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At Universal, we serve as the vital link between farmers and consumer product manufacturers around the world. Universal Corporation is more than a supplier—we’re a strategic partner committed to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Guided by our mission to deliver innovative agriproduct solutions and connect global communities to cultivate sustainable growth, we leverage more than a century of expertise to deliver customized, sustainable, and traceable agriproducts.

Universal Leaf Tobacco is the leading supplier of leaf tobacco and brings over 100 years of experience in sourcing, processing, and delivering tobacco crops tailored to our customers’ exact style, volume, and quality specifications. Our deep industry knowledge and global reach ensure consistency, traceability, and performance across every blend.

Universal Ingredients supplies a broad range of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for both human and pet consumption. Our customizable solutions – ranging from dehydrated vegetables, fruit juices and concentrates, to botanical extracts and flavorings – are designed to meet evolving consumer demand for innovation, nutrition, and sustainability.
With operations in over 30 countries across five continents, Universal Corporation maintains a robust network of growers and supply chain partners. We work with farmers to connect them to manufacturers by purchasing, transporting, and transforming crops into products for consumers around the globe, with a focus on responsible sourcing and traceability.
Supporting farmers is crucial to Universal Corporation because it ensures the sustainability and quality of our agriproducts. By providing hands-on training, promoting responsible practices, and leveraging innovative technology, Universal helps farmers improve their crop yields and quality. This not only strengthens the supply chain to ensure a stable supply of high-quality agriproducts for our customers but also fosters innovation and enhances the quality of life for farmers, employees, and communities worldwide.



There is no employment or recruitment of child labor. The minimum age for admission to work is not less than the age for the completion of compulsory schooling and, in any case, is not less than 15 years or the minimum age provided by the country’s laws, whichever affords greater protection.
Income earned during a pay period or growing season shall always be enough to meet workers’ basic needs and shall be of a sufficient level to enable the generation of discretionary income. Workers shall not work excessive or illegal working hours.
Farmers shall ensure fair treatment of workers. There shall be no harassment, discrimination, physical or mental punishment, or any other forms of abuse. Workers have access to a fair, transparent and anonymous grievance mechanism.
All farm labor must be voluntary. There shall be no forced labor. Workers do not work under bond, debt, or threat, and must receive wages directly from the employer. Workers are free to leave their employment at any time with reasonable notice. Workers are not required to make financial deposits with employers.
Farmers shall provide a safe work environment to prevent accidents and injury and to minimize health risks. Accommodation, where provided, shall be clean, safe, and meet workers’ basic needs, including access to clean water for sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and drinking near where they work and live.
Farmers shall recognize and respect workers’ rights to freedom of association and to bargain collectively. The farmer does not interfere with workers’ right to freedom of association.
Farmers shall comply with all laws of their country relating to employment. All workers are informed of their legal rights and the conditions of their employment when they start to work. Farmers and workers have entered into written employment contracts when required by a country’s laws and workers receive a copy of the contract.