PlaNet Finance Recognizes Pernod Ricard's Commitment Towards Sustainable Agriculture
Paris, December 2, 2014 /3BL Media/ -- In partnership with PlaNet Finance, Pernod Ricard implemented a sustainable and fair trade agriculture project in the Kerala region in India to help spice farmers make their activity more durable. PlaNet Finance recognized project leader Betty Joseph’s work by awarding her the prize for Sustainable Agriculture during the 7th edition of the International Microentrepreneurship Awards held last night in Paris.
Thanks to this project lead by Betty Joseph, Pernod Ricard and local partners; 100 spice farmers from the Kerala region got access to international market opportunities with Pernod Ricard Italy, as the spices are essential to the production of Ramazzotti. This sustainable agriculture initiative allowed Indian producers to diversify their farming, introducing zedoary crops and trading them fairly. Vetiver crops were also added, giving 60 women from local communities the opportunity to learn how to turn it into handicrafts and generating extra income. In total, 502 farmers have been trained on financial literacy to better manage and plan their finances.
Corporate Social Responsibility is integrated into Pernod Ricard’s business model and is declined into four areas of engagement. One of it focuses on developing local communities wherever our Group is established. Pernod Ricard works on building sustainable relationships with local partners and supporting entrepreneurship in these communities, and Betty Joseph’s award is a great example of it.
Pierre Pringuet, CEO, invited Betty Joseph today to present her project to Pernod Ricard employees and expressed his gratitude. “It’s always with pride that our Group sees its CSR commitments put into practice. Betty Joseph is leading this project successfully and enables her community to broaden its activities, and enables Pernod Ricard to benefit from this know-how”.
About PlaNet Finance
Fondation PlaNet Finance is State-approvedorganization presided by Jacques Attali. It works to combat poverty by developing microfinance and supporting microentrepreneurship following 3 development fields: furthering integration of vulnerable publics (women, youth, unwell persons), placing innovation at the center of microentrepreneurship (fair handicrafts, renewable energy, etc.), and enhancing small producers within their sector. www.fondation-planetfinance.org
About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of € 7,945 million in 2013/14. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well as Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Graffigna wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of nearly 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 80 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.
Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.
Pernod Ricard Contacts
Sylvie MACHENAUD / Director External Communications +33 (0)1 41 00 42 74
Carina ALFONSO MARTIN / Press Relations Manager +33 (0)1 41 00 43 42
