I-Byte Retail & Consumer Goods April 2021

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I-Bytes
Retail & Consumer Goods
April Edition 2021
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Table of Contents
1. Financial, M & A Updates...................................................................................................................................1
2. Solution Updates.................................................................................................................................................14
3. Rewards and Recognition Updates...................................................................................................................34
4. Customer Success Updates................................................................................................................................36
5. Partnership Ecosystem Updates.......................................................................................................................39
6. Environment & Social Updates.........................................................................................................................57
7. Miscellaneous Updates.......................................................................................................................................76

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Financial, M & A Updates
Retail & Consumer Goods Industry

Financial, M&A Updates
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Burlington Stores Inc. (USA) Reports Fourth Quarter 2020 Results
• Total sales increased 4% to $2,279 million, and comparable store sales were flat. While comparable store sales were down
10% in November due to unfavorable weather, comparable store sales trends improved significantly thereafter, improving to
flat in December and to a 17% increase in January, as weather normalized and federal stimulus payments were disbursed.
• Gross margin rate was 42.5% vs. last year’s rate of 42.1%, an increase of 40 basis points. Merchandise margins increased
110 basis points, driven primarily by lower markdowns, more than offsetting a 70-basis point increase in freight costs.
• Product sourcing costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A), were $143 million in
the fourth quarter vs. $89 million in last year’s fourth quarter. Product sourcing costs include the costs of processing goods
through our supply chain and buying costs. The increase was driven primarily by higher supply chain costs, due to higher wages
and COVID-19 related costs.
• SG&A increased $110 million to $705 million for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020. Adjusted SG&A was $554 million vs.
$499 million last year, due to higher store related and corporate costs, partially offset by lower marketing expense.
• The effective tax rate was 17.1% vs. 24.0% in last year’s fourth quarter. The Adjusted Effective Tax Rate was 20.0% vs.
last year’s fourth quarter Adjusted Effective Tax Rate of 23.8%.
• Net income was $156 million, or $2.33 per share vs. net income of $206 million, or $3.08 per share for the fourth quarter
last year, and Adjusted Net Income was $163 million, or $2.44 per share vs. $215 million, or $3.21 per share last year. This
decrease in Adjusted Net Income was due primarily to higher product sourcing and COVID-19 related costs.
• Diluted shares outstanding amounted to 67.0 million at the end of the quarter, flat compared with the end of last year’s
fourth quarter. From the end of the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2019 through the suspension of our share repurchase program
announced on March 19, 2020, the Company repurchased approximately 0.2 million shares under the program.
• Adjusted EBITDA decreased $69 million from last year’s fourth quarter to $280 million. Adjusted EBIT decreased $70
million below the prior year period to $224 million. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT were driven by the
same factors described above that drove the decline in Adjusted Net Income.
Executive Commentary
Burlington CEO, stated, “We saw comparable store sales improve sequentially as the quarter progressed, starting with a
double-digit decline in November, improving to flat in December, and then accelerating to double digit growth in January.
I was pleased with how we navigated this trend, and utilized core Burlington 2.0 strategies – chasing sales, buying
opportunistically and operating with leaner inventories. Looking ahead, the retail environment is likely to remain
unpredictable for some time. We are planning 2021 comparable store sales conservatively but will manage liquidity to
chase sales if the trend is stronger.”
1
Key Financial Highlights

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CarMax (USA) to Acquire Remaining Stake in Edmunds
CarMax, Inc. the nation’s largest and most profitable retailer of used
autos, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire
Edmunds, one of the most well established and trusted online guides
for automotive information and a recognized industry leader in digital
car shopping innovations. With this acquisition, CarMax and
Edmunds accelerate their respective capabilities to deliver an
enhanced digital experience to their customers by leveraging
Edmunds’ compelling content and technology, CarMax’s unparalleled
national scale and infrastructure, and the combined talent of both
companies. Following the closing of the transaction, Edmunds will
continue to operate independently and will remain focused on
delivering confidence to consumers and exceptional value to its dealer
and OEM clients.
“We are excited to bring the iconic Edmunds brand, history of
innovation, and exceptional technology and creative talent into the
CarMax family,” said CarMax’s President and Chief Executive
Officer. “Our partnership to date has proven to be an outstanding
combination as we’ve developed innovative products and advanced
our shared commitment to delivering the highest quality online
experience. We look forward to supporting and investing in
Edmunds’ continued growth and are excited about the many
opportunities ahead for both CarMax and Edmunds.”
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CarMax (USA) Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2021 Results
• Net sales and operating revenues increased 4.1% to $5.16 billion when compared with the prior year
fourth quarter. Net earnings decreased 2.3% to $209.9 million and net earnings per diluted share decreased
2.3% to $1.27 compared with the prior year quarter.
• Total used unit sales and unit sales in comparable stores decreased 0.9% and 2.3%, respectively, and
wholesale units decreased 1.2% when compared with the prior year quarter. Total used, comparable store
unit, and wholesale unit sales were positive for the quarter when excluding the impact of calendar shifts.
Sales impacted by the delay in tax refunds and severe weather.
• On a two-year stack, total used and comparable store unit sales were up 13.8% and 8.7%, respectively.
• Robust used unit sales growth in March 2021 when compared with COVID-impacted March 2020 and
a record March 2019. Increase supported by the initial distribution of tax refund and stimulus checks,
improved weather, and favorable customer response to digital enhancements and strategic initiatives.
• CarMax Auto Finance (CAF) income increased 68.2% due to the combined effects of favorable loan
loss performance, higher net interest margin and an increase in average managed receivables.
• Three-quarters of our customers advanced their transaction digitally, with approximately 25% of our
customers eligible to buy a vehicle online independently.
• Completed nationwide rollout of online instant appraisal offer on carmax.com, positioning us to
become the largest online buyer of used autos from consumers and strengthening our leadership as the
largest used auto buyer from consumers.
• Signed a definitive agreement to acquire Edmunds, further strengthening our role and reach across the
used auto ecosystem while adding exceptional technology and creative talent.
“We are extremely proud of what we have accomplished this year and how the strategic changes we
have made to our business position us for accelerated growth across retail, wholesale and CarMax
Auto Finance,” said president and chief executive officer. “Our omni-channel experience and Love
Your Car Guarantee further enhance the most customer-centric offering on the market today.
Additionally, the rapid adoption of our online instant appraisal offer positions us to become the largest
online buyer of used autos from consumers. The acquisition of Edmunds will further strengthen the
role and reach of both companies.”
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Constellation Brands (USA) Announces Commitment To Invest $10 Million In
‘Clear Vision Impact Fund’ To Support Black And Minority-Owned Businesses
Constellation Brands, Inc. a leading beverage alcohol company, announced a commitment to invest
$10 million in the Clear Vision Impact Fund, LP, a newly-formed investment vehicle founded by
Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC – the only U.S. investment bank certified as a women and
minority-owned enterprise. The Clear Vision Impact Fund’s objective is to make investments in
minority-owned businesses, with an emphasis on African American/Black-owned businesses;
businesses that operate in or serve underserved, predominantly African American and Latinx, markets;
and businesses that foster inclusive growth. According to small business financing company Guidant
Financial’s analysis of African American/Black-owned businesses in 2020, lack of cash flow or capital
is cited as one of the main challenges facing Black entrepreneurs. In addition, minority-owned firms
often face lending discrimination. The National Community Reinvestment Coalition, an organization
that works to champion fairness and end discrimination in lending, housing and business, found that
in 44 percent of tests, Black business lending applicants received disparate treatment from lenders,
including discouraging Black firms from applying for a loan and requiring additional information of
Black firms compared to White firms. Constellation’s investment in the fund is part of the company’s
commitment to invest $100 million in African American/Black and minority-owned businesses by
2030, a component of the company’s multi-initiative racial justice action plan aimed at achieving
greater equity for African American/Black and minority colleagues at Constellation, within the
beverage alcohol industry, and within the communities where the company operates.
“Minority-owned businesses are under-represented in our industry and many other business
segments as pervasive and systemic barriers have existed for these companies and their leaders
for far too long,” said Constellation Brands’ president and chief executive officer. “We remain
committed to doing our part to help remove such barriers and we’re proud to partner with Siebert
Williams Shank & Co. and other companies that have joined this effort. Working together, we can
provide greater access to capital and opportunity for minority-owned businesses as well as the
employees and communities they support.”
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Ingredion (USA) Expands Specialty Ingredient Portfolio with Acquisition of
KaTech
Ingredion Incorporated a leading global provider of ingredient
solutions to the food and beverage industry, announced that it has
acquired KaTech, a privately held company headquartered in Lübeck,
Germany that provides advanced texture and stabilization solutions to
the food and beverage industry. The acquisition complements
Ingredion’s existing specialty ingredient portfolio by expanding its
Food Systems platform with a comprehensive suite of innovative
solutions that assist food and beverage manufacturers with product
formulation, ingredient functionality and technical assistance. Terms
of the acquisition were not disclosed.
“KaTech has deep food formulation expertise which complements
our leading texture business in Europe,” said Ingredion's president
and chief executive officer. “The addition of KaTech enhances our
ability to formulate customized, complete food solutions
leveraging Ingredion’s expanded ingredient portfolio. It also
expands the geographic footprint of our Food Systems growth
platform complementing our positions in the U.S. and Asia.”
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Mondelēz International (USA) Acquires Grenade, A Leading Uk Performance
Nutrition Company
Mondelēz International announced an agreement to acquire a significant
majority interest in Grenade, a leading UK performance nutrition pioneer in
the fast-growing high protein bar segment. Terms of the transaction were
not disclosed. Grenade is one of the category leaders in high-protein bars,
and its Carb Killa® has been the best-selling product in the segment since
2016 with a growing presence in the UK and availability across other
regions including North America and Asia Pacific. Grenade was founded by
Alan and Juliet Barratt in 2010 with a simple mission to become the number
one brand in sports nutrition products. With strong historic performance,
solid growth and share gains, Grenade has a strong eCommerce presence
with approximately 25 percent of its sales from online channels. Over the
years, Grenade has broadened its consumer base and launched new
products including high-protein, low-sugar bars and has innovated into new
adjacencies including shakes, spreads and cookies.
"Grenade's great-tasting, on-trend products are a great platform for
Mondelēz International in the UK market and beyond," said Dirk
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Mondelēz International. "This is
another exciting opportunity to deliver on our strategy to be a global
leader in broader snacking, including in the important area of
well-being."
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Mondelēz International (USA) Acquires Australian Premium Cracker Company
Gourmet Food Holdings
Mondelēz International announced it has entered into an agreement
to acquire Gourmet Food Holdings Pty Ltd, a leading Australian
food company with a strong position in the attractive premium
biscuit and cracker category. Terms of the transaction were not
disclosed. Gourmet Food’s brands, including OB finest, Olina’s
Bakehouse and Crispbic, have grown to become category leaders in
the premium crackers and biscuits segments throughout Australia
and New Zealand (ANZ) through on-trend innovations, including
health and well-being offerings.
“This is a great strategic asset for us in a very important market,”
said Dirk Chairman and CEO of Mondelēz International. “With
our iconic biscuit brands such as Oreo and belVita, as well as our
leadership in chocolate with Cadbury, this acquisition will
accelerate our broader snacking leadership in Australia and New
Zealand.”
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Sojitz (Japan) Invests in VLP Therapeutics, Inc., a U.S. Developer of
Next-generation Vaccines
Sojitz Corporation has invested in VLP Therapeutics, Inc. a U.S. biotechnology company conducting R&D of
vaccines for Covid-19, malaria, dengue fever, and cancer. Sojitz will acquire stake in the company through a
third-party allotment of shares via VLPT’s Series A round. VLPT was established in 2013 with the mission to develop
innovative medical treatments that transform traditional vaccine therapies in order to address unmet global medical
needs. The company’s CEO, Dr. Wataru Akahata, founded VLPT after serving as a senior researcher at the Vaccine
Research Center at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Utilizing Dr. Akahata’s proprietary platform
technology of virus-like particles (VLPs), VLPT conducts R&D of therapeutic vaccines for cancer treatment, as well
as preventative vaccines for infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Covid-19. Through this funding,
Sojitz will help speed R&D of VLPT’s therapeutic vaccines for cancer treatment in the U.S., with the aim of
accelerating clinical trials and practical application of these vaccines.
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Pernod Ricard (France) to acquire majority stake in La Hechicera ultra-premium
Colombian rum
Pernod Ricard is delighted to announce the signing of an agreement for the
acquisition of a majority stake in La Hechicera, a Colombian ultra-premium rum
launched in 2012 by Miguel and Laura, members of the long-established
spirit-producing Riascos family, along with their friend Martamaria Carrillo. The
family has been in the rum business for three generations with Casa Santana Ron
y Licores. La Hechicera became a gold standard in upmarket rum, thanks to its
multi-award winning La Hechicera Reserva Familiar, a blend of rums without
added sugar, aged in former bourbon barrels made of American white oak. The
brand’s unique craftmanship makes La Hechicera one of the most exclusive
high-end rums. Two other experimental and innovative rums have since
complemented the La Hechicera range: Serie Experimental # 1, finished in
Muscat casks and Serie Experimental # 2, naturally infused with organic banana.
The brand is already popular among rum enthusiasts, not only in its native
Colombia, but also in several international markets such as Europe and the US, as
well as in Global Travel Retail.
The brand’s co-founder and Managing Director, declares: “Due to its previous
successful collaborations, Pernod Ricard has shown itself to be the partner of
choice for La Hechicera. Pernod Ricard’s passion for terroir and its extensive
distribution network will ensure that our brand remains true to its Colombian
roots and the vision of its creators, while reaching new consumers.”
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Snap-on (USA) Acquires Dealer-FX Group, Inc.
Snap-on Incorporated a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer
of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information, and systems solutions for
professional users performing critical tasks, announced that it has acquired
Dealer-FX Group, Inc. based in Markham, Ontario, for approximately $200
million in cash. Dealer‑FX is a leading developer, marketer, and provider of
service operations software solutions for automotive original equipment
manufacturer (“OEM”) customers and their dealers. Dealer-FX specializes in
software as a service (SaaS) management systems, communications platforms
and extensive data integrations, and offers a digitized solution that increases
dealership productivity and enhances the vehicle owners’ service experience.
This acquisition complements and expands on Snap-on’s existing OEM and
dealership business in its Repair Systems & Information Group that provides
electronic parts catalogs, essential tool and diagnostics programs, and custom
analytics to OEMs and more than 50,000 dealerships, globally.
“Dealer-FX extends our strategic visibility into new technologies and
platforms as they enter the vehicle parc, expands the reach of our shop
management software, and enhances our expertise with respect to
dealership service and repair operations. We believe Dealer-FX will
magnify our current capabilities across the Repair Systems & Information
Group,” said Snap-on chairman and chief executive officer.
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Sojitz Group (Japan) Acquires a 100% Ownership Interest in a Railcar
Leasing Company in North America
Sojitz Corporation has acquired a 100% ownership interest in Southwest Rail Industries Inc. through Sojitz Corporation of America, a fully-owned
subsidiary of Sojitz. SRI is a U.S. company that operates a railcar leasing business headquartered in Texas. SRI was founded in 1998 from the spin-off of a
rail leasing company founded by Bob Huette in 1981. SRI leases and manages over 4000 railcars, which mainly consist of tank cars and covered hopper
cars. The railcar leasing company’s strength lies in its ability to provide lessees with quality customer service, quick answers and the ability to tailor leases
to fit customer’s needs. SRI also has extended services to manage owner operator rail assets and broker excess equipment with our existing customer base.
SRI’s railcars transport a variety of ladings such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), asphalt, solvents, lube oils, fine chemicals, fertilizers and minerals. SRI
has successfully established its customer base throughout the United States and Canada and continues to grow new customer relations every year. In North
America, one of the world’s largest freight rail markets, rail-based transportation has been essential to both the economy and society, with rail transportation
reaching up to 43% of all freight transportation in the U.S.*² Consequently, rail freight volumes have remained stable even during the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic. Freight rail is well ahead of other modes of transportation in limiting greenhouse gas emissions, with roughly one-eleventh of the carbon
footprint (g-CO2 per ton kilometer) of trucks. Freight rail transportation is one vehicle that can contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society, and
freight rail industries and railcar leasing sector are therefore expected to expand with continued mid-to long-term growth.
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Ulta (USA) Beauty Announces Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results
• Net sales decreased 4.6% to $2.2 billion compared to $2.3 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 due to the impact of COVID-19.
• Comparable sales (sales for stores open at least 14 months, including stores temporarily closed due to COVID-19, and e-commerce sales)
decreased 4.8% compared to an increase of 4.0% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, transactions declined
12.2%, and average ticket increased 8.3%.
• Gross profit decreased 4.4% to $771.0 million compared to $806.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. As a percentage of net sales,
gross profit increased to 35.1% compared to 35.0% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, primarily due to improvement in merchandise margins
driven by lower promotional activity and enhanced merchandising strategies, partially offset by channel mix shifts and deleverage in fixed costs
due to lower sales.
• SG&A expenses decreased to $514.1 million compared to $515.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. As a percentage of net sales,
SG&A expenses increased to 23.4% compared to 22.4% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, primarily due higher marketing expenses, higher
corporate overhead expenses, personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-related expenses, and the deleverage of variable store expenses
due to lower sales, partially offset by leverage related to the store payroll and benefits.
• Impairment, restructuring and other costs of $30.4 million includes $13.2 million related to the suspension of the planned expansion to
Canada, $10.0 million due to employee severance costs, $5.6 million lease termination costs related to the permanent closure of 19 stores, and
$1.5 million due to the impairment of tangible long-lived assets and operating lease assets associated with certain retail stores.
• Pre-opening expenses decreased to $2.2 million compared to $3.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 due to current quarter real
estate activity and stores expected to open in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Real estate activity in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 included two
new stores and two relocations compared to 13 new stores and two relocations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.
• Operating income decreased to $224.3 million, or 10.2% of net sales, compared to $287.8 million, or 12.5% of net sales, in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2019. Adjusted operating income was $254.7 million, or 11.6% of net sales.
• Tax rate increased to 23.4% compared to 22.7% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The higher effective tax rate is primarily due to less
investment tax credits received.
• Net income was $171.5 million compared to $222.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Adjusted net income was $193.4 million
compared to $219.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.
• Diluted earnings per share was $3.03 compared to $3.89 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $3.41
compared to $3.83 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.
“The Ulta Beauty team delivered better-than-expected results for the fourth quarter. Strong, enterprise-wide execution of our plans,
combined with improving trends in consumer demand, resulted in solid results across multiple metrics, including sales, transactions and
profitability,” said chief executive officer. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to all Ulta Beauty associates for their continued
flexibility, collaboration and unwavering commitment to our guests and each other.”
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Solutions Updates

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Barry Callebaut (Switzerland) announces opening of its new chocolate
factory in Baramati, India
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Solution Description
The Barry Callebaut Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, announced the official opening of its new
chocolate and compound manufacturing facility, located in Baramati, India. Barry Callebaut’s new factory is located about 250 km south-east of
Mumbai and represents its biggest investment in India to date. The new chocolate factory and warehouse include an R&D lab and assembly lines
capable of manufacturing chocolate and compound in different delivery formats, catering to the various needs of its customers – international food
manufacturers, local confectioneries and semi-industrial bakers and patisseries. Once fully operational, the 20,000 square meter facility will employ
between 100 to 120 people, thus creating new skilled jobs, mainly in engineering and production. The new plant also features a variety of energy and
water-saving solutions in the areas of infrastructure, production equipment and the overall facility energy control system. In addition to the new
chocolate factory in Baramati, Barry Callebaut’s production network in India includes another chocolate factory in Pune (Maharashtra) and a specialties
and decorations factory, also located in Baramati. Together with its existing CHOCOLATE ACADEMY™ Center and sales office in Mumbai, the
company is well positioned to expand its work with customers to co-create innovative chocolate for local consumers. Over the last four years, Barry
Callebaut has seen double-digit growth in India, along with an enthusiastic consumer response towards innovative chocolate such as Ruby chocolate.
Demand for high-quality chocolate has been rising, which has prompted a concurrent increase in domestic chocolate production.

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Bed Bath & Beyond (USA) Reveals Next Step In 3 Year Transformation With
Launch Of At Least Eight Customer Inspired Owned Brands In 2021
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Bed Bath & Beyond announced the biggest change in its product assortment in a generation, with plans to launch at least eight new Owned Brands
in fiscal 2021, with six of these being launched sequentially in the first six months of the fiscal year. Marking another major step in its recently
announced comprehensive growth strategy, the Company will launch thousands of new products available only at Bed Bath & Beyond to drive
differentiation, preference, and authority in the $180 billion Home market. These Owned Brands will connect with the core customer and category
segments across bed, bath, kitchen/dining, storage/organization, and home décor, all key destination categories for the Bed Bath & Beyond banner
that represent over 60% of its revenue. The Company will also launch its first cross-category, opening price point Owned Brand, with the first six
new Owned Brand assortments launching ahead of the important Back to College and Holiday seasons. Bed Bath & Beyond is number one in terms
of consumer brand association in bed, bath and kitchen, as well as a leader in other home categories. The Company expects its new Owned Brands
to further enhance its authority in these key destination categories that have been driving growth throughout 2020. The sales penetration of Owned
Brands is expected to grow from approximately 10% to approximately 30% within the first three years, and drive improvement in gross margin as
a result of the Company's ability to strategically design to cost, source at scale and provide great everyday value.

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Essity (Sweden) launches menstrual cup in the Nordics under its Libresse
brand
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Hygiene and health company Essity is continuing to expand its range toward more sustainable products through the
launch of Libresse® V-Cup, a reusable menstrual cup, in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Libresse® V-Cup is
a compliment to the brand’s assortment providing an opportunity for women to choose the product that best suits their
lifestyle. Essity has previously launched menstrual cups in Latin America. Essity is one of the world’s largest
manufacturers of feminine care products, the third largest in Europe and the market leader in Latin America. The
company offers a broad product range, including pads, panty liners, tampons, intimate soaps, intimate wipes and
washable absorbent underwear under well-known brands such as Libresse, Bodyform, Nana, Saba and Nosotras.
Libresse® V-Cup is made from 100% soft medical-grade silicone. The menstrual cup’s soft material and form help it
to remain securely in place, offering protection for up to 12 hours. It is reusable and durable, and therefore helps to
reduce the amount of waste.

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Colruyt Group (Belgium) launches new online promotions platform
‘Deals!’
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Colruyt Group launches the new online promo platform Deals! with strong volume promotions on a changing selection of A-brand
products. The platform is an addition to the existing promo deals of the various Colruyt Group store formulas. Deals! is offered via
Collect&Go, the Group's online shopping service. New promos will be launched for customers on Deals! every week. On the new
promo platform customers benefit from strong promotions on large volumes of pet food, care and maintenance products, detergent,
paper products and baby items. The deals will always involve A brands. The first-come-first-served principle will be applied; if you
don’t want to miss out, don't wait until the last day to order. The Colruyt Lowest Prices shop formula is, of course, already strong in
offering volume discounts: customers often enjoy 33% or more off the fixed product range. In that respect, the new promo platform
Deals! is a further addition to Colruyt’s current offer. Deals! works with a limited and fast changing assortment on which it can offer
very strong promos at high volumes. Moreover, it will often be a different fragrance of perfume or deodorant or detergent with a
different packaging than what customers can find in the physical or online Colruyt stores.

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A brand-new Colruyt (Belgium) Lowest Prices opens in Bilzen
18
A brand-new Colruyt Lowest Prices store opens its doors with a Collect&Go pick-up point along Maastrichterstraat 18
in Bilzen. From then on, you can enjoy the lowest prices in the region in Bilzen. The store, with apartments on the street
side, is a nice addition to the neighbourhood. Colruyt Bilzen is a spacious store (1,513 m²) with a broad range of quality
products, national brands as well as private labels. The store is equipped with a Collect&Go pick-up point. Collect&Go
is Colruyt Group's handy online shopping service. Customers send their shopping list to collectandgo.be or via the app,
and the co-workers have their products ready at the pick-up point on the day and time of their choice. Colruyt always
focuses on sustainability, so also when they built the new store in Bilzen. It is a low-energy store generating its own
energy by means of solar panels. The residual heat released from the cooling installations is recovered, which means
the store emits 90 % fewer greenhouse gasses. The car park has charging posts for electric vehicles.

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Hershey (USA): Introducing the Most Delicious Mystery Of 2021: New
Twizzlers Twists Mystery Flavor
19
Everyone loves a little mystery, so the TWIZZLERS brand is bringing some fun and flavor by launching the first-ever
TWIZZLERS Twists Mystery Flavor. The new flavor is sure to be the most delicious mystery of 2021 and is the perfect
snack for consumers to chew on. The TWIZZLERS brand was inspired to ignite a flavorful mystery with this latest
innovation, offering a taste so mysterious consumers may have to go through more than a few Twists before they guess
right.

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Hershey (USA): Cadbury Brand Announces 10 Finalists In 2021 Cadbury
Bunny Tryouts
20
The Cadbury brand is proud to announce the top 10 finalists of the 2021 Cadbury Bunny Tryouts! The current Cadbury
Bunny, Lieutenant Dan, along with his team of trusted advisors, is getting ready to pass his ears. The Cadbury brand
team and Lieutenant Dan reviewed thousands of noteworthy submissions and narrowed it down to the top 10
contenders. Now it's time for America to vote and help determine who will earn the coveted Bunny ears and star in the
2021 Cadbury Clucking Bunny Easter commercial. With no shortage of creativity or personality, these lovable pets
caught the attention of the Cadbury team out of over 12,000 entries nationwide. Voting is now open to the public
through March 17th. Visit cadburytryouts.com and vote once per day to help your favorite pet earn the top spot.

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The Home Depot (USA) Expands Environmentally Friendly Outdoor
Power Lineup
21
The Home Depot®, the world's largest home improvement retailer, is launching a new suite of cordless outdoor power
equipment that give both DIY and Pro customers the ease of use and environmental benefits of battery-operated
machines, but with the power and run time of gas equipment. The expanded lineup by Ryobi, DeWalt, Makita and
Milwaukee are effortless to start, significantly quieter, yet emit no carbon emissions, and eliminate the need to store or
mix gas and oil. At the same time, the batteries for these brands' outdoor tools, like trimmers and blowers, are
interchangeable with their other power tools such as drills, impact drivers and more.

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H&M’s (Sweden) Newborn and Baby Ranges Are Here — For Every Step
of Your Parenting Journey
22
The newborn range includes bodysuits, leggings, rompers, overalls, dresses, hats, socks and blankets in white shades, mélange greys,
beige, dusky pinks, soft blues and browns, sage green and warm yellow tones. Prints feature stripes, dots, leopard spots, animal and
rainbow graphics, florals and palm trees. All the cotton in the newborn- and baby ranges is organic, recycled or more sustainably sourced
with the majority of our newborn garments made from organic cotton that has been certified by the Organic Content Standard or the
Global Organic Textile Standard. H&M will also start using re-usable baby hangers across our stores globally in the summer. This change
will reduce emissions and the use of fossil-based plastic. Design-wise, babies have special considerations when it comes to comfort and
ease of wear, so bodysuits are made without side seams wherever possible, have a wrap opening, and the perfect nappy fit with soft elastic
around the leg. The newborn leggings are made without side seams wherever possible and there’s soft elastic at the back of the stretchy
feet to accommodate all sizes. For older babies, soft seams and elasticated waistbands allow quick dressing and let the baby crawl, walk
or play with ease. “Room to grow” design details for newborns include an additional row of press buttons, stretchy feet, double-folded
arms, double-folded waistbands and double-folded legs — so that the garment can be made longer in all directions.

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Sainsbury’s (UK) opens the door to New York store
23
Sainsbury’s has unveiled a new Local, welcoming customer into a convenience store with a 1,700 sq. ft sales floor in the heart of
York’s city centre. Sainsbury’s York Davygate store will serve customers 7am – 11pm seven days a week and will stock around 2,000
products, including an excellent range of fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy, fresh bakery and other household grocery products.
Customers can also pick up a coffee from the instore self-service Costa machine. Sainsbury’s York Davygate Local will play an active
role in the local community and will be supporting Sainsbury’s nationwide community programmes. In January Sainsbury’s also
announced an additional £1 million community fund for stores to donate to charities and other good causes in their local areas. This
follows Sainsbury’s ‘Help Brighten a Million Christmases’ campaign that raised £6 million in December for over 800 local charity
partners, including local charities Changing Lives, Safe and Sound Homes SASH, the Well Project and Lidgett Grove Methodist
Church. The opening of the New York Local store is one of a number of stores the leading retailer is planning to open for Yorkshire
customers in the next year or so, including York Station Local and Harrogate Cambridge Street Local in the summer.

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Sainsbury’s (UK) delivers another new Local store
24
Sainsbury’s has opened its fifth convenience store of the year, Sainsbury’s Hounslow West Station Local, with the store now
open to customers from 7am through to 11pm seven days a week. The new colleague team of 18 is a 50/50 split of new recruits
to the business and colleagues bringing years of experience working with Sainsbury’s. The dedicated Hounslow West Station
Local team are excited to offer their customers an excellent range of fresh food and everyday grocery products, including a
large selection of World Food products with a variety of Asian, Chinese, African-Caribbean and Polish food on the shelves.
The new store also features a fresh bakery, ATM machine and a Costa coffee machine. Sainsbury’s Hounslow West Station
Local will play an active role in the local community and will be supporting Sainsbury’s nationwide community programmes.
In January Sainsbury’s also announced an additional £1 million community fund for stores to donate to charities and other
good causes in their local areas. This follows Sainsbury’s ‘Help Brighten a Million Christmases’ campaign that raised £6
million in December for over 800 local charity partners, Comic Relief and FareShare.

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Newell Brands (USA) Announces Century™, A New, Sustainable & Stylish
Baby Brand for Young Families
25
Newell Brands Inc. announced the relaunch of its modern-day baby brand, Century™. Century™, the brand behind the first
baby carrier, sound activated baby swing and booster car seat, is back and better than ever with a new, reimagined baby gear
line tailored to young families. The complete line of baby gear consists of budget-friendly, stylish and sustainable products,
and is designed so parents can focus on what matters most – raising their minis and having fun along the way. Committed to
the next century, Century™ developed the Do More Promise™, pledging to Recycle, Reimagine, and Give Back. The brand
has brought this promise to life through its signature line, the Happy Planet Collection. Through their carefully selected fiber
manufacturer, single-use, post-consumer plastic water bottles are broken down into tiny chips and then pressed into soft,
woven fibers, which are used to create select fabrics for the Happy Planet Collection of gear. Another way Century™ has
committed to being planet positive is through their partnership with international recycling leader, TerraCycle®, which allows
parents to easily recycle their Century products when they expire or their child outgrows it.

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Makita (Japan) Takes Cordless Beyond Limits with Launch of XGT System
26
Makita U.S.A., Inc. is expanding its leadership in cordless innovation with the launch of the 40V max and 80V max
XGT® System, a new standalone cordless system of equipment and tools. The XGT System delivers over fifty
higher-powered cordless product solutions to applications dominated by cords, gas, and air. The new XGT System is
engineered to outpower, outsmart, and outlast the rest, and take the job site completely cordless. The XGT System will
offer two power ranges: 40V max and 80V max products achieved by pairing two 40V max XGT Batteries together.
By staying within the user-preferred 18V battery form factor, yet expanding the technical capabilities, an XGT Battery
can power everything from equipment to a handheld drill.

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Makita (Japan) Launches Two New Pole Saws with Equivalent Power To
30cc Gas Pole Saws
27
Makita U.S.A., Inc., the innovation leader in cordless outdoor power equipment and power tools, has announced two new cordless pole saws with
power equivalent to 30cc gas pole saws. The 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Cordless 10” Pole Saw (XAU01) and Telescoping Pole Saw
(XAU02) offer faster cutting speed, without the hassles of gas. Both pole saws get up to 140 cuts in 4x4 cedar with two LXT 5.0Ah Batteries. They
have a 20% faster cutting speed than a 31.4cc gas engine pole saw. Torque boost mode helps power through thick or hard branches. The XAU01
has a fixed shaft that is 8-feet in length, ideal for pruning branches. The XAU02 has a telescoping shaft that adjusts in length from 9-feet to 13-feet.
This provides access to hard-to-reach branches. Other features include a branch hook to pull trimmed branches from trees, lateral chain tensioning
with single stud for efficient chain retention, captured bar nut, soft front grip, and a translucent bar oil tank with large opening for easy refilling.
Both poles’ saws have Extreme Protection Technology (XPT™). XPT is a protective seal inside the tool, engineered for improved operation in
harsh conditions by channeling water and dust from key internal components. The LXT System, the world’s largest cordless tool system powered
by 18V lithium-ion slide-style batteries, takes a user from power tools to outdoor power equipment to get the job done. Makita® 18V LXT
Batteries have the fastest charge times in their categories, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger.

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Makita (Japan) Introduces Two New Rotary Hammers
28
Makita U.S.A., Inc., the innovation leader in power tools and accessories, has launched two new 1-3/16” Rotary
Hammers with an L-shape design for increased accuracy. The HM3001CK and HM3011FCK are ideal solutions for a
range of applications including concrete forming, hanging pipe with threaded rod, fastening conduit, mounting air
ducts, and more. These rotary hammers offer performance and ergonomics to concrete formers, plumbers, electricians,
HVAC techs, iron workers, general contractors and many others. Both rotary hammers accept SDS-PLUS bits and
work on common anchor types such as screw anchors, drop-in anchors, and expansion anchors. They offer three modes
of operation: "Rotation Only", "Hammering with Rotation" or "Hammering Only". During hammer-only applications,
multiple bit angle settings allow the bit to be set at different positions for optimum performance.

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Shoprite (south Africa) and Packa-Ching launch second mobile recycling
unit in the Eastern Cape
29
Shoprite and Packa-Ching have launched a second mobile buy-back centre in the Eastern Cape, following the recent success of the
programme in East London. With a unique, entrepreneur-focused approach, the Packa-Ching unit consists of a truck and trailer, which
means it can visit multiple communities throughout Gqeberha on a regular basis. Residents bring their recyclables on collection day;
the material is weighed and the monetary value thereof is then loaded into the user’s e-wallet. Community members can spend their
money at any Shoprite, Usave or Checkers supermarket. Although the benefit may appear to be for those collecting recyclable
materials, the innovative programme is also creating employment opportunities for the country’s youth: the Gqeberha unit’s five
employees form part of the Shoprite Group's participation in the YES initiative. There are several success stories linked to this
Shoprite-supported programme, including that of Thembekile Havi, a reformed gang member who has found employment and a new
purpose at the Packa-Ching unit which operates in Buffalo City. In 2016 Havi started collecting recyclable bottles, which he sold to
collectors. When he saw the benefits of recycling he recruited some of his friends, and in 2019 he was introduced to Packa-Ching.

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Three New Sysco (USA) Foodie Solutions Toolkits Available for Restaurateurs:
Brunch, Protecting Your Business and Turning Your Tables
30
Sysco Corporation the leading global foodservice distribution company, announced the addition of three new toolkits to its Foodie Solutions platform: Brunch, Protecting Your
Business and Turning Your Tables. As more restaurants reopen their dining rooms, these are the latest in a series of carefully curated tools to help customers respond quickly to shifting
business requirements and trends resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Brunch toolkit offers innovative ideas and recipes to help make Easter and Mother’s Day a success,
including popular brunch and take-out concepts, such as Bloody Mary cocktail kits and a Mother’s Day “Berry Me in Chocolate” strawberry kit. In addition, “Sea-cuterie boards” are
a unique play on the charcuterie board, a trend that skyrocketed in 2020. Guests will be delighted with smoked seafood paired with unique accompaniments, such as artisanal breads,
fresh and pickled vegetables, mustards, smoky sauces and more. In addition to the Brunch Toolkit, Sysco’s Foodie Solutions also introduced two additional toolkits:
• Protecting Your Business Toolkit - Off-premise dining is not as simple as it used to be. In this toolkit, learn about tamper-evident packaging and labels to keep delivery and carryout
meals protected and ensure the best possible guest experience.
• Turning Your Tables Toolkit – Dining restrictions have decreased the number of available seats in restaurants across the globe, making the efficient turning of tables more important
than ever before. In this toolkit, learn about how technology, along with offline techniques, can make the most of each table, while maximizing profitability and providing an improved
guest experience.
Sysco makes it easy for restaurant operators with easy onboarding and no delivery minimums for regularly scheduled delivery days. Customers also receive exclusive value-added
services through Sysco’s Foodie Solutions Partner programs and Sysco Marketing Services, which provide exclusive services and resources such as menu services, QR codes and
access to helpful webinars. More information about Foodie Solutions, including Sysco’s popular webinar series, can be found on the Sysco Foodie website.

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The Estée Lauder Companies (USA) and Eastman sign global memorandum
of understanding to further sustainable packaging
31
The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) and specialty materials provider Eastman announce a global memorandum of
understanding (MOU) that will enable ELC to take significant strides towards its 2025 sustainable packaging goals.
Through the agreement, ELC and its portfolio of brands will begin incorporating packaging solutions enabled by
Eastman’s molecular recycling technologies and portfolio of Renew resins with up to 100% certified recycled content.
This is the first sustainability-based agreement between Eastman and a major prestige beauty house and will help drive
the increased use of recycled and/or recyclable plastics in luxury cosmetics packaging.

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Morrisons (UK) launches Easter treat box - for £22
32
Morrisons has launched a new Easter Treat Box to help customers hop into the spirit of the spring celebration. Priced
at £22 including next day or nominated day delivery, the limited-edition box has everything customers need to
celebrate Easter at home with the kids or makes the perfect surprise gift for a loved one. It includes an Easter egg hunt
kit, additional solid milk chocolate eggs, a classic milk chocolate bunny and even Easter chick themed bags for hours
of happy hunting entertainment. For those who like to get creative in the kitchen, Morrisons Easter Treat Box also
contains all the ingredients to make classic Chocolate Easter Nests including cornflakes, milk cooking chocolate, pastel
fairy paper cases and chick & bunny-shaped marshmallows or milk chocolate micro eggs for toppings.

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X5 (Russia) launches import hub in Novorossiysk
33
X5 Retail Group, a leading Russian food retailer operating the Pyaterochka, Perekrestok, and Karusel chains, has launched a logistics
hub in Novorossiysk to handle the Company's imports and ensure their smooth delivery to X5 distribution centres. The 18,000 sq. m
hub has eight storage chambers coupled with two quality control and repackaging zones. Each of them features state-of-the-art
refrigerators that support individual temperature adjustment based on the season of the year and specific storage requirements. The
seamless operation of the hub is ensured by nearly 280 employees and over 30 vehicles. The facility now processes some 1,000
tonnes of cargo per day and is designed to handle deliveries from more than 150 suppliers. Previously, this work was carried out at
three different sites. In addition to increasing X5's storage and processing capacity, the hub will enable better control over the quality
of products supplied to X5 stores. The share of direct imports in the turnover of X5's retail chains stood at 5.3% in 2020. Suppliers
from the key importing countries supply mainly fruit and vegetables. These include bananas from Ecuador, citrus and stone fruit from
Turkey, peppers, root vegetables and exotic fruit from Israel, potatoes and citrus fruit from Egypt, and apples from Serbia.

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Kao (Japan) Selected as a Health and Productivity Management Brand
for the Seventh Consecutive Year
34
Kao Corporation was selected by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Tokyo Stock Exchange
(TSE), for the seventh consecutive year, as a "health and productivity management brand" among listed companies in
recognition of its outstanding health-conscious management. Kao was also recognized by METI, for the fifth consecutive
year, as a Certified Health and Productivity Management Organization (White 500) for its outstanding practice of
health-conscious management. The program for selecting health and productivity management brands was launched in
2015 through joint cooperation between METI and TSE as part of the activities of the Japan Revitalization Strategy. The
program recognizes companies that set the management of employee health as a corporate management issue and actively
implement relevant strategies. White 500 was jointly established by METI and the Nippon Kenko Kaigi in 2017 to
recognize large organizations, including listed companies, that practice the health and productivity management in
collaboration with health insurance society members and other associations.
R&R Description

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Sojitz (Japan) Recognized as a “White 500” Company for Third Consecutive
Year and Selected as a 2021 Health & Productivity Stock
35
Sojitz Corporation was certified as a “White 500” company for the third consecutive year for its efforts to actively
promote employee health and implement superior health management systems under the 2021 Certified Health &
Productivity Management Outstanding Organizations Recognition Program organized by Japan’s Ministry of
Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Nippon Kenko Kaigi. This fiscal year, Sojitz has also been selected under
the 2021 Health & Productivity Stock Selection Program in recognition of the company’s efforts to strategically
implement health management for employees from a management perspective. Sojitz Group believes the health of each
and every one of its employees is foundational to “create value and prosperity” as set forth in its corporate statement,
and the company established the “Sojitz Healthy Value” charter as part of its commitment to protect and improve the
health of Sojitz employees and their families.
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Customer Success Updates

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Consumers choose KPN (China) as the most sustainable telecom brand
36
Consumers put KPN in the first place as the most sustainable telecom brand. This is evident from the Sustainable Brand
Index, a large-scale survey among more than 9,000 Dutch consumers. In the past year, KPN customers together saved
more than three times the amount of energy needed to keep KPN's network running, just by using the digital services
over the network in the Netherlands. It shows that digitization is an important accelerator for sustainability. For
example, last year the Netherlands started working from home en masse due to COVID-19 and children were partly
online in the classroom. We traveled a lot less and avoided so many emissions in traffic. Compared to the energy
needed to run KPN's network, digital working via telephone and internet saved more than three times as much energy
(7.5 Petajoules). Customers saved 277 million liters of fuel and avoided 3.7 billion kilometers traveled. This takes into
account the higher energy consumption at home.
Description

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Kroger (USA) Health Increases COVID-19 Vaccination Capacity to One
Million Doses Per Week
37
Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. announced it has significantly increased operational capacity to
administer the COVID-19 vaccine, achieving the ability to deliver one million doses per week through in-store pharmacies
and clinics, and mass vaccination off-site events. To vaccinate more Americans more quickly, Kroger Health will use the
first hour of pharmacy operations as a focus hour assigned to administering the three FDA-authorized vaccines. Patients
will continue to have the ability to schedule appointments for various times, but the morning focus hour will allow for
additional COVID-19 vaccines to be administered. To accomplish the administration of one million doses per week, the
plan requires the activation of all pharmacies and clinics within Kroger Health's national network and ongoing and
expanded partnerships with federal, state and local governments and health officials. Kroger Health will launch the new
focus hour this week in Ohio, with additional states to follow next week as soon as vaccine accessibility and supply
increases.
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Samsung C&T (South Korea) wins exclusive LNG project in Qatar
38
In Qatar, Samsung C&T Engineering & Construction (E&C) Group exclusively won a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export base
project worth KRW 1.85 trillion. Ordered by Qatar Petroleum, a state-owned oil company, the project is to build storage and loading
facilities for LNG export. Qatar is the biggest producer of LNG in the world, and is expanding the production and export base of its
North Field, keeping pace with the increase of global demand for LNG. Under this expansion project, Samsung C&T will be the
exclusive partner in charge of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) as well as building three 187,000m³ LNG storage
tanks, three loading facilities, and transport pipes. The length of the construction period will be 57 months, scheduled for completion
in November 2025. Behind this achievement lies Samsung C&T’s abundant experience in LNG terminal construction. The company
successfully completed LNG terminal projects in Singapore and Malaysia, and, in particular, it accomplished the feat of erecting a
260,000m³ LNG storage tank, the world’s largest, in Phase 3 of Singapore’s LNG Terminal project. Currently, Samsung C&T is
working on Vietnam’s first LNG terminal. With the roof installation finalized last December, the project has passed the halfway point.
In addition, the company also constructed 18 LNG storage tanks in Korea, a quarter of 75 such facilities in that country.
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Beiersdorf (Germany): NIVEA announces Peter Schmidt Group as new lead
agency design partner
39
Beiersdorf’s iconic skin care brand NIVEA has a new strategy lead design partner: Peter Schmidt Group was selected as the new global lead
agency for the brand identity. As part of its new Design Agency Model, NIVEA plans to work with Peter Schmidt Group and a pool of challenger
packaging design agencies with regional and category focus in the future. With Studio Blue the Peter Schmidt Group therefore forms an
independent unit in its office in Hamburg that exclusively serves NIVEA. As lead design partner Peter Schmidt Group will create an integrated
visual translation of NIVEA’s brand strategy and define visual and non-visual brand properties across the consumer journey. During this creative
process product packaging will be at the center of attention. Among all other touchpoints it is by far the closest to the consumer – whether in retail
or at home in the bathroom. Beiersdorf and Peter Schmidt Group will start their cooperation in March 2021. As design and brand experts, the Peter
Schmidt Group is an excellent completion to our bespoken communication agency Publicis OneTouch. Beiersdorf Brand Identity and Global
Procurement Marketing departments led jointly a tailor-made agency selection process contributing to overarching business strategy. The next step
in the setup of the new NIVEA design agency model consists of the selection of three to five packaging design agencies, which will work as
challenger and sparring partner, adding regional insights and category knowledge to shape NIVEA’s brand identity for the future.
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BAT enters strategic R&D collaboration to accelerate ‘beyond nicotine’ strategy
with Organigram
40
BAT Group (BAT) announces the signing of a strategic collaboration agreement with Organigram Inc., a wholly-owned
subsidiary of publicly-traded Organigram Holdings Inc. (collectively Organigram), focused on research and product development
activities of next generation adult cannabis products, with an initial focus on cannabidiol (CBD). This agreement augments
ongoing BAT activities to expand its portfolio ‘beyond nicotine’ and follows the pilot launch of Vuse CBD Zone in Manchester,
UK earlier this year. The collaboration reinforces BAT’s consumer-centric multi-category approach, which has seen continued
momentum and growth as BAT focuses on delivering on its purpose of building A Better Tomorrow™. Through the collaboration,
BAT will gain access to cutting-edge R&D technologies, product innovation and cannabis expertise, complementing BAT’s
extensive plant-based expertise and development capabilities. Organigram has a proven track record of consumer-led innovation
and developing high quality adult-use recreational and medical cannabis products, which are legally available in Canada. By
leveraging Organigram’s first-hand experience, BAT will deepen its understanding of this rapidly expanding and evolving area.
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Carlsberg Group (Denmark) joins the PEFerence consortium and deepens
collaboration with Avantium
41
Carlsberg consolidates its partnership with Avantium. The partners will work on developing several PEF applications together with
the other partners in the PEFerence consortium. Carlsberg has decided to join the PEFerence consortium as a partner in the
development of the biobased PEF material. This new partnership underpins Carlsberg’s commitment to sustainable development, and
our targets to achieve 0 carbon emissions at our breweries, and reduce the value chain carbon footprint with 30% by 2030. Avantium
is already working with Carlsberg Group as one of the technology providers for the fully bio-based and recyclable Green Fibre Bottle,
driven by Paboco, the Paper Bottle Company – a joint venture between BillerudKorsnäs and bottle manufacturing specialist Alpla. In
2019, Carlsberg was joined by drinks firm Coca-Cola Company, global spirits company The Absolut Company and L’Oréal in the
Paper Bottle Community. Carlsberg Group’s focus on sustainable packaging innovations is not new. In recent years, we have
launched a number of packaging innovations, including recycled shrink film, greener label ink and the innovative Snap Pack, which
will replace the plastic rings on its multipacks with a solution that instead glues the cans together.
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CP (Thailand) Foods joins forces with partners to shape sustainable seafood
supply chain
42
Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CP Foods) has joined forces with global partners to build sustainable seafood supply chain
for Thailand. It also vows to eliminate the use of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU) by encouraging
suppliers and fishermen across the country to adopt more sustainable practices. At present, 100% of fishmeal used for the
company’s operations in Thailand has been sourced from by-product of fish processing plants and certified by MarinTrust.
CP Foods’ operations in Thailand only sources fishmeal from fish by-product e.g., canned tuna production facilities, and
fish ball production facilities. All of them must be certified by MarinTrust, an internationally accepted standard on
responsilble sourcing, production and traceability for fishmeal. Aside its own supply chain, the company has joined forces
with stakeholders in the seafood industry, including private sector, government, civil society, to initiated Fishery
Improvement Program (FIP) to develop a guideline for fishery practices in areas of the Andaman and the Gulf of Thailand.
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Nidec and Honwa Advanced Technologies Work Together to Strengthen the
Energy of Key Components of Electric Vehicles
43
Foxtron Vehicle Technologies announced that it has entered into a partnership with Nidec Corporation jointly signed a memorandum of cooperation, and the two parties have
joined hands in in-depth strategic cooperation to inject indispensable development momentum into the power system of the next generation of electric vehicles. Nidec is the
world's number one integrated motor manufacturer. Through its accumulated years of research and development energy, it will combine Honghua's advanced vehicle design
and development capabilities in the future to enhance the performance of its open platform for electric vehicles. Through the MIH electric vehicle open platform, the two parties
will combine Honghua Advanced’s rich experience in the field of vehicle design and Nidec’s leading technology in the motor field to deepen the strategic cooperation in the
power system of electric vehicles and give full play to the professional advantages of both parties. Complementary and synergistic effects, rapid development of products on
the open platform of electric vehicles, and gain a competitive advantage. At present, there are related cooperation plans for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. It is
estimated that the initial cooperation results of the two parties will be shown in the fourth quarter of this year. In the future, Honghua Advanced will continue to provide the
latest technology and more diversified platform options for the electric vehicle industry chain. As the only company in Taiwan that has vehicle design and development and
system verification capabilities, Honghua Advanced Technology continues the experience of Hon Hai Technology Group and Yulon Group in the information and
communications industry and the automotive industry over the past decades, and assists the MIH Alliance to promote the development of software and hardware open platforms.
Independent technology that meets the CASE trend. The MIH electric vehicle platform adopts an open architecture, with features such as "modularization" and "flexibility",
and has received responses from partners in different industrial chains. Nidec will play the role of a key partner of the alliance in the field of motors and related hardware control
in the future.
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Fast Retailing (Japan) and Mercari Conclude Comprehensive Partnership
Agreement to Create a Safe and Secure Marketplace
44
Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. and Mercari Inc., operator of the Mercari marketplace app, have concluded a Memorandum on
Marketplace Co-creation, under which both companies will jointly pursue a range of measures aimed at establishing a
safer and more secure environment for the buying and selling of Fast Retailing Group brand products on the Mercari
marketplace. Fast Retailing Group brand products are widely traded on the Mercari marketplace app, with UNIQLO
items the most listed and purchased brand for the last three years*. Under the Agreement, Fast Retailing and Mercari
will closely cooperate to create an environment in which "all users can obtain the products they want, anyplace and
anytime." By sharing product and launch information beforehand, and at the time of release for special new products,
issuing reminders to customers and taking measures to counter rights-infringing products, the two companies aim to
avoid confusion for their customers, and establish a safer and more secure trading environment.
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Coty (USA) to Partner with LanzaTech to Pioneer New Sustainable Fragrance
Production
45
Coty Inc. one of the world’s largest beauty companies and the global leader in fragrances, announced it has signed a letter of intent to partnerwith
LanzaTech to introduce sustainable ethanol made from captured-carbon emissions into its fragrance products. LanzaTech, a leader in the
production of next generation green and sustainable ingredients, captures industrial emissions (such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
produced in steel manufacturing) and processes the waste gases into a new, more sustainable source of ethanol. Coty’s scientists have worked
alongside LanzaTech and production partners over the past two years to develop a high-purity sustainable ethanol that is suitable for use in
fragrances. The proposed partnership means that Coty will incorporate this carbon-captured ethanol into its fragrance manufacturing process, with
the goal of having the majority of its fragrance portfolio using ethanol sourced from carbon-capture by 2023. Ethanol is a core ingredient in
fragrance products, enabling the efficient dispersion of the scent. Coty fragrances contain ethanol sourced from a range of natural raw materials -
including sugar cane and sugar beet, which use land, water and fertilizers. This new sustainable ethanol from carbon-capture utilizes near-zero
water consumption and reduces the requirement for agricultural land which, in turn, supports biodiversity. Working with the independent
sustainability consultancy Quantis, Coty has conducted a screening life cycle assessment which shows a significantly reduced overall environment
impact.
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Givaudan (Switzerland) joins WBCSD and 40 member companies to launch
Vision 2050: Time to Transform
46
Givaudan has joined the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and more than 40 of its
members including Unilever, Nestlé and Natura, to launch “Vision 2050: Time to Transform”. In response to the three
critical global challenges of the climate emergency, nature loss and mounting inequality, Vision 2050: Time to
Transform puts forward a shared vision of a world in which more than nine billion people are able to live well, within
planetary boundaries, by 2050. To achieve this, it calls for transformation at scale, with business focusing its actions on
where it can most effectively lead the system transformations needed. It calls for collaboration at unprecedented levels
to deliver impact fast and for business leaders to adopt three mindset shifts: reinventing capitalism that rewards true
value creation; focusing on building long-term resilience; and taking a regenerative approach beyond doing no harm.
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ITOCHU (Japan) Announces Investment on Farmer Connect SA
47
ITOCHU Corporation announced that it has made an investment and formed a business alliance with Farmer Connect SA Through
the FARMER CONNECT initiative, FC's coffee traceability and sustainability platform which connects consumers with coffee
growers, ITOCHU will work with many enterprises involved in the production, distribution and sale of coffee and many platform
users to further its contribution to the advancement of the coffee industry. FC has leveraged blockchain technology to build a system
for tracking coffee from where the beans are grown, to the delivery of a cup of coffee to the consumer. Coffee drinkers can download
an app to find out about the coffee they are drinking such as the cultivated environment, blend details and logistic channels, leading
the supply chain transparency. Most coffee production takes place in developing countries where challenges such as improving
working conditions and promoting more sustainable cultivation need to be urgently addressed. FC allows the app users to donate
directly to sustainability projects in the farmers’communities and is committed to supporting sustainable farming among farmers who
are vulnerable to price volatility and exposed to changes in the farming environment as a result of climate change.
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Kroger (USA) Expands Partnership with 80 Acres Farms to 316 Stores
48
The Kroger Co. and 80 Acres Farms bring farm-fresh produce to customers across Ohio., the companies are growing
their partnership to reach more shoppers in the Midwest – both in store and online. 80 Acres Farms' breakthrough
technology means the company can grow pesticide-free produce all year long. With locations closer to customers, the
farm-to-table carbon footprint and overall food waste are low. Today, 80 Acres Farms has four locations in Greater
Cincinnati. Its latest state-of-the-art farm will support the new Kroger partnership, bringing 10 million fresh produce
servings to communities across the Midwest.
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Florida A&M Athletics and NIKE Inc. (USA) Team Up for Six-Year Partnership
49
Florida A&M University Athletics announces a six-year partnership with NIKE, Inc. to make Nike its official athletic
footwear, apparel and equipment provider. Beginning July 1, 2021, Nike will supply Florida A&M Athletics with
footwear, uniforms and apparel, extending a relationship that began more than 20 years ago. The FAMU men and
women’s basketball teams will be outfitted in LeBron James signature-branded uniforms, apparel and footwear,
including colorways designed specifically for the university. The partnership expands Nike’s focus in deepening its
relationships with HBCUs, working together with schools who share a long legacy in developing the next generation
of global changemakers. NIKE, Inc. will also support Florida A&M Athletics’ student-athlete development programs,
offer internships and coordinate networking opportunities for Florida A&M students.
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Commercial Partnership Agreement between Marubeni (Japan) and Unseenlabs
for the Japanese Market
50
Marubeni Corporation and Unseenlabs SAS signed a commercial partnership agreement to provide the entire Japanese
market with Unseenlabs’ high added-value maritime data. Unseenlabs, a French company that specializes in the
geolocation of ships at sea, and a European leader in satellite RF detection from space, deployed its constellation dedicated
to the geolocation of ships at sea with the launch of two new satellites, BRO-2 and BRO-3. Thanks to its embedded
proprietary technology based on the identification of the electromagnetic signal emitted by ships, Unseenlabs is able to
geolocate from space any ship at sea, even those whose cooperative beacon is turned off. Marubeni is a major Japanese
integrated trading and investment business conglomerate that handles products and provides services in a broad range of
businesses across wide-ranging fields. Through this commercial partnership agreement, Marubeni aims to provide various
commercial support for the Japanese market, including a wide distribution network for Unseenlabs’s maritime data.
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Pernod Ricard (France) Collaborates with Lafayette Imports to Strengthen
Brand-building capabilities
51
Pernod Ricard announces a collaboration with Lafayette Imports, a new company founded by Biggar & Leith partners
Elwyn Gladstone and Mark Teasdale. The new venture will bring unique brand-building capabilities to certain
super-premium brands in the Group’s portfolio. Lafayette Imports will take on Pernod Ricard’s Plymouth Gin, Powers
Irish Whiskey and a range of craft Irish Whiskey brands including Knappogue Castle Single Malts and Clontarf. These
brands will be combined with Biggar & Leith’s spirits portfolio of Spytail Rum, Hotel Starlino Vermouth, Stambecco
Amaro, The Gladstone Axe Malt Scotch, Shanky’s Whip and The Butterfly Cannon Tequila to create a dynamic
portfolio of noteworthy imports in fast growing and dynamic categories.
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Japan Post Group and Rakuten Group Agree to Capital and Business Alliance
52
Japan Post Holdings Co. Ltd. Japan Post Co., Ltd. and Rakuten, Inc. signed a business alliance agreement to strengthen their
collaborations across a range of fields, including logistics, mobile, digital transformation and more. In addition, Japan Post Holdings
and Rakuten announced that the two companies have signed an agreement for the allotment of shares through an investment in
Rakuten by Japan Post Holdings aimed at strengthening ties between the Japan Post Group and the Rakuten Group. With a solid
foundation built on a nationwide chain of post offices and a shipping network that covers all of Japan, the Japan Post Group serves
as an essential part of social infrastructure for daily life. At the same time, the Rakuten Group provides a portfolio of more than 70
services to more than 100 million members in Japan that together make up the Rakuten Ecosystem. Through this new capital and
business alliance, the Japan Post Group and the Rakuten Group will seek to maximize synergies by effectively leveraging the
business resources and expertise of both Groups to provide greater convenience for customers, give back to local communities, and
grow their businesses. Both Groups will continue to explore the broader potential for deepening their collaborative relationship.
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Stanley Black & Decker (USA) Batters Up for Major League Baseball’s
(MLB) Opening
53
Stanley Black & Decker announced that it will be partnering with the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Miami Marlins,
Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and Oakland Athletics for the 2021 MLB season. The company will also be the
official tools sponsor for each team. This marks Stanley Black & Decker’s 13th year partnering with MLB teams which
helps showcase three of the company’s most iconic brands DEWALT, STANLEY, and CRAFTSMAN to millions of
baseball fans. This year’s sponsorship includes being named the official tools sponsor for each team, stadium signage and
assets and VIP experiences to allow the company to engage with customers which include builders, protectors, and makers
and celebrate the work that they do to “Make the World.” The company will use MLB assets including tickets, hospitality,
ceremonial pitches and other VIP experiences to honor and salute essential tradespeople around the country including
plumbers, contractors, electricians, HVAC technicians and more throughout the baseball season.
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UNFI (USA) Extends Distribution Partnership with Whole Foods Market to
September 2027
54
United Natural Foods, Inc. announced that it has extended its primary wholesale grocery distribution relationship with
Whole Foods Market, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amazon.com, Inc. by entering into an extension of the current
distribution agreement. The term of the primary distribution agreement between the parties now runs until September
27, 2027.
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VF Corporation's (USA) Timberland®, Vans® And The North Face® Brands
Announce 'DiverCity x DESIGN' In Partnership With PENSOLE Academy™
55
VF Corporation a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories, announced that as part of its ongoing commitment
to racial equity, its Timberland®, Vans® and The North Face® brands have launched an integrated partnership with PENSOLE Academy
™ called DiverCity x DESIGN. This new corporate apprenticeship program will provide unique access to professional design experience
and empower Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) students as they learn, create, and build a career in the footwear industry.
The mission of the partnership will be to invest in the industry's future and create a program that ensures diversity of thinking and
experience. Open enrollment for the program begins today and will run through March 30, 2021. Interested students are encouraged to
apply at https://pensole.com/master-class/dxd/. The immersive curriculum was developed in partnership with PENSOLE™, a
Portland-based footwear design academy, which provides students with the knowledge and experiences required to become well-rounded
professional footwear designers. DiverCity x DESIGN will equip students with footwear design principles, product creation process,
hands-on experience, professional development training and brand engagement. The top performing students will be granted career
mentorship with cultural experiences at each of the brand's headquarter cities.
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JEPLAN, Inc. and Sojitz (Japan) Form Partnership for PET Bottle Chemical
Recycling Business
56
JEPLAN, Inc. and Sojitz Corporation have agreed to jointly promote a PET chemical recycling business in Japan and overseas utilizing
JEPLAN’s chemical recycling technology, and JEPLAN has issued a third-party allotment of new shares underwritten by Sojitz. Additionally,
Sojitz has agreed to acquire a 25% stake in PET Refine Technology, Co., Ltd. a subsidiary of JEPLAN, and to jointly operate the company.
Using its proprietary chemical recycling technology BRING™, JEPLAN is able to selectively extract the intermediate BHET from PET, the
material used to make PET bottles and polyester fabric. The company is then able to recover high-purity monomers in order to manufacture
recycled PET resin that meets strict bottle-grade quality standards at an industrial scale. The major benefit of this technology is that impurities
can be removed via a chemical process so the material quality does not deteriorate even after repeated recycling, and recycled PET resin can
be produced with a quality that is equivalent to virgin PET resin derived from petrochemicals. In addition, the process allows for the complete
recirculation of resource materials. PRT is the only company in the world to have a proven track record of commercial operation of recycled
PET resin production for bottle-to-bottle recycling using this chemical recycling technology. The company is undergoing equipment upgrade
work in preparation for the restart of its factory in summer of this year.
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ADM (USA) Donation to Support Local Schools in Grenada
57
ADM announced a $16,000 EC donation to the school feeding program in Grenada. Through the donation, ADM will
provide flour from Caribbean Agro Industries Limited to more than 100 schools in six categorized districts within the
tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The donation was given through ADM Cares. ADM Cares
helps sustain and strengthen communities where ADM colleagues work, live and operate by directing funding,
volunteerism, and industry knowledge to initiatives and organizations that drive meaningful social, economic and
environmental progress worldwide. ADM Cares focuses its efforts primarily in three areas: Advancing Sustainable
Agriculture; Increasing Food Security; and Investing in Education.
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ADM (USA) Announces New Policy to Protect Forests, Biodiversity and
Communities
58
ADM furthered its commitment to sustainable, ethical and responsible production with the release of a new Policy to Protect Forests, Biodiversity and
Communities. ADM’s previous policy was issued in 2015, and the company began the process of reviewing and revising it last year as a step toward building a
more resilient and sustainable food system. ADM aims to eliminate deforestation from all of the company’s supply chains by 2030. The new policy includes
provisions that promote conservation of water resources and biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, promote solutions to reduce climate change and greenhouse
gas emissions, and support agriculture as a means to advance sustainable development by reducing poverty and increasing food security. Additionally, the policy
confirms ADM’s commitment to protect human rights defenders, whistleblowers, complainants, and community spokespersons; ADM’s aspiration to cooperate
with all parties necessary to enable access to fair and just remediation; and the company’s non-compliance protocol for suppliers. By the end of 2022, the company
expects to achieve full traceability of its direct and indirect sourcing throughout its soy supply chains in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. In the soy supply chain,
ADM’s goal is to end native vegetation conversion in the shortest time possible, reconciling production of soy with environmental, economic and social interests
in high risk areas such as the Cerrado and Chaco biomes in South America. ADM has also achieved a high level of traceability to the mill in the palm supply chain
and is working to increase traceability to plantations. To accelerate transformation and effective implementation of our commitments, ADM joined the Palm Oil
Collaboration Group (POCG), a multi-stakeholder initiative including companies from every stage of the palm oil supply chain. ADM is actively participating in
collaborative action to implement the Integrated Reporting Framework (IRF) and to address social issues across the palm supply chain.
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CarMax (USA) Announces Commitment to Net Zero Carbon Emissions by
2050
59
CarMax, Inc. the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, announced its commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions
by 2050. The commitment is part of CarMax’s overall efforts to reduce its environmental impact and to align with the
climate change mitigation goals set out by the Paris Agreement. The company has already made meaningful reductions
to its carbon footprint and is targeting a 50% reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2025, compared with a
2018 baseline. CarMax is focusing its initial efforts on a two-pronged strategy: Scope 1 emissions: Reducing the
company’s own emissions; and Scope 2 emissions: Increasing the share of renewable energy in the company’s overall
electricity supply.
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