş County.

His involvement in scientific research projects, while still a student (optimum yields in the soil-plant relationship, specific doses of fertilizer, various agro-technical works to increase agricultural production), was both the theoretical and practical basis of his professional development.

In 2005 he joined Smithfield Romania team and, shortly afterwards, took over the coordination of the Agricultural Department, then in its first stage of development. The reason he accepted this challenge was the opportunity to continue his researches in the fertilization of agricultural lands, this time an organic fertilization, a concept he believed in ever since the beginning.

What are the most beautiful moments of your activity in Smithfield Romania?My biggest accomplishment was the development of the department I coordinate. But my team gives me every day other reasons of satisfaction: what pleases me most is to see my colleagues involved, enthusiastic, with initiatives that lead to the good results of the entire department and, consequently, of the entire Company as a whole. We are 32 colleagues in this newly-formed department, with various experiences, but with the same vision: 100% compliance, 100% of the time!

What is a Compliance Department? What are its objectives?The role of the Compliance Department is to ensure compliance with the legal requirements, in all its operational structures and processes, in order to create a fully functional system.Strengthening of Company activities, in the fundamentals underlying the support-departments, is a measure of efficiency and strategic vision in the medium term. Our main goal is to continue the development of the Company, complying unconditionally with the legal requirements in the field, 100% of the time!

What do you like most about the work you are doing?I am most pleased that the activity is very dynamic and varied, and the team effort of all colleagues converge towards a common goal: to maintain our leading position in complying with the legal requirements as well.

What can you tell us about the team you are leading?I was lucky to take over a very well trained team, a young, solid, hard-working and trust-worthy team. My colleagues supported me from the very first day in this position. I really appreciate that I can work with professionals with solid training in various fields of activity and an extensive experience I have very much to learn from.

How does 2018 look for the team?2018 comes with a very busy schedule, with lots of challenges, but we are confident that what we propose to do will reflect in our work.

What can you tell us about your new position, what does it entail and what goals do you have?For Smithfield Romania, 100% compliance with the legal requirements in force was always a priority. For this reason, the Company’s decision to unify the Agricultural, Environmental, OHS, and ISO Departments under the coordination of an Operational Compliance Director came as a natural step in the efficient organization of activities. It is a privilege to coordinate this group!Maintaining the level of compliance is my main mission in this new role and the development of leaders for each of the operational activities and the strengthening of departments under my coordination are an important goal.

What are your passions/hobbies?Five years ago I began developing my old passion: winemaking. Thus, I set up a small vineyard in my grandparents’ garden, in a hilly Banat area. Two years ago, I tasted the finished product – a ruby, dry, tannic and intensely fruit-forest-flavored Merlot.

Some holidays thoughts for Smithfield Romania team…I wish to convey my thanks and appreciation for all the support you have provided me with once with my promotion as Operational Compliance Director.I send you my best wishes with the upcoming of the religious holidays and I wish you Happy Holidays, close to your loved ones!

Employees


A graduate of Faculty of Environmental Physics at the West University of Timisoara and of University of Barcelona, over time she followed various specialized courses and trainings as Assessment Auditor of compliance with ISO 14001 requirements, as well as various environmental management courses. In 2008 she joined Smithfield Prod team as Environmental Protection Manager, making her unmistakable mark on the responsible way our Company currently manages all environmental aspects. With a track record of over 15 years of activity in compliance with the legislation and in implementing the EHS integrated management systems (Environmental Protection, OHS and FPE), Mihaela Rad was appointed this year as Compliance Manager Smithfield Prod. As assured of so far, the challenge continues at Smithfield… For Mihaela, 2017 brought a new set of challenges which we’re looking forward to learn more about …

Compliance Manager, Smithfield Prod

Smithfield Prod

Mihaela Rad

and the EHS Team

What are the most beautiful moments of your activity in Smithfield Prod?One of the best moments is the successful implementation and certification of ISO 14001 Environmental Management System in 2009, just one year after starting working for the Company. This was a unique experience for the entire team! The most notable benefits for the Company are 100% compliance with the environmental legislation, along with reducing the operating costs of the Company.The recognition received from the parent company, Smithfield Foods, for our environmental protection programs, which focused on continuous improvement of all environmental and sustainable development related aspects, was one of the factors that made us continue in the same line, knowing that our work is an example worth to be recognized and appreciated at group level.

What is a Compliance Department? What are its objectives?Our Company is an industry leader,

We are a team of specialists!

not only by the volumes produced, but also by the quality of our products and the responsible way we carry out our daily tasks. The Compliance Department aims to align all our activities with industry-specific requirements and includes more teams that are now working as a whole, with a precise purpose and a set of common goals.Our main goal is a more efficient operation in compliance with the particularly complex legislative requirements. Specifically, this requires a rigorous analysis to identify synergies in all the three areas, in order to be as effective as possible. Another goal we aim at is to offer real support for efficiency in the Company’s operational activity, as a whole.

What do you like most about the work you are doing?Most of all I like to think, structure and develop a management system which entails organizing and ordering activities, by reducing waste of any kind and, of course, forming effective teams that contribute to the success of this

approach.

What can you tell us about the team you are leading?We are a team of specialists with different theoretical training and professional background who manages environmental protection, fire prevention and extinguishing, emergency situations and occupational health and safety. But we have a history of working together in implementing the management systems of numerous internal and external auditing sessions, as well as work visits of authorities.

For almost nine months since we’ve been working in this formula, I can say with confidence that we have the best team of specialists, with a lot of experience in their areas of competence within the Company. We try to be a real support for both team members and other colleagues, by providing solutions and support across all operational processes.

How does 2008 look for the team?In 2008, we’re looking forward to the new OHS challenge, the new SPAS Program – Smithfield’s Accident Prevention Program – which will help us improve performance in health and safety, by consistently implementing the management system at all levels of the Company.

This program’s development is based on the efforts and steps already taken with the EIPMS Program. Also next year, we’ll implement the new version of ISO14001, in an integrated way with the occupational safety management system.

What hobbies do you have?It’s very simple: homemade sweets with a lot of chocolate!

Employees


“Employees of 2017”

Among the employees who were awarded this year, we mention and congratulate the followings:• Oprea Gabriel / IT• Barbut Liliana / Quality • Hepeș Anca / HR • Gyurkovits Octavian / Technical

• Marinica Alexandru / Carcass Delivery • Peter Magiar / Production Deboning • Cezar Ludosean / SELLER of the year• Dan Vulcănescu / Feed Production • Alin Moraru / Transport • Bianca Neagu / Financial • Emilia Petric / Production • Calin Murgea / Agriculture

The selection criteria were as follows:• Getting high professional performances;• The ability to solve problems, pro-active attitude and unconditional acceptance of additional tasks;• Initiative, teamwork, integrity and respect for Smithfield’s values.

Training Program for the New Employees

Under the aegis ”One Company”, starting with the end of 2017, the new employees will benefit from new materials for the ”on boarding” sessions.As before, on their first day of work at Smithfield, the new employees will participate in an information session about the specifics of the Company and its rules.

However, from now on, the support materials are prepared in a more dynamic and interactive format, as animated films.Three modules are to be conducted in this stage of the project:1. “Company Presentation” Module (comprising: values, Company structure on departments, mission, details of the 2 divisions etc.);2. “Human Resources” Module (comprising: information on the working hours, rest time/work time, recommended way of communication and reporting etc.);3. “Occupational Health and Safety” Module (comprising: details about the importance of safety at work, basic concepts about protection equipment, first-aid etc.).All these short film presentations will help the new colleagues understand better the principles and values of the Company and, finally, integrate and know more about the team they are part of.

Simona Surugiu, Mihaela Rad, Liliana Mineață, Mihaela Adam, Martin Valer, Sorina Romanescu, Raluca Dicu, Neboisa Giurici, Bogdan Ban, Mircea Costea, Ana-Maria Lucian, Răzvan Gheață, Anca Hepeș, Ovidiu Țimbota, Cristina Bodea.

NEW

Employees


Top and Middle

Management Teams

Continue with the

Specialized Training

Programs

Staff Administration IT Program – TRUE HR Automation of staff database specific management processes enables us to spend more time analyzing and solving specific situations raised by our employees!

During July – September 2017, our colleagues in the HR Department worked at implementing the “True HR” Staff Administration IT Program at Farms Division, as an important part of integrating the human resources processes in terms of Compensations and Benefits at Smithfield Romania level. As of September, the implementation of the staff administration process ended. Thus, Smithfield Romania currently conducts all operations in the new database, thereby improving the daily specific activities through:

Metropola, Team BuildingFinancial Department

Our colleagues from the Financial, Invoicing and IT Departments of Smithfield Romania participated in a team building program aimed at strengthening the team spirit, motivating the team through challenges that might have seemed impossible, given the circumstances, and raising awareness on the importance of individual contribution to the end result. Participants used their creativity to achieve the “Smithfield Romania Metropolis”, and the result exceeded all expectations.

Change Management

Smithfield Prod Management Team participated in the Change

Management Workshop held during September. The workshop had as main goal to assist the management team in the process of changing the business strategy and determine the solutions that lead to a successful business. Participants had to analyze situations requiring a change and shared their experiences in order to understand the reactions during a change process, which they can subsequently apply to a specific model of our business.

Logistic Processes Optimization Workshop

The Logistic Processes Optimization

Workshop was held in June, this year, bringing together in interactive and challenging activities for logistic flow optimization, our colleagues from the Logistic & Purchasing and Storage and Sales Departments.

The main goal of this workshop was to align the team in terms of customers’ needs (internal and external) and performance. The program was developed in a specific version adapted to the specificity of our business and correlated with Smithfield Prod’s development plan.

The joint development program of top and middle management teams of Smithfield Romania, started in 2015, under the aegis ”One Company”, continued this year in the form of open training programs.

The workshops organized this fall were:• Coach Leader (October 19-20, 2017) > Objective: Training for a leadership style oriented towards people, their needs and motivations;• Emotionally Intelligent Leader (October 25-26, 2017) > Objective: Developing skills for conflict management;• Public Speaking (October 12-13, 2017) > Objective: Preparing and supporting a speech by purpose and circumstances.

• reducing the time allocated to administrative activities;• automated record of periodic check-ups frequency;• automated record of disciplinary decisions;• automation of documents used (employment contracts, addenda, decisions of termination, certificates etc.);• ensuring, without exception, the compliance with the legal requirements (compliance with contracts extending deadlines, reports etc.).

The coordinator of this project was our colleague Liliana Mineaţă who, by her experience of over 10 years in our Company and her high degree of technical expertise, ensured us that the system implemented operates at optimal parameters. We relied on the support of Ana Maria Lucian – Administration Specialist, with an experience of almost three years in True HR database management at Smithfield Prod. Ana started the training on a demo database, upon signing the agreement with the software supplier. For this to be possible, the support and involvement of our colleagues in the HR Departments of both divisions was necessary: Sorina Romanescu and Claudia Deac – Smithfield Prod and Cristina Prodan and Eugenia Burlacu – Farms Division, so as to timely solve all demands arising in this period.

Employees


On Meat Day, We Celebrate!

On the day dedicated to meat industry, Smithfield Prod organized a party for our colleagues in the Production Department. This event was aimed at rewarding the most deserving employees, who stood over the year by proactivity, responsibility and team spirit, as well as our veterans, colleagues with over ten years of activity in the Company. Tasting of Comtim products and good will were present at this event which, this year, to the delight of all present, was held outdoors. It was a beautiful day and party, and the pictures speak for themselves!

Internship of Food Technology Students in Its Third Edition

This internship is addressed to students in their final years of the Faculty of Food Technology, within the “King Mihai I of Romania” University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Timișoara. The internship is structured in two modules, attended by 15 3rd and 4th year students, assigned to the Quality and Production Department (Deboning and Semi-Processed Meat).

The aim of this program is to help train the best specialists in the food industry, but also to create a recruitment platform for the internship program, offering real employment opportunities in our Company. To date, 29 students participated in the ”Your Internship” Program, and some of them became our colleagues.

Ongoing Training of Veterinary Specialists!Advanced Techniques in Performing Necropsies

In early November, Smithfield Romania’s team of veterinaries participated in a training course where our colleagues had the opportunity to learn, in theory and practice, advanced techniques in performing necropsies.

The training was organized by Mr. Adrian Micota and was held at Parța Farm, for techniques specific to finishers and at Birda Farm, for techniques specific to reproduction pigs.

The Novelty of the ”Management Trainee”

Program

The Training Module – Management Trainee continued in 2017 as well. In addition to daily activities, the participants to the program Management Trainee Smithfield Prod proposed and presented complex projects aimed at improving the production processes.

One of the program’s activities involved a visit to Alba Iulia, at one of our spices suppliers. During this

Out of Respect for Smithfield Romania CustomersCustomer Care Support

To be closer to customers and their needs, Smithfield Romania has taken steps to create a new support department: Customer Care. In this department, our colleague, Alexandru Pîrvulescu, has the main responsibility to offer support to customers, by providing information and concrete solutions to quality issues.

The department will have a close collaboration with the Production, Quality, and Delivery Departments, to provide our customers with integrated support in all aspects. All these will help increase customers’ satisfaction.

visit, we discussed the principles of Kaizen (continuous improvement), the method of their implementation within the host-organization and the benefits that this program presents. The visit to the factory and the discussions held opened new horizons to the participants and helped them elaborate complex projects, which are going to or have already been implemented. This program will continue next year as well, for a new generation of very well trained colleagues.

Employees


Improvement of Production Indices Performance

„Ever since the beginning of this certification program, I participated with my colleagues in Production and other departments of the Company in preparing and presenting the training materials. I believe that this program is a good opportunity to have a better professionally trained staff and more motivated from a financial perspective, receiving a raise after passing each level of certification"

Dual School in Its Third Edition

Smithfield Prod continues the collaboration with “King Ferdinand” Energetic High School from Timișoara, in a Dual School system

for training future electricians and electromechanics, an alternative to the traditional recruitment process for positions of specialists in the technical field. In this project, Smithfield Prod, as economic partner of “King Ferdinand” High School, supports 9 students (3 in the 9th grade, 3 in the 10th grade,

and 3 in the 11th grade) who carry out their practical classes in the Technical Department, under the coordination of our colleague Marius Sandu. The purpose of this collaboration is for the students trained under the program to become our future colleagues upon graduation.

ONBOARDING COURSE, Held on the

Training-Line of the Deboning Section

Training of new employees and of operators 1 in the Deboning Section was also held in the 2nd trimester of 2017. Over 160 employees were trained, in theory and in practice, on the Training-Line of the Deboning Section. Training was done on both shifts and mainly aimed at integrating the new employees and teaching them how to work in the Deboning Section.

The professional development program addressed to colleagues in Hog Production and Feed Production Departments saw a large participation this year as well! The great results obtained made us proud of our colleagues’ reliability, which will form the basis for improving performance at work!

Ludmila Racz Production Manager Farms Division

Employees


Smithfield Romania’s Development in

the Medium-term – Efficient Strategies –

Working Session of the Management Team

"The workshop from Gyula was a welcome and very successful combination between useful (and I’m referring to the topics discussed in the two days of work) and pleasant (team work, team-building, and location). Gyula came as a continuation of the last year’s meeting from Bazoș, the topics of interest were those in which we discussed the growth and development plan of the Company in the following years, our market potential, various analyses, solutions and proposals adapted to our specificity. I was glad that these sessions continued and will be reflected in practice in the Company’s strategy. I would like to share with you a text/quote that I feel was the essence of our meeting, namely: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”Alina UnculPurchasing Manager Farms Division

“Comtim at Picnic''

Competition at Its

4th Edition

In the 2017 edition of “Comtim at Picnic'' Competition, the lucky winners of the photo competition of fresh Comtim products were: Marius Popescu, Purchasing Department Smithfield Romania and Claudiu Mihăieș, Production Department Smithfield Prod. Don’t forget! “Comtim at Picnic” Competition continues every year, and we take this opportunity to encourage you to send us as many photos as possible and increase your chances to become future winners!

Comtim

Spareribs – The

“Star” of 2017

Regardless of the season we are in, the word “spareribs” was the one that managed to bring out the gourmand of each of us. Whether we gather around a grill with our friends, in the mountains or by the seaside, or around a dinner table with our family, our tastes are always spoiled according to our expectations!

Smithfield Romania’s Management Team remains constantly preoccupied with ensuring effective growth and development strategies of the Company, based on improved production processes.This autumn, the members of the Management Team participated in a two-day working session, organized in Gyula, a good opportunity to achieve and debate on various issues of real interest to our Company’s development.The working sessions held were productive, interactive and organized on working teams, whose

Employees

main concern was the ongoing and constructive dialogue!Such dialogue generated ideas and proposals for improving the processes currently managed, according to each theme assigned to the teams.

The topic selected was varied, but adapted to the Company’s specificity:• Growth and development• Personal development• Development and management• Monitoring the quality of projects in the field

The workshop will have continuity in the coming months by implementing the identified practical solutions. Thus, the presentation held during the meeting will take a lucrative shape: standards and procedures, project management and starting point of the project as part of the Company’s strategy.


Did You Know?

Nutritional Benefits of Pork Pork is one of the most popular food, eaten for the pleasure of its taste!Fresh pork is low in sodium chloride and has a high protein content. It is also a good source of vitamins needed for a healthy body: iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, as well as a series of B-group vitamins, such as vitamins B6 and B12.

COMTIM Pages

ProteinsPork is a great source of proteins. A meat portion of 100g provides about half of the daily requirement for an adult.

Fats Fat content of pork depends on the anatomical part it comes from (belly, chops etc.). The “leanest meat” has a content of 6g of fat per 100g of meat. Pork contains more unsaturated fats than saturated fats.

Iron Pork is a good source of iron for the body and is recommended to be introduced in the diet, but in moderation in cases of iron deficiency anemia (by iron deficiency). A 100g pork portion provides 15% of the daily iron requirement.

ZincConsumption of 100g of pork provides 30% of the daily zinc requirements. Consumed in moderation, pork is a good source of energy!

COMTIM at Height!

The COMTIM name is present and promoted fondly by our colleagues on the highest peaks, even on top of the highest mountain in Romania, located at an altitude of 2544 m, Moldoveanu Peak, Argeș County. Our bold colleague, Marius Obretin, from the Sales Department, fond of trekking and of our Comtim products, decided to wear the insignia Smithfield Romania and COMTIM in his adventurous expeditions, such as: Vistea Mare Peak (2527 m), Omu Peak (2514 m), and many others.

“In June 2018, I’m going to climb on the highest peak in Austria – Grossglockner Peak, at 3798m” said Marius.

On the National

Day of Romania,

Comtim Is Close to

Romanians!

On the eve of December 1st celebration, the National Day of Romania, our Company prepared a series of actions to promote the 100% Romanian fresh pork Comtim products!

Thus, in partnership with our retail customers, but also with local communities, we were present in the midst of the people, whom we delighted with tastings of freshly roasted products, prepared to the delight of those present!


COMTIM Pages

Tasting of COMTIM Products at Our

Presentation Store

In the middle of this summer, the Sales Department team, with support from the PR Department, prepared a real surprise for the lovers of Comtim meat products. At Comtim presentation store, located in Timișoara on Polonă Street, customers had a surprise: tasting of Comtim fresh and tasty products, cooked on the grill! The tasting gave the opportunity to test a selection of new products, marketed under Bun de Gătit range.Endowed with good humor, or colleagues have taken very seriously the role of promoters and chefs, and have successfully presented a series of preparations such as traditional mici, marinated spareribs and skewers, which made the delight of those present in the area.

Comtim Pork Ham

For a delicious pork ham, you need the followings:(6 porțions)• • Comtim pork leg (deboned, degreased – 3 Kg) • 4 tablespoons of honey (100 g)• 120g of Dijon mustard• 10-12 garlic cloves (20 g)• Dry rosemary (2 teaspoons)• Bay laurel (4 leaves)• Balsamic vinegar (4 tablespoons)• 300ml of meat broth (homemade or cube)• Olive oil (4 tablespoons)• Salt, ground pepper

Cooking: Wash the pork leg, wipe it of water (blotting with paper towels). Mix in a bowl the honey with the Dijon mustard, the garlic passed through a press, the rosemary and the olive oil. Spread a little salt (not a lot if you use a concentrated cube of meat broth) and ground pepper. Add balsamic vinegar and blend well.Place the pork ham in a large bowl or even in the tray you are going to use in the oven, if it fits in the fridge. Pour the marinade over the meat and “rub” it slightly, so that the entire ham is covered evenly with marinade. Cover and leave for a few hours (ideally from day to day) for the flavors to enter the meat.Preheat the oven at 180°C and take the meat out of the fridge to reach room temperature. Pour the soup in the tray, beside the meat, and put the bay laurel leaves. Cover the tray with foil and put it in the oven. Leave for 1 hour and a half, making sure that you turn the ham halfway. Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature at 210°C and leave for about 20-25 minutes for the steak to catch a little color.

When finished, the steak must be tender and ruddy! Serve with vegetable garnish!

Poftã

Bunã!


COMTIM Pages

Starting This Month, Fresh Pork Products

Will Also Bear the Comtim Mark

Smithfield Romania Sales Team started a new customization project of the fresh pork products, in order to differentiate Comtim quality on the profile market!

Thus, the main pieces of fresh pork (carcass, ham, and other large pieces) will receive a brand new type of customization, under the Comtim brand – either custom film packaging, or customization through pyrography.

Comtim Pork Chops Stuffed

with Plums, from “Bun de Gătit” Range

For a delicious pork chops stuffed with plums, you need the following ingredients:• 1 package of COMTIM “Bun de Gătit” pork chops stuffed with plums• 3 tablespoons of olive oil• 1 glass of dry white wine• 1kg of potatoes• 3 tablespoons of oil (olive or sun-flower)

Mixed spices for the potatoes garnish:• 1 tablespoon of salt (preferably coarse)• ½ teaspoon of ground pepper• 1 teaspoon of dry rosemary• 1 teaspoon of dry thyme• 1 teaspoon of dry oregano• 2 tablespoons fine grated Permesan cheese• 4 crushed garlic cloves

For the garnish:Cut the potatoes lengthwise: first in half and then in quarters.In a small ball, mix the spices: salt with pepper, thyme, rosemary and oregano. Add the fine grated Parmesan cheese and mix everything. Spread this aromatic mix over the oiled potatoes and put the tray inside the 200°C heated oven and leave for 40- 45 minutes. Remove the marinated and stuffed chops from the package. Put the chops in a baking dish and pour one glass of dry white wine. Heat the oven at 200°C and cook the chops for 15 minutes covered with foil, and then for about 15-20 minutes without foil (for browning). When the steak is ready, cover and leave to rest for about 10 – 15 minutes, after which cut it into thin slices.

A Simple, Fast and Tasty Recipe!VERY TASTY Sausages! To have success in preparing these sausages, you need the following “secret” ingredients:1. 10kg of minced pork meat (COMTIM is a MUST :) ) of 80-20 (far percentage) 2. 200gr of salt3. 150gr of garlic4. 20gr of pepper5. 50gr of cayenne pepper

Mix all ingredients and use a meat spritzer to shape the homemade sausages.You must use this dosage of this recipe’s ingredients for the end product to be delicious and appreciated by everyone who will taste your sausage.Author: Codruț Dan – a true gourmand!

Bogdan


Mozaic

the fate of unmarried girls. Carolers are led by a bailiff who enters the household first and is in charge of poking up the fire; he receives from the host a pumpkin shell with linen, hemp, corn, wheat and pumpkin seeds, which the bailiff throws in all corners of the household for a rich and fruitful new year.

In Dobrogea, the version of the "Goat" is the "Ostrich". The traditional Christmas outfit is made in this area from a thick woolen fabric, with bunches of reed, found in abundance on the lake shores from Dobrogea.

Sources: http://www.mediafax.ro/life-inedit/craciunul-in-romania-traditii-superstitii-si-obiceiuri-transmise-din-generatie-in-generatie-16037716 https://www.ghiduri-turistice.info/ghid-turistic-traditii-si-obiceiuri-romanesti-de-iarna

Customs and

Traditions in

Romania

Christmas is a magic that carries a lot of habits from generation to generation, such as carols, religious sketches, sacredly kept especially in the rural environment.

In Banat, on Christmas Eve, the fire in the house is not damped down, for the coming year to be bright and diligent. The evening expects the pițărăii (carolers) who come to carol from midnight until morning.Also the same evening, the young gather together in groups of boys and girls: the boys wear women masks, while the girls wear men masks, and walk around the village.

In Maramureş, Christmas traditions are a mix of pagan believes with Christian believes; unlike other areas, here we have "jocul moşilor" / “ancestors’ game”– caroling of hosts by carolers disguised with masks; they carol to wish health and happiness to the hosts. On Christmas Day, clothes are not washed for the luck not to leave the house; yard animals get plenty of food for a rich year; it is said that, if animals sleep on the left side, winter will be long and frosty.

In Moldova, Christmas is an important holiday; all the activities taking place on the Eve are actually

a ritual for protection of animals, orchards and households; women clean the entire house and bake delicious sweet leavened bread, while men make sure to return everything they borrowed during the year. Also on the same day, women bake an 8-shaped sweet bread, which in the spring is about to be smoked and hanged between the horns of an ox that is plowing the earth for prosperity.

In Bucovina, it is believed that all carols are for evil spirits to go away, and the village be clean on Christmas night; it is also said that it’s a pity if a household has its doors closed on Christmas Eve and cannot receive carolers. On Christmas Day, the carolers are newlyweds, grown up people or even elderly; they carol only at relatives and friends.

In Oltenia, many Christmas traditions are closely linked to rituals of purification and finding out


Mozaic

Hobby –

Flavius Bălean,

Vet Services

The attraction for the Japanese art of dwarf-tree growth started when I was a teenager and read on the subject, found accidentally in a magazine. I was always attracted by this aspect that deals with biology and physics, in general. Therefore, I find it interesting to reduce the size of a majestic tree to maximum 0.5 m, through various techniques!

However, I first attempted to grow small trees collected from the forest, only two years ago, when I deepened this passion by reading specialized bibliographies. At this point, I am proud to have over 200 pots which make me rush home every day after work, because they are the perfect set to help relax after a busy day. I am glad to take care of them and that they need my entire attention – seeing them grow gives me a nice feeling of satisfaction.

The technique is theoretically simple; practically, we have to give up on the pivoting root that every plant has and develop radial roots, in a flat pot, fit for small trees. Growing a bonsai starts from the bottom to the top, from a healthy

The 200 bonsais, grown and cared by me, are my oasis of tranquility

root to a harmonious stem up to the crown of leaves, which also gradually decreases in size by successively cutting the crown. For example, leaves also decrease in size: I grow oaks, elms, beeches, hornbeams, fichus, citrus trees, olive trees or various plants, such as azaleas. My daughter helps me in these stages: for instance, I taught her the technique of defoliation, which she is pretty good at.

Since I’m in charge of this oasis of peace, I look up differently at every tree and plant that I found in parks and I even prefer to go out more into nature than I used to do before, just for inspiration. I even care for my vegetable garden with a lot of passion: the tomato harvest this summer was surprising!

Spiru Ilinca-Margareta and Spiru Șerban-Alexandru Fekete Alessia

Vasilenciuc Matei Adrian Mihăeș Sofia Maia

The Youngest of Us

Meet the youngest

members of our “family”,

the children of Smithfield

Romania employees!

mozaic smithfield românia · we look back with gratitude and forward with confidence! the efforts...

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