I-Byte Retail & Consumer Goods March 2021

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I-Bytes
Retail & Consumer Goods
March Edition 2021
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Table of Contents
1. Financial, M & A Updates...................................................................................................................................1
2. Solution Updates.................................................................................................................................................13
3. Rewards and Recognition Updates...................................................................................................................33
4. Partnership Ecosystem Updates.......................................................................................................................46
5. Environment & Social Updates.........................................................................................................................65
6. Miscellaneous Updates.......................................................................................................................................84

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Financial, M & A Updates
Retail & Consumer Goods Industry

Financial, M&A Updates
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Core-Mark (USA) Announces 2020 Fourth Quarter and Full Year
Financial Results
• Net sales increased 2.3% to $4.25 billion for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.
Sales of both cigarettes and non-cigarette products in the fourth quarter of 2020 continued to be impacted by
changes in consumer buying habits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Cigarette sales increased 4.6% driven by manufacturers’ price increases and cigarette carton sales that
outperformed historical trends, increasing 0.3% for the fourth quarter. Non-cigarette sales decreased 1.8% for the
quarter, with the largest declines coming from the food, health, beauty & general (“HB&G”) and candy
categories.
• Sales of other tobacco products (“OTP”) continued their strong growth increasing 9.2% for the fourth
quarter. Non-cigarette sales decreased to 33.3% of total net sales for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to
34.7% of total net sales in the fourth quarter of 2019.
• Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2020 decreased 3.8%, or $8.7 million, to $221.8 million from $230.5
million for the same period in 2019, as a result of the year-over-year shortfalls in non-cigarette sales, an increase
in LIFO expense and lower inventory holding gains. Remaining gross profit, a non-GAAP financial measure,
decreased 1.6% to $221.6 million from $225.2 million.
• Gross profit margin for the fourth quarter was 5.22% of total net sales compared to 5.55% for the same
period in 2019. The decline in the gross profit margin was due primarily to the shift in sales mix towards
cigarettes, which provide lower margins, lower inventory holding gains and higher LIFO expense.
• Remaining gross profit margin, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 5.21% in the fourth quarter, compared
to 5.42% for the same period in 2019. The change in sales mix between cigarettes and non-cigarettes contributed
approximately 70% of the decline in remaining gross profit margin.
Executive Commentary
“2020 truly demonstrated the Company’s resilience as we delivered record levels of sales and earnings by
taking decisive actions to manage costs while continuing to execute on our strategic priorities. Our success
this year wouldn’t have been attainable without the incredible commitment from our Core-Mark family, our
customers and vendors,” said President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our fourth quarter and full year
outperformance demonstrates our momentum heading into 2021 as reflected by our guidance and outlook
on capital allocation.”
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Key Financial Highlights

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Essity (Sweden) enters agreement to acquire Australian hygiene company Asaleo
Care
Essity has now entered an agreement with hygiene company Asaleo Care to acquire the remaining 63.8% of the
shares in the company for AUD 1.40 cash per share. Asaleo Care is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange
and Essity is the largest shareholder, currently holding 36.2% of the shares. The consideration implies an equity
value on a 100% basis of approximately AUD 760m (approximately SEK 4.9bn) and an enterprise value of AUD
855m (approximately SEK 5.5bn). This represents an EV/EBITDA multiple of 9.6x based on Asaleo Care's
reported underlying EBITDA for 2020 of AUD 89m (approximately SEK 574m). Shareholders in Asaleo Care
will receive the AUD 0.03 dividend declared by Asaleo following the announcement of their Full Year 2020
results on February 17, 2021 and, subject to approval of the transaction by shareholders and the Court and at the
absolute discretion of the Asaleo Board it is intended that a further special dividend of AUD 0.02 is paid prior to
completion of the transaction. Asaleo Care manufactures and markets Personal Care and Professional Hygiene
products in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji and Consumer Tissue in New Zealand and Fiji. The company’s
portfolio of market-leading brands includes Libra, Handee Ultra, Purex, Sorbent, Deeko, Viti and Orchid, and the
global brands TENA and Tork through an exclusive license agreement with Essity. In 2020, Asaleo Care reported
sales of AUD 419m (approximately SEK 2.7bn) and underlying EBITDA of AUD 89m (approximately SEK
574m). Sales growth in 2020 amounted to 2.3%. Asaleo Care has approximately 700 employees and three
manufacturing facilities. The proposal is not subject to financing conditions. Essity will finance the acquisition of
shares through own funds. The agreement is supported by the Independent Directors of Asaleo Care and is
expected to be voted on at a meeting of the independent shareholders in Asaleo Care in the second quarter of
2021. Subject to the approval of the agreement at that meeting, subsequent Court and regulatory approvals, the
completion of the transaction is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2021.
“Following productive discussions with the Asaleo Board of Independent Directors, I am pleased to
announce this agreement. The acquisition of Asaleo Care will facilitate the opportunity for profitable growth
in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region and will further consolidate our position as a leading global
health and hygiene company”, says President and CEO, Essity.
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Givaudan (Switzerland) to acquire Myrissi
As part of its long term strategy to expand its capabilities in Artificial Intelligence
(AI), Givaudan announced that it is to acquire Myrissi. Founded in 2014 and based
in France, Myrissi has developed a patented AI technology capable of translating
fragrances into colour patterns and images, relevant to the consumer as well as
predicting the end consumer’s emotional response. The link between colours,
emotions, and fragrances was modelled on the basis of a database of more than
25,000 consumer tests. This unique consumer-centric approach allows Myrissi to
support the development of fragrances that fully echoes customers’ marketing briefs.
The emotional impact of a product is enhanced by avoiding the cognitive dissonances
that appear when sensory messages are not perfectly consistent. The uniqueness of
the product and the brand identity are therefore amplified and this helps consumers
to select a fragranced product in store or via e-commerce channels that has a higher
chance to be liked. The terms of the deal will not be disclosed and Givaudan intends
to fund the transaction from existing resources. The planned acquisition remains
subject to formal approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities and the
transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021.
President Givaudan Fragrance & Beauty said: “The acquisition of Myrissi is
aligned with our long term Fragrance & Beauty strategy; their expertise in AI will
support us in proposing to our customers new visual and verbal storytelling
approaches to consumers. This is particularly important in a time when
e-commerce is booming. Our mission will be to support our customers to evoke
the smell of their products in the most inspiring way, helping consumers to
choose the product that best fits their preferences.”
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Group 1 (USA) Automotive Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year
2020 Financial Results
• Fourth quarter 2020 net income per diluted share was $5.43, a 111.2 percent increase from $2.57 per
diluted share as reported for fourth quarter 2019. Fourth quarter 2020 adjusted net income per diluted share
(a non-GAAP measure) was $5.66, an 88.0 percent increase from $3.01 per diluted share as reported for
fourth quarter 2019.
• Full year 2020 net income per diluted share was $15.51, a 66.0 percent increase from $9.34 per diluted
share as reported for full year 2019. Full year 2020 adjusted net income per diluted share (a non-GAAP
measure) was $18.06, a 65.2 percent increase from $10.93 as reported for full year 2019.
• Net income and diluted earnings per share excluded net after-tax adjustments of $4.3 million, or $0.23
per share, for fourth quarter 2020; $8.2 million, or $0.44 per share, for fourth quarter 2019; $47.1 million,
or $2.55 per share, for full year 2020; and $29.6 million, or $1.59 per share, for full year 2019.
• The after-tax adjustments in all periods primarily related to non-cash asset impairments. Full year
2020 adjustments also included losses on debt extinguishment and an out-of-period adjustment to
accelerate stock-based compensation expense for retirement of eligible employees.
• As of December 31, 2020, the Company's total cash liquidity was $263.7 million. There was also
$284.2 million of borrowing capacity on the Company's U.S. syndicated acquisition line, bringing total
immediate liquidity to $547.9 million at the end of 2020. During 2020, the Company generated $805.4
million of operating cash flow ($503.7 million of adjusted operating cash flow), which was partially used
to reduce non-floorplan debt by $196.2 million. Additionally, the Company's U.S. credit facility
rent-adjusted leverage ratio was reduced to 2.3 times at the end of the year, down from 3.3 times at the end
of 2019.
"Our strong fourth quarter results were highlighted by a further recovery in our U.S. revenue to last
year's levels while maintaining outstanding cost discipline across the company. The effective
reengineering of our processes throughout this year culminated in massive productivity improvements
in our U.S. and U.K. businesses," said Group 1's President and Chief Executive Officer. "In the fourth
quarter, we realized more than a 25-percent improvement in our U.S. technician productivity and more
than a 33-percent increase in our salesperson productivity. In a similar fashion, major cost structure
improvements in the U.K. throughout 2020 enabled us to remain profitable there every month of the
quarter despite our showrooms being closed for 41 of 92 days due to COVID lockdowns. We expect
long-term benefits from these cost improvements as the market recovers in 2021."
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JBS (Brazil) to Support Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity with Hometown
Strong Funds
JBS USA announced a $3.5 million investment in Grand Island, Neb., to support the community’s
future through the company’s Hometown Strong program. JBS Grand Island has been working with
local leaders and organizations to determine how the funds can best help meet immediate and
longer-term community needs. the company announced it is contributing $200,000 to the Grand Island
Area Habitat for Humanity to help fund homebuilding for JBS team members. The donation will be
used to build two homes and leveraged as JBS team members are accepted into Habitat’s loan
program. This is the largest single donation to the organization’s housing program. The JBS USA
Grand Island beef production facility employs more than 3,600 people with an annual payroll of more
than $160 million. The facility supports more than 675 local producers, paying them more than $2.2
billion per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy,
JBS USA Grand Island has invested nearly $70 million in capital improvements over the last five
years and is currently in the midst of a $95 million state-of-the-art expansion project at the facility.
JBS USA anchors dozens of rural communities – operating more than 60 meat, poultry and prepared
foods plants and employing 62,000-plus people. Funds are being directed to every community JBS
USA calls home. Hometown Strong is a national $50 million initiative that adds to commitments JBS
USA has made this year to protect employees and ensure their job security amid the global pandemic.
Hometown Strong is one of the largest community investment programs of its kind in the country.
Visit hometownstrong.jbssa.com to learn more.
“We are proud to partner with a strong organization like the Grand Island Area Habitat for
Humanity to provide affordable housing in our community,” said JBS Grand Island plant
manager. “This investment ensures that some of our team members at JBS will benefit from this
great program, then their mortgage payments will be reused to build even more homes.”
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Kraft (USA) Heinz Announces Agreement to Sell Its Nuts Business to Hormel
Foods
The Kraft Heinz Company announced that it has entered into a definitive
agreement to sell its nuts business to Hormel Foods Corporation in a cash
transaction for $3.35 billion. The proposed transaction is expected to close
in the first half of 2021, subject to regulatory review and approval. The
transaction includes most products sold under the Planters brand, including
single variety and mixed nuts, trail mix, Nut-ritionproducts, Cheez Balls,
and Cheez Curls, as well as Corn Nuts branded products. The transaction
also includes global intellectual property rights to the Planters brand,
subject to existing third-party licenses in certain international jurisdictions,
and to the Corn Nuts brand. As part of the Kraft Heinz operating model,
consumer-driven platforms and platform roles help to focus its efforts
within each geographic segment. Kraft Heinz prioritizes growth areas and
takes strategic actions where appropriate.
“This is another momentous step in our rapid transformation of Kraft
Heinz,” said Kraft Heinz CEO. “It will enable us to sharpen our focus on
areas with greater growth prospects and competitive advantage for our
powerhouse brands. Within our Real Food Snacking platform, this
means more aggressively driving real fuel for kids through Lunchables
and real meal alternatives like P3.”
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Molson Coors (USA) Reports 2020 Fourth Quarter and Full Year
Results and Reinstates Guidance for 2021
• Fourth Quarter Net Sales Revenue decreased 7.7% reported and 8.3% in constant currency,
primarily driven by Europe and Canada declines resulting from restrictions in the on-premise
channel as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
• Fourth Quarter Net Sales Revenue in the U.S., the Company's largest market, increased
1.9%, on a brand volume basis, partially offsetting the Europe and Canada results.
• Fourth Quarter U.S. GAAP Net Loss of $1.4 billion ($6.32 per share) primarily driven by
$1.5 billion Europe goodwill impairment charge. Fourth Quarter Non-GAAP EPS of $0.40
decreased 60.8%.
• Fourth Quarter Underlying (Non-GAAP) EBITDA of $375 million decreased 33.6% in
constant currency.
• Full Year U.S. GAAP Net Loss of $949 million ($4.38 per share) primarily driven by $1.5
billion Europe goodwill impairment charge.
• Full Year Underlying (Non-GAAP) EBITDA of $2.1 billion decreased 10.0% in constant
currency.
• Full Year Operating Cash Flow of $1.7 billion, and Underlying (Non-GAAP) Free Cash
Flow of nearly $1.3 billion.
• Full Year reduction in net debt of $1.1 billion since December 31, 2019.
Molson Coors president and chief executive officer commented, "The revitalization plan we
announced in October 2019 positioned our company well to weather the storms of 2020. We
built on the strength of our iconic core and in the second half of 2020, we achieved a record
high portion of our U.S. portfolio in above premium products. We expanded beyond the beer
aisle and we set the stage to build our emerging growth division into a $1 billion revenue
business by 2023. We invested in our capabilities while supporting our people and our
communities."
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NIKE (USA), Inc. Acquires Data Integration Expert Datalogue
NIKE, Inc. has acquired Datalogue, a leading data integration
platform start-up based in New York. Datalogue is Nike’s latest
acquisition to enable its consumer-led digital transformation. Founded
in 2016, Datalogue has built cutting-edge and proprietary
machine-learning technology that automates data preparation and
integration. With this acquisition, Nike will be able to integrate data
from all sources — including the company's app ecosystem, supply
chain and enterprise data — in a fast, seamless, easily accessible and
standardized platform. Datalogue's team will be integrated into Nike’s
Global Technology organization.
"Our CDA strategy focuses on accelerating how we connect with
consumers to better serve them personally at scale," said President
and CEO, NIKE, Inc. "The acquisition of Datalogue builds on our
digital momentum by enhancing our ability to transform raw data
into actionable insights in real time and across the enterprise."
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Target (USA) Builds on Momentum, Announces 2021 Strategic Investments
Target Corporation announced its plan to invest approximately $4 billion annually
during the next several years to continue scaling capabilities across its retail platform.
Building on years of sales growth and a record 2020 financial performance, Target
will accelerate new store openings and store remodels, enhance fulfillment services
and strengthen its supply chain as it provides guests with a safe, easy and convenient
shopping experience. Millions of guests took advantage of Target’s same-day
services for the first-time last year, and these fast-growing fulfillment options will get
even easier and more convenient in 2021. After the enthusiastic response to last
year’s addition of fresh, refrigerated and frozen food items to Drive Up and Order
Pickup nationwide, Target will increase the total fresh and frozen food pickup
assortment. Additionally, following a successful initial trial in hundreds of stores,
adult beverage pickup will be offered in 800 more stores in the next few months.
Technology improvements will also offer Drive Up guests a more personalized
experience in the Target app. This includes informing team members where to place
the order in their vehicle or authorizing a different guest, such as a family member, to
pick up the order.
“2020 was a record-breaking year thanks to the work of our team and their
commitment to serving our guests amidst unprecedented demand. As we head
into 2021, we are building on the aspects of our differentiated model that make
Target the preferred one-stop-shop for millions of guests,” said chief financial
officer, Target. “The bold investments planned for the next few years will scale
key capabilities across stores, fulfillment, and supply chain to drive deeper
engagement with new and loyal guests, continued market share gains, and
long-term, profitable growth.”
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Toyota Tsusho (Japan) Strengthens Collaboration with TOYOTA Connected toward
Expansion of Connected Service Business in Middle East Region
Toyota Tsusho Corporation announced that it has invested in TOYOTA Connected Middle East FZCO a company which undertakes business in
connected services for mobility in the Middle East region--through receipt of allocated third party shares. Toyota Tsusho has acquired 51% of TCME's
shares with an additional investment of approximately 250 million JPY. At the same time, TCME has changed its name to Toyota Tsusho Connected
Middle East FZCO on February 1st. In the mobility domain, the market for services is expanding and needs are diversifying. As such, the importance
of establishing infrastructure and developing businesses necessary for connected services supporting such expansion and diversification is increasing
globally. At the same time, in the deployment of connected services for ride sharing and logistics service providers, it is necessary to develop systems
and design services that both reflect the circumstances and needs of each region and service provider while collaborating with local operators. In the
Middle East region, Toyota Tsusho has more than 10 years of achievements in developing projects for products and services reflecting local needs such
as remote air conditioning control and car infotainment systems capable of connected services. Its partner, TOYOTA Connected, jointly established
TCME with Toyota Tsusho in 2013. Since then, TOYOTA Connected has been providing connected services and carrying out customer management
and operation support in the Middle East region. This time, an additional investment was made in TCME to further grow the collaboration that utilizes
TOYOTA Connected’s system development and operation expertise and Toyota Tsusho’s local sales system and sales expertise.
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Tractor Supply (USA) Company Announces Agreement to Acquire Orscheln Farm
and Home, a Farm and Ranch Retailer with 167 Stores in the Midwest
Tractor Supply Company the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United
States, announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire
Orscheln Farm and Home in an all-cash transaction for approximately
$297 million, net of acquired estimated future tax benefits of $23
million. Orscheln Farm and Home operates 167 stores located in 11
states: Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas,
Texas, Kentucky, Illinois and Ohio. The acquisition is conditioned on the
receipt of regulatory approval and satisfactory completion of customary
closing conditions. Tractor Supply’s preliminary estimates indicate the
acquisition will be immediately accretive to earnings per share upon
closing. The earnings accretion is anticipated to grow over time as
planned synergies are achieved. Tractor Supply intends to fund the
acquisition through existing cash on hand.
“This is an exciting step for Tractor Supply as we expand our
footprint in the Midwest with the high-quality assets of Orscheln
Farm and Home. We have always had great respect for Barry
Orscheln and the team at Orscheln Farm and Home for the strong
connection they have with customers in the communities they serve,
along with their industry knowledge and capabilities. With our shared
values and passion for the Out Here lifestyle, we are honored to
welcome Orscheln Farm and Home to the Tractor Supply family. We
look forward to bringing together our highly complementary cultures
and teams to realize the long-term value and benefits that we expect
this acquisition to deliver,” said Tractor Supply’s President and Chief
Executive Officer.
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KKR and Rakuten Complete Seiyu Share Purchase from Walmart (USA)
KKR, Rakuten, Inc., and Walmart Inc. announced that KKR and Rakuten subsidiary, Rakuten DX Solution, have completed their previously announced
share purchases in Seiyu GK from Walmart. With the completion of the transactions, KKR owns a 65% stake in Seiyu, and Rakuten DX Solution owns a
20% stake in the Company. Walmart retains a 15% stake in Seiyu. KKR is making its investment from its Asia private equity fund. The new ownership
structure enables Seiyu to take advantage of KKR, Rakuten and Walmart’s combined retail expertise and innovation, in addition to accelerating Seiyu’s
digital transformation to become Japan’s leading omnichannel retailer. KKR, Rakuten and Walmart are committed to supporting Seiyu’s growth and
long-term strategy in Japan and look to build on Seiyu’s success as a local-value retailer of choice. In 2020, Seiyu achieved its highest sales and profitability
levels of the last decade, with net sales growing by 5.6% to JPY785 billion1. This generated an EBITDA2 margin of nearly 5%. Over the past two
consecutive fiscal years, Seiyu gained market share and improved profitability. Cumulatively over this period, Seiyu comparative-store sales grew 180 basis
points faster than the market3 and EBITDA increased by nearly 40%. In addition, Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper, jointly operated by Seiyu and Rakuten, recorded
a nearly 40% year-on-year increase in gross merchandise sales in the fourth quarter of 2020. With the significant increase in demand for online supermarkets
in recent years, a dedicated fulfillment center began operations in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture in January 2021, and a new fulfillment center is
scheduled to open in Ibaraki, Osaka Prefecture, within the year to meet this growing demand.
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Solutions Updates

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Bed Bath & Beyond (USA) Selects Oracle To Modernize Enterprise
Resource Planning And Accelerate Technology Transformation
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Solution Description
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. announced it has selected Oracle as its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) technology
provider. Oracle Cloud will provide real-time financial, supply chain and merchandising solutions, replacing the
Company's legacy suite of technology systems and delivering new data, insights and planning capabilities. The ERP
deployment is the first key component in the Company's $250 million technology investment roadmap to deploy
industry-leading solutions that enhance the experience for customers and drive efficiencies across the enterprise. These
technology investments will enable the use of analytics and automation to support improvements in merchandising and
inventory management, product life cycle management, retail space planning and optimization, the launch of an array
of exciting Owned Brands, and real-time tracking of merchandise fulfilment within the supply chain. Oracle Cloud
ERP will also provide real-time financial and operational insight to support strategic planning decisions.

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Beiersdorf (Germany) Personalizes Face Care with Launch of New Brand
O.W.N
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Everyone’s skin is unique – and so are its needs. Consequently, the more a product caters to one’s individual skin, the better it can fulfill these specific needs.
With its innovative O.W.N face care brand, Beiersdorf is now explicitly responding to consumers’ growing desire for personalized skin care. The new brand
is being launched in key European markets with a simple routine: facial cleansing plus day care as well as evening facial cleansing plus night care. O.W.N
uses artificial intelligence and is built around a proprietary algorithm that brings together Beiersdorf’s profound 140 years’ skin care expertise and consumer
knowledge. Thus, it is able to select the single best unique product offering out of 380,000 formula combinations. Fully in line with the strategic focus of
advancing digital transformation within the C.A.R.E.+ strategy, the products are sold as part of a purely digital business model via the website
www.ownskincare.eu. Here, consumers are given the opportunity to use a scientifically evaluated questionnaire to determine which care formula is best
suited to their skin. With the market entry of O.W.N, Beiersdorf is generating further valuable experience with custom-made face care. Each product is
specially made for the brand’s individual consumers. The jars and bottles are filled with ingredients that are specially formulated for individual skin care
needs. With the O.W.N product range, consumers are provided with everything they need for their personal facial skin care. This is also reflected in the brand
name: O.W.N stands for “Only What’s Needed”. In the course of the online shopping process, not only the formulas but also the packaging is personalized
so that the consumers’ first names form a unit with the brand name – for example “MARY’S O.W.N”. Their individual personality thus once again becomes
the focus of the very shopping experience.

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Bunge (USA): Covantis Launches Transformational Blockchain Platform
for Global Commodities Trade
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A group of leading global agribusinesses came together with a goal of employing cutting-edge digital technology to modernise global agricultural
shipping transactions for the benefit of the entire industry. the Covantis initiative is proud to announce the launch of its revolutionary platform.
Incorporated as an independent legal entity in Geneva, Switzerland, in March 2020, Covantis partnered with market-leading technology providers
like ConsenSys, its leading technical supplier, as well as Microsoft Azure Cloud and Cognizant, leveraging their solutions and services to deliver
an innovative, best-in-class technology platform to transform global trade operations for agricultural commodities. The platform’s initial scope
covers the shipment and execution of bulk commodities such as corn and soybeans from Brazil to any worldwide destination, optimizing export
trade execution processes by connecting shippers, traders and charterers. Initial users of the platform include Covantis’founding members - ADM,
Bunge, Cargill, COFCO, Louis Dreyfus Company and Viterra - with hundreds of users from over 30 entities around the world who have been
trained and onboarded virtually. In the coming months, Covantis will work to enlarge its network of participating companies and onboard the
majority of industry players active in these flows. The company will continue to invest in building new capabilities that increase value for its clients
from origin to destination, thus creating a global network for efficient execution of bulk commodities trade operations.

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Colruyt (Belgium) A new-generation Spar shop opens its doors at Ressaix
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The new Spar Colruyt Group shop will open its doors at Ressaix, after six months of construction work. The
neighbourhood supermarket has been reorganised in the new-generation Spar shop style. The bakery received a prominent
place and ecology is the main care. Indeed, independent entrepreneur Alexandre Cerone wanted to present a modern and
environment-friendly shop. This local supermarket has a surface of 750 m² and employs 15 co-workers. It is located along
chaussée de Brunehault and Alexandre Cerone explains this choice very simply: "The shop is located along a very busy
trunk road with plenty of schools, sports clubs, houses and in an area without Spar Colruyt Group shops. It is also very
close to Binche, one of the larger cities of this region." There is a car park with 60 places for customers at the back of the
shop. The bakery corner is very special. Indeed, it has a proofing cabinet on site in order to offer a wide assortment of fresh
daily bread prepared and baked on site. The shelves are replenished all day long. When customers enter the shop, the
delicious smell of bread and pastries immediately welcomes them.

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General Mills (USA): Nature Valley launches first-ever Store Drop-Off
recyclable snack bar wrapper
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Nature Valley is leading the charge to a more recyclable future and launches the first plastic film wrapper designated as Store Drop-Off recyclable by
How2Recycle with the brand’s iconic Crunchy granola bar. The newly packaged bars are on shelves this spring and bring Nature Valley closer to achieving
its commitment to 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. By purposefully not patenting this wrapper, Nature Valley is welcoming other food brands to apply
the technology to their product portfolios. With this new packaging, Nature Valley plans to educate consumers about the Store Drop-Off recycling system,
re-engage their interest in reducing landfilled material and stimulate recycling. According to the Hartman Group’s Sustainability 2019 report, 70% of the U.S.
population want to decrease plastic waste but don’t know how, yet over 90% of Americans are within 10 miles of a Store Drop-Off recycling location. That
is a potential 295 million people who could participate in Store Drop-Off recycling. Developed in collaboration with Nature Valley R&D scientists and
packaging partners, the wrapper uses new-to-the-category, advanced film processing with unique polyethylene polymers. Once recycled, the materials can
be used to create new products like synthetic lumber and decking equipment. This new packaging offers the barrier needed to preserve the product’s freshness
and does not compromise the product’s shelf life. The goal is to implement the wrapper technology across the brand’s entire portfolio of snacks by 2025 and
extend to other General Mills brands and products. Nature Valley introduced the world’s first granola bar in 1975 as an on-the-go snack designed to help
people get outside and explore nature. The How2Recycle® Label is a standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions right on
the package.

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Priors Hall Park gets served a new Sainsbury’s (UK) store
18
Sainsbury’s opened the doors to its newest store, Sainsbury’s Priors Hall Park Local. The Local store colleagues took part in a small
ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the first day of business, with Fiona Hambly who has worked for Sainsbury’s for six years having
the honour of cutting the ribbon. The new store will employ 22 team members, 13 of whom are new to Sainsbury’s and nine internal
transfers, bringing with them years of retail and customer service experience. The convenience store is open seven days a week, 7am
through to 11pm. Sainsbury’s Priors Hall Park Local has a sales floor of over 3,010 sq. ft is and is at the doorstep of one of Corby’s
newest developments. The store is located at the heart of the Priors Hall Park District Centre and will give residents and visitors
convenience and choice, including Sainsbury’s food-to-go products, ready meals and pantry essentials. Customers can also grab a hot
coffee alongside their shop with the inclusion of Costa coffee facilities in-store. The new Local store also has an ATM cash machine.
Customers will also enjoy the Argos Click & Collect offer in store, as they’ll be able to pick up their technology, home and toy
products whilst shopping for their grocery supplies. There is a tablet in store for customers to enter their collection number and a
colleague will collect their order for them.

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Sainsbury’s (UK): New Local store for Hackney Wick community
19
Sainsbury’s has opened its second store in a week, with customers now able to enjoy the retailer’s fresh food and
convenient products alongside its renowned colleague service on Wallis Road in London’s Hackney Wick. The new
convenience store will serve the surrounding growing community from 7am – 11pm seven days a week. The store will
offer an excellent range of fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, a fresh bakery and other convenience products.
The Sainsbury’s Local also features a Costa coffee machine in store. As well as creating 10 new jobs, the new store will
play an active role in the local community and will be supporting Sainsbury’s nationwide community programmes.
Last month Sainsbury’s also announced an additional £1 million community fund for stores to donate to charities and
other good causes in their local areas. This follows Sainsbury’s ‘Help Brighten a Million Christmases’ campaign that
raised £6 million in December for over 800 local charity partners, Comic Relief and FareShare.

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Hershey (USA) Sets Sights On Leading Better-for-you Confection
20
The Hershey Company shared key strategies to expand and grow the better-for-you chocolate category with new and
differentiated capabilities. Hershey has long offered a wide variety of choices for consumers to enjoy their favorite
confection brands, from its beloved Reese's Peanut Butter cups, to miniature size offerings, thinner versions (Reese's
THiNs) or one with zero sugar, there is a treat for every occasion. Now, the maker of the original, portion-controlled
chocolate, Hershey's Kisses Milk Chocolates, is extending its confection leadership in the better-for-you category.
Better-for-you snackers represent a variety of interests, from those seeking portion-control to plant-based ingredients. And
when it comes to candy, sugar reduction is a shared interest they all have in common. Building from its strength in
portion-controlled choices, Hershey will expand its future portfolio to deliver more reduced sugar, organic and plant-based
alternatives while also continuing to build its classic array of beloved products. Behind this portfolio growth is a
multi-pronged strategy that will continue to advance Hershey's leadership in confection and snacking.

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Kroger (USA) Health Partners with Gauss to Provide Smartphone-Enabled
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Home Tests
21
Kroger Health, the health care division of The Kroger Co. announced plans to offer the first smartphone-enabled, at-home
Gauss COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kit to patients nationwide, expanding the company's existing portfolio of in-clinic and
employer-focused COVID-19 testing solutions. The new at-home testing solution, which is currently awaiting Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), will offer affordable access to cutting-edge testing technology
developed by Gauss, a leader in computer vision-aided healthcare diagnostics. Once authorized, it will be the first rapid
COVID-19 test that can be fully performed using only a smartphone and a lateral flow assay (similar to an at-home pregnancy
test), without involving a laboratory, a telemedicine visit or any specialized electronics. Last month, Gauss produced its first
1.5 million tests, which will be available for immediate distribution when the test receives EUA from the FDA, and the
company has the capability to produce up to 30 million tests per month. Kroger Health expects the at-home rapid antigen test
will be available to purchase on Kroger.com and over the counter at its 2,200 pharmacies nationwide.

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Makita (Japan) Launches Innovative X-Lock Angle Grinders
22
Makita U.S.A., Inc., a leading innovator in cordless technology, has launched angle grinders with the X-LOCK quick-change system.
Three new angle grinders feature X-LOCK: 18V LXT® Brushless 4-1/2” / 5" X-LOCK Angle Grinder (XAG25Z), 18V LXT®
Brushless 4-1/2” / 5” Paddle Switch Angle Grinder (XAG26Z), and 4-1/2” X-LOCK Angle Grinder (GA4570). These X-LOCK
Angle Grinders are designed for cutting, grinding and surface prep applications in metalworking. X-LOCK is an accessory locking
mechanism integrated into the gear housing for tool-free accessory changes. A click-mount and pull release lever make changing
accessories easy and up to 5-times faster than traditional threaded lock-nut mounting. X-LOCK eliminates the possibility of over- or
under-tightening the threaded lock spindles. The cordless angle grinders are engineered for faster grinding. They feature an efficient
Makita-built brushless motor, which delivers 8,500 RPM for faster grinding. A quick guard rotation allows easy tool-less adjustment
for increased productivity. Spiral bevel gears provide smoother rotations and a more efficient transfer of energy for smoother,
consistent grinding. Both grinders also feature a rubberized soft grip and a 3-stage L.E.D. gauge to indicate battery charge level. The
grinders are also equipped with wire mesh intake covers to help prevent debris from entering the motor.

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Marubeni (Japan): Commercial Partnership with D-Orbit for Small
Satellite Launch Services
23
Marubeni Corporation has concluded a representative sales agreement with D-Orbit SpA, which provides small satellite launch arrangement and
deployment services. According to the agreement, Marubeni will gain exclusive rights to provide D-Orbit’s services in Japan, and in other strategic
areas. D-Orbit is an Italian space logistics company. D-Orbit’s flagship service, InOrbit NOW, is a launch and deployment service that uses ION
Satellite Carrier, a spacecraft designed, manufactured, and operated by the company. ION Satellite Carrier can host a batch of small satellites during
launch, transport them to space, and release them into individual, customized orbital slots, while at the same time operating multiple hosted payloads
during a single mission. ION Satellite Carrier is a platform that can navigate itself to the correct location to quickly deploy small satellites into precise
and independent orbital slots. Other than small satellites, ION Satellite Carrier can host measuring equipment for test purposes. Marubeni aims to
provide various functions necessary to the launch and operation of small satellites. In 2016, Marubeni issued a business partnership with Interstellar
Technologies Inc. a Hokkaido-based company that develops sub-orbital and orbital rockets. In 2019 Marubeni concluded a capital partnership with IST.
Marubeni is involved in a variety of small satellite launch services for various small satellite operators. In 2020, Marubeni, D-Orbit and IST concluded
a letter of intent to study the development of an agile small satellite release system. Through this representative sales agreement with D-Orbit, Marubeni
will offer valuable services to a wide range of satellite operators and make a significant contribution to the advancement of the space industry.

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Mondelēz International (USA) Launches Sustainable Futures To Advance
Climate Solutions And Support Social Entrepreneurs
24
Mondelēz International, Inc. announced the launch of Sustainable Futures, an impact investing platform to incubate, finance and
support self-sustaining ventures that address key challenges in the world, including climate change. Part of the company’s ongoing
efforts to create a positive impact on people and planet, the new platform gives Mondelēz International the opportunity to pursue and
nurture innovative projects, together with like-minded investors, that align with its sustainability strategy and help deliver on its
commitments. Sustainable Futures seeks to co-invest in projects addressing climate change, as well as making seed investments into
social ventures that aim to improve livelihoods and build healthy communities. Through the platform, Mondelēz International intends
to invest in projects that protect forests, reduce carbon emissions or increase resilience in landscapes from which it sources raw
materials. The first social ventures will initially include support for an NGO in India that will set up a sustainable, women-owned
social enterprise to up-cycle multi-layered plastic packaging into board for multiple uses, and a venture with INMED Aquaponics
Social Enterprise (ASE) in South Africa, supporting agro-entrepreneurs in climate-smart food production.

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Ahold Delhaize USA Companies Expand Micro-Fulfillment Capabilities
as Part of Omnichannel Supply Chain
25
Ahold Delhaize USA’s digital, e-commerce and commercial engine, announced a new micro-fulfillment technology pilot with The
GIANT Company in the Philadelphia market. Part of an ecommerce fulfillment center (EFC), the pilot leverages AutoStore
technology empowered by Swisslog’s SynQ software and Peapod Digital Labs’ proprietary manual picking capabilities. The pilot
launches as Ahold Delhaize USA companies continue to expand e-commerce fulfillment capabilities as part of readying an
omnichannel supply chain and supporting the U.S. brands as they pursue their ambitions of becoming the leading omnichannel
grocery retailer in their markets. The EFC is planned for the Philadelphia market to help meet customer demand in Center City and
South Philadelphia. This location is expected to fulfill approximately 15,000 online orders per week for delivery to customers’homes.
The hive shuttle system technology for the new EFC will include the AutoStore storage and retrieval system, empowered by
Swisslog’s SynQ software and pick stations, as well as Peapod Digital Labs’ proprietary manual picking capabilities. Applying the
advantages of the Autostore grid storage density and goods-to-person productivity gains in tandem with Peapod Digital Labs’picking
system will create a flexible solution ideal for streamlining grocery ecommerce order fulfillment.

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Shoprite (south Africa) expands solar PV project and continues its
commitment to more climate friendly operations
26
The Shoprite Group now generates enough electricity to power over 1 100 households - 12 300 MWh of electricity - a year from solar energy,
following the installation of rooftop PV (photovoltaic) panels at 19 sites in South Africa and Namibia. The Group has also fitted 649 solar panels
to the roofs of its refrigerated trucks, which generate 760 MWh annually - enough power to run 1 040 refrigerators for a full year. These allow
drivers to switch off truck ignitions at delivery locations, reducing noise and exhaust pollution, while keeping the cold chain intact. There are now
18 stores throughout South Africa and Namibia in the Group that harness the power of the sun for their operations. These include Checkers
Plettenberg Bay Mall, Sitari, Gordons Bay, Constantia, Hermanus, Whale Coast Mall, Welgelee Plein and Shoprite Strand (Western Cape),
Shoprite and Checkers Parys as well as Checkers Woodlands (Free State), Shoprite Rustenburg (North West), Shoprite Devland (Gauteng),
Shoprite Kimberley and Kathu (Northern Cape) and Shoprite Oshakati, Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb (Namibia). And the Group’s largest installation,
at its Basson distribution centre in Brackenfell, is a remarkable move to reduce the company’s impact on the environment. There are now enough
solar panels at this distribution centre to cover an entire soccer field, and the 7 706 m2 of panels have a generating capacity of 1MW. In a bid to
find innovative ways to reduce electricity usage, the Group has also replaced flourescent lamps with energy-efficient LED lamps. The process cost
R98.3 million, and in the four years since its inception has saved 83.8 million kWh of energy.

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Procter & Gamble (USA): Secret Launches Breakthrough in Underarm
Skin Health With DERMA+ Antiperspirant
27
Secret is introducing its first-ever clinical-level sweat and odor protection with skin conditioners and a soft-touch applicator, Secret DERMA+
Antiperspirant. Designed with female dermatologists, Secret DERMA+ Antiperspirant features skincare ingredient ProVitamin B5 and
DERMA-Shield, a proprietary and innovative combination of skin conditioning ingredients. Presented in a squeezable tube similar to a
skincare product, Secret DERMA+ Antiperspirant conditions to help prevent visible signs of underarm shave irritation like redness, bumps,
dry skin, nicks and discoloration for visibly healthier, smoother underarms. A formula a decade in the making, Secret DERMA+
Antiperspirant was designed in response to research that showed 40% of women experience noticeable underarm shave irritation. That same
research demonstrated that 60% of women want skincare benefits in their antiperspirant and deodorant products. With these women in mind,
Secret ushers in the next frontier in underarm care by combining superior sweat and odor protection with skincare-inspired ingredients such
as coconut oil, aloe and vitamin C. Secret DERMA+ Antiperspirant’s innovation extends to its unique packaging as well. Its first-of-its kind
squeeze tube packaging is different from the standard deodorant stick and has a rounded, soft-touch applicator designed to minimize friction
points against the skin, making the application experience as smooth as the formula itself. To apply, simply give the tube a light squeeze and
apply directly to your underarms.

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Procter & Gamble (USA): Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray is Approved by
Health Canada for Use Against the Virus That Causes COVID-19
28
Health Canada has approved Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray (DIN 02490730) as effective at killing SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
In accordance with Health Canada’s guidelines, Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray has been tested by a third-party lab, and was shown to kill
SARS-CoV-2 in five minutes. Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray is the second product in the brand’s lineup that provides an initial kill of the virus,
when used as directed. Microban 24 Multi-Purpose Cleaner was also approved by Health Canada last month. When used as directed as a
disinfectant, Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray kills 99.9% of cold and flu viruses within 5 mintues of being sprayed. Additionally, when used as
directed for 24-hour sanitizing, Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray kills 99.9% of bacteria for 24 hours. As COVID-19 persists through 2021, it’s
important for Canadians to continue doing their part in protecting their families and loved ones through proper cleaning and disinfecting practices.
Health Canada advises to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces to lower the chance of COVID-19 spreading in your home, workplace and public
spaces3. With the winter season in full swing for many Canadians, it’s even more important to prioritize sanitizing and disinfecting to protect
against bacterial illnesses where cold and flu symptoms are more common4. Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray and Multi-Purpose Cleaner are go-to
products for many Canadian households because consumers can trust that their family can be protected from bacteria for 24 hours2 and continue
killing 99.9% of bacteria, when used as directed.

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Target (USA) Debuts Apple Shopping Destination With Expanded Footprint,
Extended Assortment and Enhanced Services
29
Target Corporation announced an enhanced Apple shopping experience for its guests. The new shopping experience debuts online and will
begin rolling out in select locations this month, with additional locations scheduled to roll out by the end of this fall. The retail collaboration
builds on Target and Apple’s more than 15-year relationship by combining Apple’s latest products with the convenient shopping experience
and fulfillment services Target’s guests love. The new shopping destination offers an even easier way to shop for Apple products at Target by
bringing these products and accessories together in one space that has been designed for guests to experience new products through
demonstrations and knowledgeable Target Tech Consultants, who will receive specialized training from Apple. This new initiative with Apple
builds on Target’s success with other strategic partners, including Disney, Ulta Beauty and most recently, Levi Strauss & Co., making Target
the ultimate destination for the most sought-after national brands, alongside its stable of coveted owned brands. Target and Apple collaborated
on the enhanced experience, which extends the assortment of Apple products at Target. The dedicated space features new lighting fixtures and
displays for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, Apple TV and other Apple accessories. On Target.com or via the Target app,
guests will now find a dedicated Apple experience that features an extended assortment of Apple accessories.

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Toyota Tsusho (Japan) Selected as Health & Productivity Stock in 2021
30
Toyota Tsusho Corporation announced that it has been selected Health & Productivity Stock Selection Program jointly organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and
the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2021. Each year, companies listed on TSE are evaluated under the Health & Productivity Stock Selection Program to select those that strategically carry
out efforts regarding their employees' health from a management perspective. This is the first time that Toyota Tsusho has been selected under this program. Four main reasons, listed
below, were given for the selection of Toyota Tsusho:
• The improvement of health literacy has been set as Toyota Tsusho's most important challenge, and a wide range of support and systems are being promoted so that employees can
independently maintain and improve their physical and mental wellbeing under diverse working environments.
• Besides creating an environment that makes it easy to check one's health, such as increasing the number of in-house clinics, Toyota Tsusho has maintained a consultation rate of
100% for routine health checks since fiscal 2014 and the consultation rate for detailed examinations has increased to reach 94.9% in fiscal 2019 by strengthening engagement from
occupational nursing staff toward those with diagnoses. In addition, the effects of early measures also show in the medical fees from fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2019, including a reduction
of 31.7% for circulatory diseases and a reduction of 21.0% for metabolic diseases.
• Toyota Tsusho started screening for gastric cancer risk (ABC screening) for all employees at the time of routine health checks from fiscal 2018, and screening for colon cancer risk
(occult blood tests) for all employees aged 40 and older from fiscal 2019. This helps to discover problems at an early stage. In addition, for female employees, which make up
approximately one-third of the entire company, expansion of cancer screening subsidy systems and organizing of seminars are carried out as measures against female-specific cancers.
• Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, through the introduction of a system for checking employee health status and active utilization of programs such as a new telecommuting program
that enables flexible work-style options, Toyota Tsusho is accelerating the creation of an organization where everyone independently practices health management.

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US Foods (USA) Spring Scoop Caters to Consumers’ Growing Interest in
Well-Being, Sustainability
31
US Foods Holding Corp. announced the launch of Spring 2021 Scoop™, “Hungry for Better,” which features products that cater to
consumers’ growing interest in dining options that support their planet, their communities and themselves. Today’s consumers are
more deliberate and conscientious about their dining choices and are seeking products with simple and authentic ingredients that can
also satisfy specific dietary needs. At the same time, they are also demanding products with sustainable attributes, and research shows
that these consumer behaviors have only intensified since the start of the pandemic. To meet this growing need, US Foods Spring
Scoop highlights 21 products that offer a well-being and/or sustainable attribute and are part of the company’s growing portfolio of
products under the Hungry for Better initiative. The US Foods Hungry for Better initiative focuses on product innovation under three
key pillars: well-being, which includes products made with simple ingredients, plant-forward products and functional foods that
contain at least one positive nutrient content claim; sustainable products that are responsibly sourced or contribute to waste reduction;
and locally sourced products. As always, Spring Scoop products are designed to provide versatile, labor-savings solutions ideal for
dine-in and takeout.

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Walmart (USA) Expands Vriddhi Program to Uttar Pradesh to Help
MSMEs Access Domestic and Global Customers
32
Walmart launched a new Vriddhi e-Institute in Agra to provide small businesses in Uttar Pradesh access to skills and competencies to grow in a
post-pandemic environment through online and offline channels such as Flipkart’s marketplace and Walmart’s international supply chain. With the
new e-Institute, Walmart is expanding its Vriddhi Supplier Development Program towards empowering 50,000 MSMEs across India for growth.
The program provides MSMEs with specific training to leverage modern commerce and get ready for opportunities in Flipkart’s eCommerce
marketplace, the supply chain of Flipkart Wholesale and Walmart’s global sourcing operations, as well as the open marketplace. The Vriddhi
e-Institute in Agra will partner with MSMEs from Uttar Pradesh through interactive learning and advanced competency-based training, with
personalized feedback and advice. The curriculum is tailored for the unique challenges and opportunities of local businesses and is offered in Hindi
and English. In particular, the e-Institute will focus on empowering skilled artisans and entrepreneurs to expand markets for Agra’s prominent
footwear manufacturing and stone carving sectors. Vriddhi works with MSME entrepreneurs wherever they are in their business journey. Uttar
Pradesh-based businesses can join the Vriddhi training program to pursue opportunities to sell on Flipkart’s online consumer marketplace and
through the nationwide Flipkart Wholesale ecosystem. As Walmart triples its exports from India to $10 billion annually by 2027, businesses with
export ambitions can learn how to qualify as a Walmart Global Sourcing supplier, taking “Make in India” products to the world.

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ADM (USA) Named to World’s Most Ethical Companies List for Second
Year in a Row
33
ADM has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one
of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies. This marks the second consecutive year ADM has received this recognition,
which honors companies who understand the importance of leading, prioritize ethical business performance, and have
demonstrated an overall commitment to integrity. Grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, the World’s
Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social
practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity and initiatives to support a strong value chain. The
process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and
around the globe. This year, the process was streamlined and question set expanded to gauge how applicants are adapting
and responding to the global health pandemic, environmental, social, and governance factors, safety, equity, and inclusion
and social justice.
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Coca-Cola (USA) European Partners achieves Carbon Disclosures Project
Recognition as a 2020 Supplier Engagement Leader
34
Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has received an A rating on Carbon Disclosures Project’s (CDP) 2020 list for
supplier engagement leadership on climate change. In addition to CDP’s 2020 climate change score, companies had the
opportunity to receive a Supplier Engagement Rating (SER). The companies with the best SER are recognised as
Supplier Engagement Leaders – which this year is the top 7% of companies who disclosed to the full CDP climate
questionnaire. The SER provides a rating for how effectively companies engage with their suppliers on climate change.
CDP assesses performance on supplier engagement via analysis of a company’s governance, targets, scope 3
emissions, and value chain engagement in the annual CDP climate change questionnaire. Since December 2020, CCEP
has been included on the CDP’s Climate and Water A lists for five consecutive years. Today, it is being recognized as
a CDP Supplier Engagement Leader with an A rating, the highest score in the ranking.
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CPF (Thailand) secures IPHA certificate on strict measures against
COVID-19
35
Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF) announced the winning of Industrial and Production Hygiene Administration (IPHA) certificate thanks to its stringent measures to
safeguard production lines from the new coronavirus (COVID-19). IPHA certificates will be given to food-processing factories that pass the assessment on hygienic
standards for workplace, production process and workers. CPF’s disease prevention framework focuses on 7 areas - hygiene, preventive measures, procurement,
communications with employees, cooperation with the government sector and remediation. The safety of “employees” is the priority, as only safe employees can help
the Company proceed with the production of safe food for all consumers. For business continuity, CPF puts in place a number of measures which cover 3 key aspects:
• Food security: the Company’s production line must not be disrupted, to prevent food shortages.
• Supply chain and logistics: The government assistance has been sought to facilitate transportation of raw materials to factories and food products to consumers, even
during lockdown.
• Disease prevention: Employees in Thailand and overseas are given guidelines on how to protect themselves against the disease while the Company stocks up alcohol
gel and face masks and orders some employees to work from home. Employees returning from risk areas are allowed to self-quarantine for 14 days without having to
take leave.
CPF has dutifully and continuously churned out safe food for consumers since the outbreak began. Furthermore, it has shared preventive measures and crisis management
tips with suppliers, farmers and any interested parties, to join the national endeavor in sailing all through hard times.
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CPF (Thailand) receives Silver Class distinction in Sustainability
Yearbook 2021
36
Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF) was ranked Silver Class distinction in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2021, one of the
world’s most comprehensive publications providing in-depth analysis on corporate sustainability. The prestigious ranking that affirms the
Company’s commitment towards global-level sustainability as “Kitchen of the World”. S&P Global is specialized in sustainability-related
investment. It collaborated with Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) in assessing the sustainability performance of the world's largest
companies in 61 industries. Annually, S&P Global selected outstanding companies for the Sustainability Yearbook. CPF joined DJSI
questionaire and won Silver Class distinction as its scor is within a range of 1% to 5% of the industry’s top-performing company’s score.
The recognition affirms CPF’s commitment to operate accordingly to the sustainable development principles that highlight “ESG”
(environmental, social and governance) in all countries where CPF operates. The commitment follows CPF’s 3 sustainability pillars -
“Food Security, Self-Sufficient Society and “Balance of Nature”. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), to raise the quality of life of all and strike the economic, social and environmental balance. CPF strives to continually improve
sustainability performance, to overcome challenges and achieve long-term resilience.
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Grupo Bimbo (Mexico) is Recognized as One of the Most Ethical Companies
in the World for the Fifth Consecutive Year
37
Grupo Bimbo, the world's leading baking company, ratifies its commitment to global best practices by being recognized in the
2021 edition, and for five consecutive years, as one of the most ethical companies in the world according to the list prepared
by The Ethisphere Institute, a firm that recognizes companies that consider ethical commitment as one of the guiding
principles in their day-to-day operations. The list of The World's Most Ethical Companies is governed by the Ethics Quotient,
a classification system patented by The Ethisphere Institute, which evaluates the information of each of the companies in five
key indicators with different degrees of relevance, that are: Regulatory Compliance, which is the most important aspect,
representing 35% of the total score; Social Responsibility, 20%; Ethical Culture, 20%; Corporate Governance, representing
15%; and Leadership, Innovation and Reputation, representing 10% of the total score. It is important to mention that the
process includes more than 200 questions that companies must answer about their culture, environmental and social practices,
ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity and, finally, the initiatives they execute to create a robust value chain.
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Ingredion (USA) Named as One of the 2021 World's Most Ethical Companies
by Ethisphere For Eight Consecutive Years
38
Ingredion Incorporated a leading global provider of ingredient solutions to the food and beverage industry, has been
recognized as one of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the
standards of ethical business practices. The Company has been recognized for eight consecutive years and is one of only seven
honorees in the food, beverage and agriculture industry. In 2021, 135 honorees were recognized spanning 22 countries and 47
industries. Grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, the World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment process
includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities,
governance, diversity and initiatives to support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture
and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe. This year, the process was
streamlined and question set expanded to gauge how applicants are adapting and responding to the global health pandemic,
environmental, social, and governance factors, safety, equity, and inclusion and social justice.
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Kao (Japan) Included in the World's Most Ethical Companies® List for a
Record 15th Consecutive Year
39
The Ethisphere Institute, a leading US think-tank, has named the Kao Corporation one of the World's Most Ethical
Companies. Kao is a leading consumer goods company and the only Asian company to have made the list every year
since Ethisphere began its ranking in 2007. Thoughtful, purposeful consumption is at the heart of Kao's business and
this continued recognition by Ethisphere, reflects this commitment. The Ethisphere Institute develops and shares best
practices in business ethics and corporate social responsibility. The World's Most Ethical Companies list recognizes
companies which have demonstrated outstanding performance in transparency, integrity, ethics, and compliance. The
Institute surveys and evaluates companies worldwide across five categories covering: ethics and compliance programs,
corporate citizenship and responsibility, culture of ethics, governance, and leadership and reputation.
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Kao (Japan) Recognized as Supplier Engagement Leader by CDP for the
Fourth Consecutive Year
40
Kao Corporation has been recognized, for the fourth consecutive year, as a Supplier Engagement leader for its initiatives in reducing carbon
emissions and tackling climate change across its supply chain by CDP, an international non-profit organization that drives companies and
governments to reduce their greenhouse emissions. Recognizing its responsibility as an enterprise that provides products which people use on a
regular basis in their daily lives, the Kao Group takes active steps to reduce the environmental footprint of its products throughout the entirety of
the product lifecycle. In April 2019, Kao launched the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, its ESG (environmental, social and governance) strategy, which
incorporates 19 key leadership actions. By integrating ESG into the core of its company management, Kao will drive business growth and better
serve consumers and society through its enhanced products and services. CDP rated over 5,500 companies worldwide, and assessed their supply
chain engagement strategy, including carbon emission and climate-related risk reduction strategies across their supply chain. The evaluation was
started in 2017, and CDP named almost 390 companies, including Kao, on its fourth annual Supplier Engagement leader board this year. Kao,
together with its suppliers, will continue to deepen its understanding of climate change and of the risks and opportunities regarding water and
forests, so as to reduce carbon emissions across the product lifecycle. Kao is committed to implementing its unique ESG activities globally for the
wholehearted satisfaction and enrichment of the lives of people worldwide and to contribute to a sustainable society.
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Kimberly-Clark (USA) Recognized as One of the 2021 World's Most
Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere
41
Kimberly-Clark has been recognized by Ethisphere for the third consecutive year as one of the 2021 World's Most
Ethical Companies and a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. Grounded
in Ethisphere's proprietary Ethics Quotient®, the World's Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more
than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance,
diversity and initiatives to support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and
codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe. This year, the process was
streamlined to include an expanded question set to gauge how applicants are adapting and responding to the global
health pandemic, environmental, social, and governance factors, safety, equity, and inclusion and social justice.
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Eight SM companies (Philippines) receive Golden Arrow awards on
Corporate Governance
42
Eight SM companies received Golden Arrow Awards from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) for performing
well in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS), an assessment benchmarked against international best
practices on corporate governance standards across the region. The SM companies which received the awards are: SM
Investments Corporation, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., China Banking Corporation, Belle Corporation, BDO Unibank,
Inc., Premium Leisure Corp., 2GO Group, Inc. and Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation. The
recognition is given to companies with outstanding scores in the 2019 ACGS assessment. It symbolizes the continuing
efforts of Philippine companies to raise the level of compliance with the ASEAN corporate governance principles.
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PVH (USA) Recognized on Barron’s 2021 List of 100 Most Sustainable
Companies
43
PVH ranked No. 19 on the 2021 Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies List. This marks the third consecutive year
PVH has been named to this prestigious list. In an unusual year marked by global crises, Barron’s highlights how
American companies have stepped up, increasing their efforts to mitigate their impact on the environment, as well as
bolster employee welfare, community health and customer satisfaction. The publication also notes these companies’
financial performance: The top 100 ranked companies having an average combined return of 21.9% in 2020, beating the
S&P 500 index’s overall average, and outpacing the stock market, year over year, since the ranking was first released in
2018. Barron’s annual ranking of public companies measures the 1,000 largest publicly traded companies, defined by
market capitalization, incorporated and headquartered in the United States. Rankings are based on performance in five key
areas: shareholders, employees, customers, community and the planet. Barron’s, a prestigious business publication,
partnered with Calvert Research & Management to create the ranking.
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35 Tyson (USA) Plants Receive North American Meat Institute’s
Environmental Recognition Awards
44
Tyson Foods is proud to announce that 35 plant locations have been recognized by The North American Meat Institute
(NAMI) for their dedication to making a positive environmental impact. The Environmental Recognition awards
recognize a company’s dedication to continuous environmental improvement, as witnessed by the development and
implementation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS). The recognition awards are categorized by four tiers,
to encourage EMS development through a step-by-step approach. Tier I recognize compliance policies and Tier 4
represents the highest level of environmental management. Please see below for the full list of Tyson plant award
winners.
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VF Corporation (USA) Named One of the World’s Most Ethical Companies
by Ethisphere for Fifth Consecutive Year
45
VF Corporation a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories, has been recognized by
Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2021
World’s Most Ethical Companies. VF has been recognized for the past five years and is the only honoree in the apparel
industry to be named this year. In 2021, 135 honorees were recognized spanning 22 countries and 47 industries.
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Barry Callebaut and Garudafood announce strategic partnership to distribute
Van Houten Professional products in Indonesia
46
Under the terms of the agreement, Barry Callebaut will partner with SNS to bring the compound range of the Van Houten
Professional brand to professional users of chocolate and compound in the foodservice market in Indonesia. This includes artisan
and chain bakeries, cafes, restaurants, cash-and-carries and the fast growing homebaking segment. The implementation of this
agreement will start immediately and these products will be commercially available in the market around March this year. The
parties agreed not to disclose any further terms of the agreement. This agreement is an extension of the strategic relationship
between Barry Callebaut and Garudafood which was first established in 2015 and currently focuses on an industrial supply of
compound chocolate through two chocolate factories in Indonesia located in Gresik, East Java and Rancaekek, West Java. With
Garudafood’s strong sales and distribution capabilities to various channels and Barry Callebaut’s proven market leadership with
well-known chocolate brands for the business-to-business category, the two companies are committed to further growth in the
compound chocolate market in Indonesia.
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Conagra Brands (USA): Snack Pack Partners with SOUR PATCH KIDS® on
New Juicy Gels Innovation
47
Put a totally delicious and mischievous spin on your favorite Snack Pack Gels with SOUR PATCH KIDS® candy flavor. Snack
Pack, a brand of Conagra Brands, Inc. partnered with SOUR PATCH KIDS® to launch a collection of sour and sweet Juicy Gels.
This new line gives SOUR PATCH KIDS® fans another way to enjoy their favorite mouth-puckering flavors with Juicy Gels in
classic REDBERRY® and Blue Raspberry. These new gels are made with real sugar and no high fructose corn syrup, are gluten
free and kosher, and contain 0 grams of fat and 100 calories per serving. Snack Pack SOUR PATCH KIDS® Juicy Gels will
surprise your taste buds and are packed with pucker power. These delicious treats will keep everyone satisfied when you bring all
your favorite Kids to the party. Snack Pack SOUR PATCH KIDS® Juicy Gels can be found in the pudding and gels section of
grocery stores and mass retailers, and at select online retailers in early February 2021. They are arriving on store shelves with a
suggested retail price of $2.79 per pack. In addition to the new gels, the Snack Pack line includes flavorful pudding and juicy gels,
all of which can be found in the pudding and gels aisle.
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Grupo Arcor and Ingredion Announce Joint Venture in Argentina, Chile and
Uruguay
48
Grupo Arcor, the leading food company of Argentina, and Ingredion Incorporated a leading global ingredient solutions provider to the food and beverage industry, have signed
an agreement to create a joint venture that will leverage the two companies’ manufacturing expertise, complementary geographic footprints and commercial capabilities to
broaden food and beverage ingredient offerings to customers in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Arcor and Ingredion will hold a 51% and 49% stake, respectively. The joint
venture will have a combined turnover of more than US$ 300 million. Arcor will transfer its ingredient operations to the joint venture, which includes one manufacturing facility
in Lules (province of Tucumán) and two manufacturing facilities in the Industrial Complex Arroyito (province of Córdoba). Ingredion will transfer its Argentina, Chile and
Uruguay operations to the joint venture, which includes two manufacturing facilities in the districts of Chacabuco and Baradero (province of Buenos Aires). The manufacturing
facilities produce value-added ingredients, such as glucose syrups, maltose, fructose, starch and maltodextrins that are essential to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical
industries. The joint venture will be managed by a jointly appointed team of executives who will be responsible for integrating the combined operations to market, sell and
manufacture ingredients within Argentina, Chile and Uruguay and to further optimize the manufacturing network and support functions to create incremental shareholder value.
The joint venture will operate on a stand-alone basis and upon the closing of the transaction, Arcor will consolidate the business. Ingredion will account for its interest in the
joint venture under the equity method of accounting, and hyperinflation accounting will be applied to equity income for Ingredion’s reporting purposes. The joint venture has
been approved by each company’s board of directors and is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Infupa is acting as financial adviser to Arcor and
Bruchou as its legal counsel; Finanzas & Gestión is acting as financial adviser to Ingredion and Baker & McKenzie as its legal adviser.
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JBS USA and Pilgrim’s to Provide COVID-19 Vaccine for 8,500 Essential
Team Members in Multiple Locations
49
JBS USA and Pilgrim’s announced that approximately 8,500 team members in eight states will have the opportunity to get a COVID-19 vaccine this week. The
companies have been working closely with state officials, local health departments and union partners to encourage vaccination of the essential workforce
producing food for our country as quickly as possible. This week, team members in Beardstown, Ill.; Booneville, Miss.; Cactus, Texas; Grand Island, Neb.;
Greeley, Colo.; Hyrum, Utah; Lufkin, Texas; Marshalltown, Iowa; and Moorefield, W.V., will receive vaccines in partnership with local officials in each area. The
quantity and process vary from location to location. Some locations will execute large scale vaccination clinics on site, like in Greeley, Colo., and others will be
providing a set number of vaccinations for JBS team members each day at the local health department, like in Grand Island, Neb., for example. Nearly 700 team
members in Beardstown will be receiving their second dose. JBS USA and Pilgrim’s assist with vaccination efforts by leveraging company occupational health
staff, coordinating logistics, and partnering with third-party health organizations to ensure medical professionals, nurses and resources are available to effectively
administer vaccinations. In January, JBS USA and Pilgrim’s announced a $100 incentive for all team members who choose to be vaccinated, designed to help
encourage maximum voluntary participation among the workforce. The companies have also been promoting internal education campaigns to emphasize the
safety, efficacy and importance of receiving the vaccine. This video is an example of that campaign that features team members being vaccinated. JBS USA and
Pilgrim’s will maintain regular communication with state and local health departments and healthcare providers to coordinate the most effective means of vaccine
delivery at each plant location, and to offer assistance in local vaccination efforts.
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HEINEKEN (Netherland), The Coca-Cola Company and the Coca-Cola
System in Brazil announce redesigned distribution partnership
50
HEINEKEN, The Coca-Cola Company and the Coca-Cola System in Brazil have reached an agreement to redesign their longstanding
distribution partnership in Brazil. The Agreement marks a new milestone in the relationship among the companies; it re-aligns the
interests of all parties for the future and builds on a solid historical foundation. As per the Agreement, expected to become effective
mid-2021, the parties will begin a smooth transition of the Heineken® and Amstel brands to HEINEKEN Brazil’s distribution network.
The Coca-Cola System in Brazil will continue to offer Kaiser, Bavaria and Sol, and will complement this portfolio with premium brand
Eisenbahn and other international brands. The Agreement allows the parties to better serve consumers and customers in the Brazilian
market with a solid portfolio, building on the positive momentum developed over many years of successful collaboration. Additionally,
as part of the redesign of the distribution partnership, the parties will have more flexibility. Subject to certain mutually-agreed upon terms
established in the Agreement, the Coca-Cola System in Brazil will be able to produce and distribute alcoholic beverages and other beers
in a certain proportion to HEINEKEN’s portfolio and HEINEKEN will be able to explore further opportunities in the non-alcoholic
segment. This will allow Brazilian consumers to benefit from a wider array of options.
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Marubeni (Japan): Strategic Partnership for Developing New Circular
Business for End-of-Life Lithium-ion Batteries
51
Marubeni Corporation, and Retriev Technologies Inc, have entered into a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the aim of developing a new circular business for End-
of-Life Lithium-ion batteries. The companies will develop a business model by which valuable metals recovered from EOL LiB can be reused. Retriev is a pioneer and
market leader in the North American battery recycling industry. Retriev has a well-respected track record of recycling LiB for over 20 years and has processed over 25
million pounds of batteries, displaying their unwavering commitment to best practice recycling solutions and management. Retriev’s process involves crushing the
batteries and then retrieving the valuable metals from the crushed materials. Marubeni has grown its presence in the battery industry through such initiatives as acquiring
exclusive sales rights to Zambian cobalt in Japan, which it has maintained since 1985, and trading of other critical raw materials for the battery industry. Marubeni has
combined this experience with technical knowledge, expertise and a global network in this sector. For this partnership, Retriev and Marubeni will also cooperate with a
chemical maker possessing highly technical knowledge and expertise cultivated through their experience in rechargeable battery industries. This maker also produces
sulphate, battery precursor and cathodes for rechargeable batteries fused in both consumer products and electric vehicles. Moving forward, the quantity of EOL LiB
generated is expected to increase in line with LiB market growth driven by rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles. As continuous growth is expected for the LiB
market, proper EOL LiB waste management is one of the most critical global challenges for improving the sustainability of the battery supply chain. Under the strategic
partnership, Marubeni and Retriev will develop a circular business model for Battery to Battery Closed Loop Recycling in the battery industry, and contribute to
improving the sustainability of global society through the development and promotion of new circular businesses in the market.
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NIKE (USA), Inc. and Goalsetter Partner to Increase Financial Literacy
Among America’s Youth
52
As part of its combined $140 million investment in addressing racial inequality, NIKE, Inc. is granting $1 million to Goalsetter, the only youth
financial literacy platform in the United States that is led by a Black female entrepreneur. Founded by Court, Goalsetter uses digital platforms
to engage youth and help them better understand financial well-being, while saving for their future — all through fun games and support from
celebrities, musicians and athletes. NIKE, Inc. is proud to support Goalsetter’s efforts, along with the work led by its other strategic
partnerships with Black Girls CODE, NAACP Empowerment Programs, LDF, announced in 2020, and Black Girl Ventures, announced in
2021. Goalsetter hopes to help create a savings account for every child in America and to instill in them sound financial habits through a novel
combination of education, play and gamification. On average, kids who own savings accounts are more likely to go to college and own stocks
in the future. The goal is to reverse the generational wealth gap that statistically crosses ethnic lines. By 2053, Black Americans are projected
to have a negative net worth, while Latinos are projected to have a negative net worth by 2073. Nike’s $1 million investment, which is
Goalsetter’s largest corporate donation to date, will help the organization seed 10,000 kids’ savings accounts, with a focus on Black youth,
through the Goalsetter app. The investment will help kids jumpstart their financial wellness journey.
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Mondelēz International (USA) Snackfutures Launches New Colab Startup
Engagement Program
53
SnackFutures, the Mondelēz International, Inc. innovation and venture hub, announced the launch of CoLab, a new start-up
engagement program for early-stage well-being snack brands. CoLab is deliberately designed to be a collaborative effort between
entrepreneurs and the Mondelēz International ecosystem to drive mutual growth. SnackFutures will provide participating start-ups
with tools, technologies and access to networks and industry expertise, while also gaining insights, capabilities and prospective
investment opportunities. It’s also yet another demonstration of SnackFutures’ mission to create a snacking world that is good for
people, kind to the planet and deliciously fun by bringing “big and small” together to push the boundaries of what’s possible in
well-being snacking. Since SnackFutures launched in 2018, the team has been immersed in the start-up community, traveling around
the globe to uncover trends, gain insights, understand entrepreneurs’ business challenges, and fuel the SnackFutures innovation
pipeline. The team has also created and launched five well-being brands in the U.S. and Europe including CaPao, Dirt Kitchen
Snacks, Millie Gram, NoCoé, and Ruckus and Co, and made minority investments in Uplift Food, Torr and HU – which was recently
acquired by Mondelēz International.
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Shiseido (Japan) Accelerates Digital Transformation Through Strategic
Partnership with Accenture
54
Shiseido Company, Limited has agreed on a strategic partnership with Accenture with the aim to accelerate digital marketing,
standardize and integrate business processes, systems, and data across the Group, and help employees gain high-level digital
skills. With this strategic partnership, Shiseido will accelerate transformation (DX) and respond agilely to changing customers
and market environments to innovate business model in Japan. Shiseido and Accenture will consider establishing a joint
company to smoothly promote this partnership going forward. Shiseido has launched a fundamental business transformation
and positioned premium skin beauty as its core business, aiming to become a global leader in this field by 2030 under the new
medium-to long-term strategy “WIN 2023 and Beyond.” As part of initiatives, we are striving to “accelerate conversion to a
digital-oriented business model and reinforce its structure.” Shiseido will evolve for further growth and development in
pursuit of our goal, “Be a Global Winner with Our Heritage,” by reforming business models centered on digital areas,
developing global standard ICT infrastructure and operation systems, and aggressively developing digital talents.
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SHISEIDO (Japan) MEN and FC BARCELONA Form Partnership
55
Shiseido Company, Ltd., is proud to announce the partnership between SHISEIDO MEN and world-renowned FC
BARCELONA. The two are joining forces to collaborate on the launch of the reinvigorated SHISEIDO MEN series of
highly engineered men’s skincare and makeup products. At the same time, Sergi Roberto, one of the four Captains at
FC BARCELONA, is being named as “SHISEIDO MEN ＆ FC BARCELONA Partnership Ambassador”. The
partnership with FC BARCELONA has just kicked off in early 2021 and runs for two years through to December 2022
across Japan, Greater China, Italy and Spain. As part of the agreement, SHISEIDO MEN will produce a co-branded
content series with the Club revolving around the first team players’ lifestyle and a movie featuring Sergi Roberto.
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I-Byte Retail & Consumer Goods March 2021

I-Byte Retail & Consumer Goods March 2021

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