Kellogg's and Mondelez named in Dow Jones Sustainability Index
14 Sep 2017 --- The Kellogg Company and Mondelez International have both been named in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, an independent validation of the important work the food giants are carrying out in the area of corporate responsibility. The DJSI serves as a benchmark for investors who recognize sustainable business practices as a critical component to generating long-term shareholder value.
Through environmental, social, governmental and ethical-centered efforts, Kellogg has earned its spot in the US and globally, as one of the best-in-class corporations for sustainable business practices.
“This recognition reflects the tremendous work we have done in the areas of governance, environmental sustainability, and giving back to our communities. We pride ourselves in our ability to deliver for the business, while being a company with a heart and soul, and living our founder's values,” says John Bryant, Chairman and CEO.
“Being recognized for our leadership with DJSI reinforces to investors that our foods and brands are driving sustainability while delivering growth for the company. Kellogg is excelling in supporting nutrition, environmental and social initiatives with innovations like Ragi Chocos in India, partnerships with retailers like Walmart on sustainable agriculture, and our continued efforts through Breakfasts for Better Days, our signature cause platform,” adds Clive Sirkin, Chief Growth Officer.
Meanwhile, Mondelez International's overall score was in the 92nd percentile of its industry. The company also achieved perfect scores of 100 in environmental reporting and health and nutrition.
“We're proud of our continued strong performance in the DJSI World Index,” said Christine McGrath, Chief Sustainability, Well-Being and Public & Government Affairs Officer. “Our company's future success is rooted in helping people snack in balance and enjoy life. People want snacks that are made with less energy, water, and waste; in safe working environments for employees and suppliers; and with ingredients they know and feel good about.”
For the 2017 assessment, the world's largest 3,500 companies from developed and emerging markets were invited to take part. Only companies scoring among the top 10 percent per industry were eligible for the World Index, while companies in the top 20 percent per industry were eligible for the North America index.
Launched in 1999, the DJSI World Index is the first global index to track and rate companies on a variety of environmental, social and governance factors. A cumulative score determines inclusion in the DJSI.
In this year's survey, Kellogg received high scores for its work in improving access and nutrition, environmental sustainability, and philanthropy. Progress in these areas include:
- Expanding its product portfolio to address hidden hunger by increasing affordability and access in emerging markets;
- Continuing industry leadership on diversity and inclusion;
- Progressing on the company’s Science Based Targets on emissions for its global footprint, including its supply chain; to date, the company has engaged 60 percent of its supplier spend on emissions reporting;
- It is reaching 294,000 farmers through programs, research and technical assistance focused on climate smart agriculture;
- Kellogg was one of the first US-based companies to join Champions 12.3 and to become a US Food Loss and Waste champion;
- Creating three billion better days through Kellogg's Breakfasts for Better Days signature cause platform.
Golden Agri-Resources also included in Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
Golden Agri-Resources (GAR) has been included in the 2017 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) (Asia-Pacific) in recognition for its corporate sustainability leadership within its industry. This marks the first time that GAR is made a member of the DJSI which was launched in 1999. GAR is the only Southeast Asian palm oil company to be included in the Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector in Asia-Pacific. It is also one of five Singapore-listed companies in the index.
“We are proud to achieve international recognition for the efforts and resources we have put into ensuring responsible palm oil production. This will help spur us to continue to make sustainability an integral part of how we do business,” says Agus Purnomo, Managing Director of Sustainability and Strategic Stakeholder Engagement.
“Achieving membership of the DJSI is a significant milestone for us and demonstrates that GAR is serious when it comes to implementing responsible palm oil practices. Through our active participation in the assessment for DJSI, we are also trying to align what we do with global best practices,” said Rafael B. Concepcion Jr., Chief Financial Officer.
