JAB Holding, Keurig Dr Pepper commit to tackling inequality

JAB Holding and subsidiary Keurig Dr Pepper have joined the Business for Inclusive Growth (B4IG) platform, a coalition of 34 international companies committed to stepping up business action to advance human rights throughout their value chains, build inclusive workplaces, and strengthen inclusion in their internal and external business ecosystems.  Focused on tackling record high levels of inequality, the coalition will advance G7 government-led efforts to strengthen equality of opportunity, tackle regional disadvantages, and fight gender discrimination. “For too long, economic growth has been decoupled from inclusivity and sustainability. That needs to change, and we believe that this initiative will do just that,” JAB Holding Managing Partner and CEO Olivier Goudet says. “As a long-term, consumer-focused investment firm, we are proud to sign up to the B4IG pledge. We recognise that this is a long-term challenge and we commit to putting our passion and energy into ensuring that JAB and our portfolio companies help to bring this to life over time, for the benefit of all.” B4IG members have a global footprint, cover a broad range of sectors, employ more than 3.5 million people around the world, and have combined annual revenues of more than US$1 trillion. The coalition’s strategy rests on three pillars: A Business Pledge Against Inequalities to advance human rights, workplace inclusion and diversity and value chain inclusiveness, An incubator to design or expand new inclusive business models, piloting social innovation and private-public collaboration at the micro-economic level, and An inclusive growth financing forum to promote innovative financing mechanism between business, governments and philanthropic actors. Keurig Dr Pepper says joining the B4IG coalition enhances the company's recently launched corporate responsibility platform, Drink Well. Do Good. “Joining this powerful coalition of leading companies aligns with Keurig Dr Pepper's commitment to make a positive impact on the people and communities across our value chain,” CEO Bob Gamgort says. “We're proud to be part of this pioneering effort that will join public and private sectors in the critical work of tackling inequalities and creating opportunities for all stakeholders.” The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will coordinate the G7 B4IG coalition. The coalition will benefit from OECD economic and social evaluation expertise as it advances on this agenda over the next three years. Progress and lessons learned will be shared during an annual board meeting, with CEOs and key figures from public and civil society sectors, including the International Labour Organisation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. B4IG results will be shared with the Business 7 and Labour 7, to help inform their preparation and contributions to G7, with a view to foster more inclusive macro-economic growth policies. “Growing inequality is one of the biggest social challenges in the world today. It is perpetuating poverty, undermining social cohesion and trust. Sustainable economic growth means inclusive economic growth. It means giving every individual the opportunity to fulfil her or his potential, the chance not only to contribute to a nation’s growth but to benefit from it, regardless of their background or origins,” OECD Chief of Staff Gabriela Ramos says. Follow Global Coffee Report on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for up-to-date news and analysis of the global coffee industry.