EABL, Coca-Cola commit to responsible sourcing standards

NAIROBI, KENYA: Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, East African Breweries Limited (EABL) and The Coca-Cola Company, have committed to operate within responsible sourcing standards.

Speaking at a supplier forum held in Nairobi under the umbrella of the AIM-PROGRESS initiative, EABL’s Group Managing Director and CEO Charles Ireland emphasised the importance of cultivating strong business principles in guaranteeing sustainable success.

“Compliance and ethics form an integral part of any responsible business that wishes to be benchmarked on global standards. At EABL we are committed to embedding these values and workings with our suppliers to ensure compliance and assist them improve their activities,” he said.

Speaking on responsible sourcing, EABL’s Head of Procurement Joyce Gathigi added: “Our desire as EABL is to do this in a collaborative way and to work with our suppliers, other consumer goods companies, and industry associations like AIM PROGRESS on this agenda.”

The forum brought together regional stakeholders and more than 100 representatives from the supplier community in East Africa to discuss the importance of responsible sourcing, share best practices and to agree on common evaluation methods to improve performance in the manufacturing sector.

Focus areas discussed at the forum highlighted compliance with labour laws, health and safety standards, environment standards and upholding utmost business integrity to promote responsible sourcing through common and mutually accepted supply chain standards.

Wednesday’s forum follows the inaugural event held in October 2011 when the companies came together with the supplier community to forge a common front in adopting responsible sourcing standards.