HEINEKEN comes to aid of vulnerable citizens with Red Cross commitment

HEINEKEN comes to aid of vulnerable citizens with Red Cross commitment

“Our thoughts are with those affected by COVID-19 and the people working tirelessly to care for them,” said Jean-Francois van Boxmeer, chairman and CEO of HEINEKEN.

To make a commitment to support the health and safety of its employees, the company is ensuring that workers who work in production and distribution follow strict hygiene and social distancing guidelines and receive support to do their jobs safely. Furthermore, in order to provide security to its employees, HEINEKEN has promised that for the remainder of the year it will not carry out structural layoffs, as a consequence of the global health crisis.

For the company’s customers, HEINEKEN is scaling up its initiatives in support of on-trade clientele across markets in all regions. In addition for suppliers, the company is committed to paying suppliers at agreed payment terms and will support a number of small- and medium-sized suppliers through early payments.

For the communities, HEINEKEN is deploying multiple local initiatives across its global operations in support of those who are at the frontline of the COVID-19 fight. These include the donation of water and non-alcoholic beverages, the production of hand sanitisers, and monetary contributions to frontline medical facilities.

The company further recognises that the humanitarian community is in need of additional support. Responding to the March 26 international appeal, HEINEKEN is donating €15 million to support the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies relief efforts for the most at-risk people affected by the virus, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. “The Red Cross has worked tirelessly to save lives around the world,” added Boxmeer. “Now more than ever, we want to offer them our support in the work they do to help the most vulnerable beat COVID-19.”

HEINEKEN Vietnam has just launched a new beer called “Bia Viet” and donated VND10 billion ($434,800) originally earmarked for the promotion of the new product, to support the battle against COVID-19 in the country.