HEALTH AND NUTRITION
Our health and nutrition agenda is integral to our core purpose, speaks directly to our business model and addresses the socio-economic and moral imperatives in our South African operating context while offering valuable growth opportunities. Our approach – including renovating existing products, innovating new products, and all labelling, marketing and communications – is founded on our EWLW nutrition standards, developed with the University of Stellenbosch's Nutrition Information Centre (NICUS). These category-specifi c standards defi ne parameters for nutrients to promote and limit, aligned with globally recognised nutritional guidelines and South African regulatory requirements. Our on-pack labelling system includes a guideline daily amounts (GDA) table, "Be Nutrient Wise" icon, and EWLW stamp of approval for "good for you" products.
Compliance with our standards and national regulations is central to product renovations, innovations and marketing. Regulations under the Consumer Protection Act and Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act shape our approach to marketing and advertising, product labelling, ingredient and allergen declaration, fortifi cation of staple foods and product formulation for sodium reduction and the health promotion levy (sugar tax). Our responsible marketing policy – underpinned by our 2008 South African Marketing to Children Pledge commitment – ensures compliance with these regulations and the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) code, upholding responsible marketing principles for children aged 12 and under.
We review our EWLW nutrition standards every three years through NICUS, although we have delayed the next review pending updated regulations relating to the labelling and advertising of foodstuffs, which will include requirements relating to front-of-pack nutrition labelling and marketing to children. All product formulations and marketing materials are reviewed by our nutrition, regulatory and legal teams before approval. We track performance by monitoring and responding to public complaints registered with the ARB.
Our health and nutrition agenda is led and developed under the chief marketing and strategy offi cer and managed through our nutrition centre of excellence and regulatory affairs team within Marketing, with implementation by business units.
