Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Policy

Introduction

At Chowdeck, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, respect and responsible business conduct across all aspects of our operations. As a trusted partner in delivering quality services to our customers, we expect all Vendors, Suppliers, Contractors, Service Providers, Business Partners, and other third parties (collectively, “Business Partners”), as well as all Chowdeck-operated locations and Dark Stores to adhere to uphold the ethical standards and principles set out in this Code.

This Code of Ethics outlines the standards of conduct expected in connection with business conducted with or on behalf of Company. It applies to Business Partners in their interactions with Company, its employees, customers, riders, other Business Partners, and other stakeholders, and applies to relevant activities carried out at or in connection with Company-operated locations, including Dark Stores.

This Code of Ethics is intended to complement, and not replace, any contractual obligations, policies, procedures, or applicable laws and regulations.

1. Integrity and Transparency

Chowdeck expects all Business Partners to conduct business with the highest degree of honesty, integrity and transparency. All dealings involving Chowdeck should be characterized by trust, truthfulness, and openness.

• Honesty in Representation: Business Partners must provide accurate and truthful information about their products, services, capabilities, qualifications, pricing, certifications, and other information provided to Chowdeck.
• Accurate Records: Business Partners must maintain accurate and complete business and operational records and must not falsify, conceal, or misrepresent information.
• Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest: Business Partners must disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest that may arise in connection with their business relationship with Chowdeck. A Conflict of Interest arises where a personal interest, third-party relationship, or financial activity or other circumstance interferes, or appears to interfere, with the ability to perform contractual or business responsibilities objectively and in the legitimate interest of Chowdeck.
• Gifts and Hospitality: Business Partners must not offer, provide, request, or accept gifts, payments, favours, entertainment, or other benefits intended to improperly influence business decisions.

2. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

• All Business Partners and relevant company operations must comply with all applicable local, state, national and international laws, regulations, and regulatory requirements relevant to their activities. This includes but is not limited to, laws and regulations relating to trade, labour and employment, health and safety, food safety and quality, consumer protection, data protection and privacy, environmental protection, taxation, trade and commercial practices and anti-bribery and anti-corruption. 
   
• Anti-corruption and Bribery: Business Partners and company personnel must not engage in bribery, corruption, fraud, facilitation payments or any other improper business practice intended to influence a decision or obtain an unfair advantage. Bribery and Corruption include offering, promising, giving, requesting or receiving anything of value (including but not limited to money, gifts, favours, services, or entertainment) to improperly influence the actions or decisions of a Chowdeck employee, Business Partner, government official or other person.

3. Quality, Safety and Performance

Business Partners and relevant company operations are expected to maintain appropriate standards of quality, safety, reliability and performance.

• Product and Service Quality: Goods and services must be safe, fit for their intended purpose, compliant with agreed specifications, and free from material defects.
• Food Safety: Where applicable, all food products, ingredients, storage, handling, preparation, packaging, and distribution must comply with applicable food safety requirements and Company standards.
• Timeliness and Reliability: Business Partners must fulfil agreed deliveries, services, and obligations within the applicable timeframes. Delays, incidents, quality issues, or other material disruptions should be communicated promptly.
• Operational Standards: Company-operated Dark Stores and other relevant facilities must maintain appropriate standards for cleanliness, safety, security, product handling, storage, inventory management, and operational integrity.
• Incident Reporting: Material safety, quality, security, compliance, or operational incidents must be reported promptly through the appropriate Company channels.

4. Fair Business Practices

Chowdeck is committed to conducting business fairly and expects the same from all Business Partners and relevant company operations.

• Respectful Treatment: All individuals must be treated with dignity, professionalism, and respect.
• Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment: Discrimination, bullying, harassment, intimidation, or other inappropriate conduct is not permitted. This includes discrimination based on characteristics protected by applicable law.
• Fair Competition: Business Partners must conduct business fairly and comply with applicable competition and antitrust laws.
• Fair and Transparent Pricing: Business Partners must provide accurate, transparent, and commercially fair pricing and must not engage in deceptive pricing practices or manipulation intended to obtain an improper advantage.
• Fraud Prevention: Fraud, theft, misappropriation, falsification of records, and other dishonest conduct are prohibited.

5. Confidentiality and Privacy

Business Partners and company personnel must protect confidential, proprietary, personal and commercially sensitive information accessed or obtained in connection with their activities.

• Confidential Information: Confidential information, including business plans, commercial information, operational information, customer information, intellectual property, and other proprietary information, must be protected from unauthorized access, disclosure, or use.
• Data Privacy: Personal data must be collected, accessed, used, stored, and processed only as permitted by applicable laws and Company requirements.
• Information Security: Appropriate technical and organisational measures must be implemented to protect Company information and systems from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.
• Use of Information: Confidential or personal information must not be used for purposes unrelated to the relevant business relationship or activity without appropriate authorization.

6. Environmental and Social Responsibility

Chowdeck expects Business Partners and relevant company operations to conduct their activities in a manner that considers their environmental and social impact.

• Environmental Responsibility: Appropriate efforts should be made to reduce environmental impact, including through responsible waste management, energy and water conservation, recycling, and efficient use of resources.
• Waste Management: Waste, including food and other operational waste, should be handled, stored, and disposed of responsibly and in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Responsible Sourcing: Where applicable, Business Partners are encouraged to consider environmental, social, and ethical factors in their sourcing and supply chain activities.
• Community Responsibility: Business activities should be conducted in a manner that respects and contributes positively to the communities in which Company and its Business Partners operate.

ESG-related complaints, concerns, questions or suggestions regarding Chowdeck’s operations may be reported through the following channels: 
Email: hello@chowdeck.com 
Website:Contact Form
Mobile App: Support Chat

7. Human Rights and Labour Practices

Chowdeck is committed to respecting fundamental human rights and expects Business Partners and relevant Company operations to uphold the dignity, safety, and rights of workers.

• Prohibition of Forced and Child Labour: No form of forced, bonded, trafficked, involuntary, or compulsory labour is permitted. Child labour is strictly prohibited. Business Partners must comply with all applicable minimum-age and child-labour laws.
• Wages and Working Hours: Business Partners must comply with applicable requirements relating to wages, benefits, working hours, rest periods, and other employment conditions.
• Freedom of Association: Business Partners should respect workers' legally protected rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
• Health and Safety: Appropriate measures must be taken to provide a safe, healthy, and hygienic working environment and to prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and health risks.
• Dignity and Respect: Workers must be treated fairly and with dignity and must not be subjected to physical, verbal, psychological, or sexual abuse or harassment.

8. Reporting Concerns and Violations

Chowdeck encourages the prompt reporting of any violation of this Code of Ethics, applicable laws, company policies, or ethical standards. 

Concerns may be reported through:

Email: hello@chowdeck.com; legal@chowdeck.com 
Mobile App: Support Chat, where applicable

Reports should be made in good faith and, where possible, include sufficient information to enable the concern to be investigated.

Chowdeck will review concerns raised in good faith and, where appropriate, investigate and take reasonable corrective action.

Non-Retaliation: Chowdeck does not tolerate retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith or participates in an investigation.

Business Partners are also expected, where appropriate, to maintain reasonable mechanisms for their employees and representatives to raise ethical, compliance, health and safety, or other concerns without fear of retaliation.

9. Accountability, Monitoring and Compliance

Business Partners are responsible for ensuring that their employees, representatives, subcontractors, and other relevant third parties acting on their behalf understand and comply with the standards applicable to their activities under this Code of Ethics.

Where appropriate and permitted by applicable law and contractual arrangements:

• Chowdeck may request information or documentation relating to compliance with this Code.
• Chowdeck may conduct or commission reasonable assessments, reviews, or audits of Business Partner compliance.
• Business Partners are expected to cooperate with reasonable compliance reviews and investigations.
• Business Partners must promptly address identified non-compliance and implement appropriate corrective actions.

Violations of this Code of Ethics may result in corrective action and, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, may result in suspension, termination of a business relationship, or other contractual or legal remedies.

For Company-operated Dark Stores and other Company operations, violations may result in appropriate internal corrective or disciplinary action.

10. Scope and Application

This Code applies to all Business Partners conducting business with, supplying goods or services to, representing, or otherwise acting on behalf of Chowdeck.

It also applies to relevant company employees, representatives, operations, facilities, and locations, including Dark Stores, to the extent applicable to their activities and responsibilities.

Where a Business Partner has its own policies or standards that meet or exceed the requirements of this Code of Ethics, those standards may apply alongside this Code of Ethics, provided that they do not conflict with applicable laws, contractual obligations, or Company requirements.

Nothing in this Code of Ethics limits or replaces any obligation imposed by applicable law, regulation, contract, or other company policy.

11. Conclusion

By conducting business with or on behalf of Chowdeck, Business Partners are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the principles set out in this Code of Ethics and to conduct their activities responsibly, ethically, and in compliance with applicable laws and requirements.

Chowdeck is committed to maintaining a culture of integrity, respect, accountability, safety, and responsible business conduct. We expect our Business Partners and company operations to uphold these principles consistently and to work collaboratively to maintain a positive, ethical, safe, and sustainable business environment.

12. Acknowledgement

By entering into or continuing a business relationship with Chowdeck, Business Partners acknowledge that they have received or been provided access to this Code of Ethics and are expected to comply with the principles and requirements applicable to their activities.

Company employees and representatives involved in relevant company operations, including Dark Stores, are likewise expected to understand and comply with the standards applicable to their roles and responsibilities.