Bacardi hits most CSR targets bar philanthropy

Bermuda-based Bacardi Limited has released details of its 2016 corporate social responsibility (CSR) progress, hitting most targets in four of its five key focus areas, but falling short in Philanthropy and Community Investment.

Bacardi has released its 2016 CSR report

The drinks group, which owns Grey Goose vodka and Bombay Sapphire gin in addition to is eponymous leading rum brand, issues its CSR report each year, measuring its progress against self-set targets in Marketplace, Environment, Responsible Sourcing, People, and Philanthropy and Community Investment.

Under its Marketplace objectives, the group reached more than 1.6 million underage drinkers through more than 100 initiatives with the aim of reducing harmful drinking.

Although the company missed its target to reduce water use efficiency by 3% in the Environmental pillar, instead reaching 1.8%, it believes it is on track to reach a long-term goal of 55% improvement versus 2006 by the end of this calendar year.

Solid waste to landfill from production sites was cut to 0.59%, in line with the objective of sending zero waste to landfill by 2020. Seven out of 29 facilities have already met the goal.

As part of its Responsible Sourcing drive, 40% of the company’s sugarcane derived product supplies are now certified sustainable, meeting its short-term target and ensuring the firm is on-track to meet its 100% goal by 2022.

The company said 32.8% of its executive and management positions are now held by women, versus a 33% target as part of its People commitments.

Despite progress, Bacardi missed two of its three targets under Philanthropy and Community Investment, including confirming four areas of philanthropy and implementing a database and tracking system.

Other Bacardi initiatives during the 2016 calendar year include banning straws and stirrers from all corporate events, and implementing a cocktail garnish waste-to-soap recycling initiative with vodka brand 42Below in Australia and New Zealand.

“Bacardi’s commitment to being corporately responsible extends into every aspect of our business,” said Rick Wilson, senior vice president of corporate responsibility at Bacardi.

“From the critical importance of quality ingredients and how we source our materials to the impact we leave on the world around us and the need to reduce alcohol-related harm, we actively strive to fulfil our broader responsibilities to society at large.

“By living our values every day, we also commit ourselves to contributing to a more sustainable future for all. By caring deeply and passionately about our business and the world around us, we excel in creating brands consumers can trust,” adds Wilson. “Our actions are making an impact as once again Bacardi was named among the most reputable companies in the world by Forbes. An honour we proudly accept.”