Better livelihoods
To create value for all, LIPTON Teas and Infusions operates a culture of fairness, transparency, trust and integrity with all our raw material suppliers.
Our Code of Business Principles, our Sustainable Agriculture Policy and our Responsible Sourcing Policy spell out our commitments. The regional management teams oversee these policies’ implementation, under the overall responsibility of our CEO and the central leadership team. Providing a comprehensive framework for good governance, they ensure that suppliers and producers are aligned with our social, environmental and ethical expectations – including worker safety and fair compensation.
Traced to the farm
There can be no responsibility without traceability and quality control. Our supply chain is complex and fragmented: we purchase teas from tens of thousands of smallholders around the world, much of it at auction. Yet we are able to trace each batch to the farm.
In full transparence, we publish our list of tea suppliers.
For safety, dignity and opportunity
We offer working conditions and compensation superior to local averages. Our employees in Kenya receive more than 1.5 times the minimum wage. We provide our people and their families with the best – including housing, safe water, paid leave, maternity and paternity leave, and free meals. We’ve built facilities for daycare and primary and secondary education, and we provide free healthcare to all workers and their dependents.
Of course, good wages depend on sufficient value creation. Our success in increasing yields and improving crop resilience through cross-breeding and good agricultural practices is the foundation for increasing farmers’ and workers’ incomes.