Creating Value for All in Tea Industry: Actions and New Governance Processes and Structures Following BBC Panorama's Report

We would like to update you on the work we have done to address the BBC’s Panorama television programme, which broadcast in the UK on February 20, 2023, alleging serious mistreatment of women on tea estates. LIPTON Teas and Infusions, as the new owner of the world’s largest buyer of tea, immediately conducted a full independent investigation and offered comprehensive support to the women affected on our own estates. This included on-going access to psychosocial support, medical care, and legal representation. The company has permanently barred twelve individuals found to have violated company policies and has supported the work of local authorities to make sure those who engaged in sexual misconduct and exploited vulnerable women are held fully accountable.

The independent investigation confirmed that the company’s measures to prevent and detect all forms of violence, abuse, and harassment are robust, but that there were also areas for improvement in our operations and throughout the industry. The investigation proposed a number of important measures, which form the basis of a thorough improvement plan by LIPTON Teas and Infusions including:

- new governance processes and structures, greater oversight of ground operations by local management, and the establishment of an Oversight Committee;

- providing clearer guidelines on job descriptions, ensuring comprehensive understanding of policies, and reinforcing education on company policies;

- increasing awareness and trust in the anonymous reporting system and the independence of the Business Integrity Team, while simplifying the reporting channels to prioritize mobile reporting;

- UN Women-led analysis to identify the social and cultural issues that prevent reporting of sexual harassment cases, implement awareness programs, include Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) prevention content in the school curriculum, develop economic empowerment programs, and collaborate with national and local stakeholders to contribute to the elimination of SGBV in society;

- ensure assurance and verification through regular audits with external support, a dedicated inspection unit, and third-party random investigations based on strict and legally compliant protocols.

To ensure that all tea estates and their supply chains are free from abuse, we are sharing our findings and recommendations with other companies, partners, and stakeholders to promote a comprehensive and collaborative industry-wide approach to prevent such issues. We will also work with governments to advocate for legislative and regulatory protection for workers. All this work and actions are part of a bigger effort to drive the whole industry upwards and create value for all, from tea pickers to end consumers, including a broad range of stakeholders, our team, our retailers, and partners, as well as the planet.