Amsterdam / Vienna, 27 February 2015 - The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and HEINEKEN the international brewer, today announced plans to work together in a range of sustainability issues that will promote inclusive growth in developing countries.
The new partnership will focus mainly on water stewardship initiatives in countries and regions classified as "water-scarce". The initiatives will directly support HEINEKEN in the delivery of its commitment to reduce water consumption to 3.3 hl/hl in breweries located in these regions. The activities will initially concentrate on breweries in Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria and Tunisia.
The partnership will also investigate opportunities to expand HEINEKEN's Supplier Development Programme to more countries in Africa as part of the company's commitment to source 60 per cent of its raw materials locally and thus improve the livelihoods of local communities. The company currently runs initiatives in nine countries covering more than 100,000 farmer families across the continent.
A third component of the partnership will be a feasibility study to identify potential renewable energy sources for breweries in Africa in order to improve both cost structure and environmental impact. It will also examine the potential to provide excess energy to local communities.
Commenting on the partnership, LI Yong, the Director General of UNIDO, said: "We look forward to working with HEINEKEN to transform the ambitious goals that we have jointly set into concrete actions. Ultimately, we want to improve the lives of people in developing countries and make a meaningful contribution to inclusive and sustainable development while, at the same time, creating flourishing markets that foster business opportunities."
Sean O'Neill, Chief Corporate Relations Officer of HEINEKEN, said: "This international partnership with UNIDO will help us deliver the commitments that lie at the heart of our Brewing a Better World philosophy. More important, it supports our desire to create an approach to inclusive growth across all of our stakeholders."
-Ends-
For more information, please contact:
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO):
Barbara Kreissler
e-mail: B.Kreissler@unido.org
Tel: + 43 1 260 26 3420
HEINEKEN:
Christine van Waveren
e-mail: pressoffice@heineken.com
Tel: +31-20-5239-355
Notes to editors:
About HEINEKEN
HEINEKEN is the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken® brand, the Group has a powerful portfolio of more than 250 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through "Brewing a Better World", sustainability is embedded in the business and delivers value for all stakeholders. HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We employ 81,000 people and operate more than 160 breweries in 70 countries. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares trade on the NYSE Euronext in Amsterdam. HEINEKEN has two sponsored level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programmes: Heineken N.V. (OTCQX: HEINY) and Heineken Holding N.V. (OTCQX: HKHHY). Most recent information is available on HEINEKEN's website: www.theHEINEKENcompany.com and follow us via @HEINEKENCorp.
About Brewing a Better World
For more information about HEINEKEN's sustainability ambitions please go to http://www.theheinekencompany.com/sustainability
Attached image with photo caption
Vienna, 27 February 2015 - Pictured, (l) LI Yong, the Director General of UNIDO and (r) Sean O'Neill, Chief Corporate Relations Officer of HEINEKEN at the official signing ceremony of the partnership between UNIDO and HEINEKEN to support sustainability in developing markets.
