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Lion

OVERALL

Owned
JPN
Rating
Praises, some criticism

Beverages and dairy manufacturing

Through a series of mergers and acquisitions between 2002 and 2009, this company became Australia's largest dairy company, largest juice company and second largest brewery. Owned by Japan's Kirin since 2007.

Company Ownership

Lion Pty Ltd   AUS     website   email      
  Kirin Holdings Company Ltd   
   owns 100% of Lion Pty Ltd  
JPN     website   email      

Food, beverage, alcohol and pharmaceuticals manufacturer

Kirin's main businesses include alcohol, soft drinks, pharmaceuticals and food. Japan's largest brewer. Kirin bought Australian dairy & juice company National Foods in 2007, and Dairy Farmers in late 2008, and the 54% of Lion Nathan (Australia's #2 brewer) it didn't already own in 2009. While Kirin is an independent company, it is part of Japan's largest "keiretsu", Mitsubishi Group.

> About the Ratings

Company Assessment

PRAISE CRITICISM INFORMATION
Lion Pty Ltd
Environment Australian Packaging Covenant signatory
Signatory to the Australian Packaging Covenant, a voluntary agreement to encourage waste minimisation.
Source: Australian Packaging Covenant (2020)
Environment Carbon neutral company
This company's business operations meet the requirements of the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard, and have been certified carbon neutral since 2020.
Source: Climate Active (2020)
Social 2013 CHOICE Shonky Award
Named and shamed in the 2013 CHOICE Shonky Awards. According to Choice, Lion's Dairy Farmers Oats Express Liquid Breakfast Banana and Honey, which has pictures of whole oats, banana slices and a honey dipper on the pack, claims to be a smooth "blend of milk, oat fibre and real banana". The ingredients panel reveals the product actually contains banana extract and no honey.
Source: Choice (2013)
Social Breaching advertising codes
This company has been criticised for offensive advertising. In 2010 the Advertising Standards Bureau upheld complaints about an ad by this company on the grounds that it breached advertising codes. The ad was subsequently discontinued or modified.
Source: Advertising Standards Bureau (2010)
Business Ethics Political donations
According to the democracyforsale.net website, this company donated $896,849 to Australia's major political parties between 2012 and 2018, as disclosed to the Australian Electoral Commision (AEC).
Source: Democracy For Sale (2018)
Business Ethics Opposing a CDS
In 2013 Coca-Cola Amatil, Schweppes Australia and Lion Pty Ltd filed proceedings in the Federal Court challenging the legal validity of the Northern Territory's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS). Other large bottlers like Fosters and Diageo have not joined the court case. A CDS has been proven worldwide to be the best way to increase collection and recycling. The Boomerang Alliance estimates a CDS would increase recovery by 80%.
Source: news article (2013)
Business Ethics Misleading labelling
In Dec 2010 National Foods' juice line Berri was required to change two of its flagship brands, Australian Fresh and The Daily Juice Company, after an ACCC investigation found the brand names might be misleading customers into believing the juice was 100% freshly-squeezed. Australian Fresh was renamed Australian Grown, while packaging for The Daily Juice Company was altered to reflect the blended nature of the contents.
Source: ACCC (2010)
Social ABAC signatory
This company has signed the ABAC Responsible Alcohol Marketing Code, which is designed to regulate alcohol advertising and marketing within Australia.
Source: ABAC (2017)
Social RCMI signatory
This company is a signatory to the Responsible Children's Marketing Initiative (RCMI), which is managed by the Australian Food & Grocery Council and covers products found in retail outlets. Companies that have signed up to the initiative commit to: only advertising healthier choices to children and encouraging a healthy lifestyle through good diet and physical activity; not paying for or seeking product placement television programs, editorial content or interactive games aimed at children, unless the product is a healthier choice; not advertising and marketing to children in Australian schools unless they are asked to by those schools.
Source: AFGC (2019)
Social DrinkWise contributor
This company makes voluntary contributions to DrinkWise Australia, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2005 by the alcohol industry, whose stated goal is to help bring about a healthier and safer drinking culture in Australia.
Source: DrinkWise (2020)
Social Employer of Choice for Gender Equality
This company is listed by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) as a Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation holder. The citation is designed to encourage, recognise and promote active commitment to achieving gender equality in Australian workplaces.
Source: WGEA (2019)
Business Ethics Sustainability claims
This company has a number of sustainability claims on its website, including in the areas of tax transparency and environmental performance.
Source: company website (2020)
Business Ethics Sedex member
This company is a member of the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex), a not-for-profit, membership organisation that leads work with buyers and suppliers to deliver improvements in responsible and ethical business practices in global supply chains. Tens of thousands of companies use Sedex to manage their performance around labour rights, health & safety, the environment and business ethics.
Source: Sedex (2018)
Social Workers rights
On 13 January 2010, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU), following endorsement from union members at Berri Juices in Sydney, signed a new collective agreement which secured conditions and brought long delayed wage rises. Industrial actions leading up to agreement included the first workers strike in Berri's history.
Source: IUF (2010)
Social Alcohol - direct involvement
Directly involved in the manufacture, distribution or sale of alcohol as a core business.
Source: company website (2020)
Kirin Holdings Company Ltd
Environment CDP Climate Change Score of A
In 2019, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change Score of A.
Source: CDP (2019)
Social CDP Water Security Score of A
In 2019, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security Score of A.
Source: CDP (2019)
Social Involvement with Burma
This company appears on Burma Campaign UK's 'Dirty List' of companies assisting the Burmese military to continue to commit human rights violations and environmental destruction. In Burma Kirin is in a joint venture, Myanmar Breweries, with the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings, which is controlled by and for the benefit of the military. This subsidiary has also donated money to the Burmese military.
Source: Burma Campaign UK (2019)
Social Human Rights Benchmark
The 2019 Corporate Human Rights Benchmark assessed 200 of the largest publicly traded companies in the world from the Agricultural Products, Apparel, Extractives and ICT Manufacturing sectors on 100 human rights indicators. This company's score was in the 20-30 band range. The overall average score was a disappointing 24%.
Source: CHRB (2019)
Business Ethics 25/100 S&P Global ESG Score
This company received an S&P Global ESG Score of 25/100 in the Beverages category of the 2019 SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies' sustainability practices. The rankings are based on an analysis of corporate economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, environmental reporting, climate strategy, human rights and labour practices.
Source: S&P Global (2019)
Business Ethics 49.8% in Newsweek Green Rankings 2012
This company received a score of 49.8/100 in the Newsweek Green Rankings 2012, which ranks the world's largest publicly traded companies on their environmental footprint, management (policies, programs, initiatives, controversies) and reporting practices, using data from Trucost and Sustainalytics.
Source: Newsweek (2012)
Environment FSC certification
This company holds Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Certification, and sells products certified as FSC Mix and FSC Recycled.
Source: FSC (2017)
Environment Climate action commitments
As listed on the We Mean Business website, this company has committed to the following climate action initiatives: adopt a science-based emissions reduction target; report climate change information in mainstream reports as a fiduciary duty.
Source: We Mean Business (2017)
Business Ethics CSV claims
This company has Creating Shared Value claims on its website
Source: company website (2015)
Business Ethics UN Global Compact participant
The United Nations Global Compact asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of 10 values in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment, and anti-corruption. However it's non-binding nature has been widely criticised, and many signatory corporations continue to violate the Compact's values.
Source: UN Global Compact (2020)
Social Involvement with Myanmar
Kirin acquired Fraser & Neave's 55% stake in Myanmar Brewery in 2015. Prior to this the brewery operated as a joint venture between Fraser & Neave and a Burmese state-owned enterprise, and generated significant income for the oppressive Burmese regime (which ended in 2011).
Source: news article (2015)
Social Alcohol - direct involvement
Directly involved in the manufacture, distribution or sale of alcohol as a core business.
Source: company website (2020)
Animals Genetic Engineering & Animal Rights
USA biotech company Hematech Inc. genetically modify cattle for human antibody production. Hematech was previously a subsidiary of Kirin's pharmaceutical division (Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co) until Dec 2012 when it was acquired by Sanford Health and rebranded Sanford Applied Biosciences, LLC.
Source: company website (2012)

> About the Icons

Company Details

Type Wholly-owned subsidiary
Revenue $4.1 billion in 2018
Employees 5,300 in 2018
Aus Manufacturing Yes
Subsidiaries Lion Beer, Spirits & Wine Pty Ltd 

Alcoholic beverages, especially beer

Australia's largest brewer. Formerly known as Lion Nathan Australia. Kirin Holdings of Japan bought the 54% of Lion Nathan it didn't already own in 2009, and then merged it with National Foods to create Lion Nathan National Foods, which became Lion in 2011.


  - J Boag & Son Brewing Ltd 

Brewery

Tasmanian brewery established in 1883 and acquired by Lion in 2007. All of the company's beers are produced in Launceston.


  - Little Creatures Brewing Pty Ltd 

Brewer

Operator of two breweries, one in Fremantle (WA), and the other in Healesville (VIC). Owned by Japanese owned Lion. In Nov 2014 Lion announced it will close the White Rabbit Brewery in Healesville and move production to Geelong.


Lion Dairy & Drinks Pty Ltd 

Dairy & drinks manufacturer

One of Australia's largest dairy companies (formerly known as National Foods). Acquired Australian dairy companies Dairy Farmers in 2008, Lactos in 2006, and King Island Dairy in 2002, plus juice company Berri in 2005. Owned by Lion/Kirin from 2007 until 2021, when Bega Cheese will take over ownership.


  - Vitasoy Australia Products Pty Ltd (50% owned) 

Soymilk producers

Vitasoy Australia is a joint venture between Vitasoy International and Lion Dairy & Drinks. Operates one production facility in Wodonga, VIC.


  - Capitol Chilled Foods (Australia) Pty Ltd (50% owned) 

Dairy

Joint venture between Lion Dairy & Drinks and the Bega Cheese. It is the only dairy manufacturer in the ACT. They also distribute a number of Lion and Bega brands in the ACT.


Lion Beer, Spirits & Wine NZ 

Alcoholic beverages

New Zealand's largest alcohol beverage company. Formerly known as Lion Nathan NZ.


Healesville Distilling Pty Ltd (50% owned) 

Craft gin distillery

Four Pillars is a small Australian distillery established in Healesville, VIC in 2013. Beverage giant Lion bought a 50% stake in 2019, with the three founders retaining the other 50%.


Lion Little World Beverages 

Alcoholic beverages, especially craft beer

Established in 2015 to focus on growing a portfolio of craft beer in new markets outside Australia, NZ and Japan. They also operate a wine business in USA. Acquired USA's fourth largest craft beer brewery, New Belgium Brewing in 2019.


  - New Belgium Brewing Co. 

Craft beer brewery

This company was 100% employee owned until 2019 when it was bought by Kirin-owned Lion Little World Beverages. USA's fourth largest craft brewery.

Contact Details

Address Level 7, 68 York St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Phone 02 9320 2200
Fax 02 9320 2264
Website www.lionco.com

Products / Brands

Lion Beer Australia
5 Seeds Cider
Amstel Beer
Birra Moretti Beer
Blue Bitter Beer
Boag's Beer
Emu Beer
Eumundi Lager Beer
Furphy Beer
Guinness Beer
Hahn Beer
Heineken Beer
Ice Beer Beer
Iron Jack Beer
James Boag's Beer
James Squire Beer
James Squire Cider
Kilkenny Beer
Kirin Beer
Kirin Cider
Knappstein Beer
Kosciuszko Beer
Little Creatures Beer
Orchard Crush Cider
Pipsqueak Cider
Red Bitter Beer
Rogers Beer
Southwark Beer
Summer Bright Beer
Swan Beer
TED Beer
Tooheys Beer
West End Beer
White Rabbit Beer
Wizard Smith's Beer
XXXX Beer

Lion Dairy & Drinks
Australian Grown Juice & Fruit Drinks
Berri Cordial
Berri Juice & Fruit Drinks
Big M Flavoured Milk
Bornhoffen Yoghurt
Classic Flavoured Milk
Daily Juice Juice & Fruit Drinks
Daily Juice Iced Tea
Dairy Farmers Cheese
Dairy Farmers Flavoured Milk
Dairy Farmers Milk
Dairy Farmers Custard & Desserts
Dairy Farmers Cream
Dairy Farmers Yoghurt
Dare Flavoured Milk
Divine Classic Custard & Desserts
Farmers Union Milk
Farmers Union Yoghurt
Farmers Union Flavoured Milk
Fruche Custard & Desserts
Heart Active Milk
Just Juice Juice & Fruit Drinks
Kyneton Soft Drinks
Liberte Yoghurt
Masters Flavoured Milk
Masters (WA) Milk
Mildura Juice & Fruit Drinks
Moove Flavoured Milk
Nourish Juice & Fruit Drinks
Prima Juice & Fruit Drinks
Pura Cream
Pura Flavoured Milk
Pura Milk
Quelch Ice Blocks
Summit Bottled Water
The Complete Dairy Milk
The Culture Co Milk
The Juice Brothers Juice & Fruit Drinks
Yogo Custard & Desserts
Yogo Yoghurt
Yoplait Yoghurt
Yopliat Custard & Desserts
Yoplus Yoghurt
Zooper Dooper Ice Blocks

Vitasoy Australia (50% owned)
Vitasoy some products certified organic some products certified organic  Soy/Plant Milk
Vitasoy Flavoured Milk

Lion New Zealand
Speights Beer (imported)
Steinlager Beer (imported)

Four Pillars (50% owned)
Four Pillars Gin


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