INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2020/2021

3. Corporate Social Responsibility

Guaranteeing non-discrimination and gender equality

The Group’s human resources teams support each employee with his or her career and offer protection to those who need it. The Group draws its abundant cultural and ethnic diversity from its countries of operation. Accordingly, the teams responsible for recruitment strive to establish a diverse pool of talent, all passionate about the brands, and whose expertise, creativity and intelligence enhance the Group’s identity and the flavours of its products.

Rémy Cointreau’s sites supported this inclusion movement through new schemes in 2020:

  • creation of a Diversity Council for the Americas, with the establishment of a foundational plan on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion;
  • launch of an enhanced rewards and recognition programme to encourage inclusion at Mount Gay;
  • formation of a working group of seven teams to discuss non-discrimination and diversity in South East Asia, identifying practical actions to be implemented, etc.

Proof of its commitment to gender equality at work: Rémy Cointreau’s French sites scored 83/100 on the Equality 2020 index.

Bruichladdich Distillery implementeda strong community enterprise programme. It promotes career opportunities for the 98 employees on the Isle of Islay, maximises social benefits and training programmes, and favours local suppliers wherever possible. These measures allowed it to become the first European distillery to obtain B Corporation (B-Corp)certification of excellence, following a stringent validation process. 

«After 15 months of intense work and rigorous examination we stand here, not only as the first single malt Scotch whisky distillery to be B-Corp certified, but as the first whisky and gin company in Europe to attain B-Corp status. I’ve been asked what the benefit is to us, but that’s not important. Being a certified B-Corp business is validation that the transparent, sustainable, community minded business we’ve been running since 2001 is a worthwhile project. We are excited to now be officially part of a global movement of leaders using business as a force for good, standing shoulder to shoulder, and working together to create a more inclusive and sustainable economy.»

Douglas Taylor, 
Chief Executive Officer of Bruichladdich Distillery.