POLICY

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION POLICY

Context

We are determined to create value for all stakeholders by supporting the socio-economic development of the companies in which the company operates. As part of our community engagement strategy, charitable contributions are an essential element of this value creation. Over the years, our charitable giving and other community investments have evolved from isolated philanthropic initiatives to long-term, group-scale programs that are closely tied to business priorities and relevant issues. While we continue to work on issues of local relevance in specific markets, particularly with regard to emergency relief, we have prioritized three key policy areas across all our markets:

  • Empowerment of young people and women;
  • Achieving a World Without Waste;
  • Creation of responsible water management initiatives.

This policy has been established to define the scopes, processes and controls to be applied so that charitable actions are carried out with fairness, diligence and reflect our core values and approach to the community.

Scope

This policy sets out the principles and requirements for making charitable contributions in the priority policy areas outlined above and applies to all business units and employees of Coca-Cola HBC. The term "charitable contributions," as used in this policy, refers to monetary or in-kind donations (products), grants, and pro bono support. Any charitable contribution must comply with Coca-Cola HBC's Code of Business Conduct, The Coca-Cola Company's Anti-Corruption Policy, The Coca-Cola Company's Responsible Marketing Policy, and all other applicable rules and regulations.

This policy does not cover requests for commercial sponsorship, marketing activities related to social causes, other donations that fall under local policies regarding gifts and entertainment, or charitable contributions made by employees in their personal capacity.

Objective

We recognize the diversity of people, cultures, and social needs. Through charitable contributions, we aim to inspire a better quality of life through long-term sustainable support for the chosen beneficiaries. In addition, we support our employees' involvement in charitable contributions and community engagement.

Selection criteria

All recipients of Coca-Cola HBC's charitable contributions must be registered nonprofit organizations, certified schools, hospitals, or other academic or social institutions. We prefer organizations that:

  • Have publicly communicated long-term goals and objectives;
  • Are committed to sustainable development;
  • Are recognized experts in the sector for which the charitable contribution is made;
  • Promote stakeholder involvement and volunteering;
  • Be transparent about their activities and report on them publicly.

Coca-Cola HBC will not make charitable contributions to:

  • Individuals, religious, political or legislative organizations;
  • Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, disability, or political affiliation;
  • Organizations that do not fully respect human rights according to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and ILO conventions;
  • Organizations directly involved in gambling, armaments, tobacco, and recreational or illegal drugs, except those specifically dedicated to combating drug addiction or abuse;
  • Local professional sports, family reunions, beauty pageants, or commercial shows;
  • Organizations that conflict with Coca-Cola HBC's corporate principles and Code of Conduct;
  • Projects with a negative impact on the environment or biodiversity;
  • Entities with a compromised reputation or who do not enjoy good standing with the authorities;
  • Projects that create the appearance of a bribe, favor, other corrupt practices, or that require confidentiality about the contribution.

All charitable contributions are made at the discretion of Coca-Cola HBC. Coca-Cola HBC reserves the right to refuse any request for support.

Governance

In accordance with our Anti-Corruption Policy, Coca-Cola HBC's charitable contributions are authorized by the country's Chief Executive Officer or Group Executive Team Members. Any decision regarding a charitable contribution will be approved in accordance with the Group Authorities Table.

Before agreeing to make a contribution, you must notify Coca-Cola HBC's Ethics and Compliance Officer in writing to verify whether the contribution involves interactions with Public Officials. In such a case, prior written approval from the Ethics and Compliance Officer is required.

All contributions must be documented in writing, including purpose, objectives, recipient, eligibility criteria, amount, payment terms, and other relevant information.

Coca-Cola HBC has standard terms for payments which extend to charitable contributions. All payments must be properly recorded in the company's Anti-Bribery General Ledger Accounts.

Reviews

Coca-Cola HBC ensures that grantees comply with the terms and objectives of Coca-Cola HBC's Corporate Contribution Policy. The company maintains a regular dialogue with beneficiary organizations to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of charitable contributions, improve the management of existing projects, and identify future opportunities.

We are committed to communicating our charitable contributions and broader community engagement to employees and the public to encourage employee and stakeholder involvement in volunteer initiatives.

 

Steinhausen, 18 December 2020
Sean O'Neill
Director of Public Affairs and Group Communications
Coca-Cola HBC AG