How we conduct our business
Working with our Suppliers
In Great Britain, we conduct business with more than 7000 suppliers – 75% of which are based locally within the UK. In 2006 we spent over £600 million with suppliers of energy, raw materials, packaging, ingredients and other goods and services.
Our procurement teams focus on building relationships with our many suppliers, to ensure that we deliver the best value in terms of quality, cost, service and innovation.
We recognise that in the course of providing goods and services to our businesses, our suppliers can have a significant social and environmental impact.
Supplier Guiding Principles
As part of efforts to develop and strengthen relationships with suppliers around the world, The Coca-Cola Company operates a set of Supplier Guiding Principles.
These principles apply to all direct suppliers - including Coca-Cola Enterprises - as well as all of the other approved System bottling partners.
The Supplier Guiding Principles cover a variety of workplace policies including health and safety, wages and benefits, collective bargaining and environmental legal compliance. They form part of all new or renewed commercial agreements between CCGB and direct suppliers. We only deal with suppliers that can demonstrate compliance.
The Supplier Guiding Principles contain requirements that suppliers must comply with regarding freedom of association and collective bargaining; prohibition of child labour; the prohibition of forced labour and abuse of labour; the elimination of discrimination; work hours and wages; the provision of a safe and healthy workplace; and the protection of the environment.
For more information about The Coca-Cola Company’s Supplier Guiding Principles see:
http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/citizenship/ supplier_guiding_principles.htmlIn Great Britain, Coca-Cola Enterprises’ standard terms and conditions of service includes a clause that requires compliance with the European Convention of Human Rights.
CCE is looking to update contracts relating to ingredients and primary packaging in the near future to ensure that they include a reference to the Supplier Guiding Principles.
Managing our relationships with suppliers
Senior level responsibility for the management of relationships with our suppliers lies with CCE’s European Vice President for Procurement. They are responsible for keeping our suppliers up to date with all of our policies and procedures and for communicating all relevant information related to the expected conduct and behaviour of suppliers. Regular update meetings are held to keep our major suppliers updated on developments related to supplier conduct.
