Setting an example

Pernod Ricard aims to set an example in terms of encouraging socially-responsible alcohol consumption. The Group also expects its employees to act as ambassadors of its socially-responsible consumption policy.

The Group’s human resource management involves informing employees and ensuring their support of its values and socially-responsible consumption policy. Pernod Ricard’s employees are in fact the keystone of this policy.

The goal is two-fold:
  • ensure health and safety for all, 
  •  make sure that wines and spirits are promoted and sold in a socially-responsible fashion.  

EXEMPLARY EMPLOYEES

Adopting a code of good conduct in each subsidiary

At the beginning of 2008, the Executive Committee asked each subsidiary to draft a code of good conduct for promoting responsible alcohol consumption. These standards establish socially-responsible consumption as a behavioural norm, offer information on risky consumption habits and address the dangers of drinking and driving.

The Group’s subsidiaries around the world have undertaken a large number of initiatives to achieve its socially-responsible consumption objectives.

 
Encouraging employees to drive safely

As part of the European Road Safety Charter, Pernod Ricard is committed to:

  • promoting safe driving in European Union countries,
  • reducing the number of accidents in France.


In many countries, Pernod Ricard’s subsidiaries are launching initiatives to raise awareness among their employees:

  • drafting a good behaviour guidebook,  
  • setting up breathalyser stations,    
  • holding seminars on drink-driving, 
  • making taxis available.

PROMOTING APPROPRIATE CONSUMPTION HABITS

All employees are actively involved in reminding consumers of the importance of enjoying Pernod Ricard’s product in a responsible way.


Well-informed teams

Training courses, seminars and other local initiatives help remind employees of the objectives of the Group’s voluntary socially-responsible consumption policy.

For example, in November 2007, the employees of Malibu-Kahlúa International were made aware of this issue at a seminar on workplace ethics. They were informed of the Pernod Ricard Code and expressed their personal commitment by signing the code of ethics developed by MKI.


Technical assistance and IT tools 

Since October 2007, Pernod Ricard employees have had access to an Intranet site dedicated to responsible consumption. This portal showcases the Group’s commitment and contains reference documents. It gives special attention to highlighting subsidiaries’ best practices. 

In addition, employees have the possibility to take advantage of technical skills at the Pernod Ricard Research Centre (CRPR). It offers employees in-depth insight into the latest scientific research on alcohol and its consumption. A scientific and objective perspective is provided through questions such as “What is socially-responsible consumption? Can this be associated with specific consumption habits? Can moderate alcohol consumption have beneficial effects on health?”


Training in direct contact with consumers

Along with the Groupement Suisse des Spiritueux de Marque (GSM), Pernod Ricard Swiss participated in developing training materials devoted to vendors. The kit, called "How to say no", was created to help professionals explain to minors in an educational way why it is illegal to sell or serve alcohol to them. 

In 2007, prevention kits promoting moderate consumption were distributed to employees based in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru and Ecuador. 

In France, at major events where their brands are represented, Pernod and Ricard routinely plan awareness-raising measures. External audits are conducted to check that parties and events include prevention initiatives.

Since 2005, sales representatives have distributed a card stating “You just consumed alcohol. Check your blood alcohol level” in lively places, such as cafés, hotels and restaurants. This card is also distributed at shop events by hostesses and entertainers trained in socially-responsible sales and drinking habits. The goal is to provide customers and consumers with practical information on alcohol consumption thresholds.