Global Brands is a leading UK supplier and distributor of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Their vision is ‘Enhancing moments one drinks at a time, no matter where you are or who you’re with. It’s more than just a drink to us’. With a wide portfolio of 19 brands (and growing), they cater for all occasions across all channels. Their products are available across supermarkets, convenience stores, national pub chains, hotels, leisure parks and at high profile festivals and events.
Their brands include VK, Hooch, Franklin & Sons and several canned cocktail brands. They have access to 17 production facilities, mainly within the UK but also in Germany and the Netherlands. They have an international shipping network to 67 countries and are capable of filling cans, glass bottles, PET bottles and bag in box formats, plus re-packing facilities.
Global Brands pride themselves on the make-up of their products, using the best ingredients to make the best-tasting drinks possible. But despite making exceptional drinks, they do not have a “win at all costs” attitude- they believe in looking after their customers, their suppliers and the planet.
Zehra Gezer, Head of Corporate Marketing at Global Brands comments, “We recognise that we operate in a significantly ‘single use’ industry, but that won’t stop us making changes wherever possible within our operations to work towards a more sustainable future for us all. We have therefore committed to a program of continuous improvement in all areas of our businesses’ operations.”
Global Brand’s first steps to decarbonisation:
In 2022, Global Brands measured their operational carbon footprint and aimed for a 40% cut per £M turnover by 2030, as well as a 92% reduction per £M turnover by 2050. They now have ambitions to accelerate this path, by working with Auditel to measure our full scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
As over 40% of their scope 1 and 2 emissions come from their logistics and distribution operations, they have focussed their efforts on reducing emissions at their distribution centre.
This includes:
- Battery storage for their solar panels
- Energy efficient lighting
- HVO refuelling station
Global Brands recognise that they need external specialist support to realise their vision of reaching net zero.
Zehra continues, “We were impressed by Julie Adams and Auditel’s track record in helping similar sized businesses work towards the same goal. We are therefore very excited to be partnering with Auditel from 2024.”
Reducing emissions and reaching
net zero is a necessity for all businesses that wish to have a long-term, sustainable future. Global Brands’ customers have their own targets to reach, and as part of their supply chain they are often asked
for their sustainability strategy details to ensure they are working with
like-minded partners.
So, it is crucial that they can not only supply this information, but are able to work with their customers on initiatives that will have mutual carbon reduction benefits.
They also recognise that there is increasing interest in environmental awareness amongst their employees. Therefore, it is essential they have robust sustainability practices and plans in place to ensure they can continue to attract and retain high quality talent that share their net zero ambitions.
There are many regulations coming into effect both in the UK and globally that will affect how they report on emissions. Zehra comments on this, “The upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging is also likely to have an impact on our business, so we will be looking to Auditel to help support us
with this too.”
