Code of Ethics
Initiatives rooted in the code of ethics
Based on the Group's Philosophy, which is rooted in its Corporate Motto and Principles, Kewpie Group expresses its stance as a "Group Policies" in order to earn the utmost trust from all stakeholders who support our activities.
Within that framework, we have established Code of Ethics to uphold as a better corporate citizen.
We believe that when every employee, from our executives to all other staff, understands and faithfully adheres to the spirit of our Group's Policies, it will lead to greater transparency as a company and increased trust from our customers.
Compliance with laws and regulations
For a company to develop sustainably, it is essential that all officers and employees conduct their business activities with a high sense of ethics, in addition to complying with laws and regulations. Furthermore, since employees are the backbone of sustainable business operations, it is important to instill the fundamental principles of each individual's conduct both within and outside the group, leading to customer trust and mutual self-correction among employees. Based on this philosophy, Kewpie Group has established a compliance promotion system and is promoting initiatives to ensure that all group employees thoroughly adhere to these principles.
Promoting compliance
In January 2004, we established the "Group Code of Ethics and Conduct" and set up a Compliance Committee, creating a company-wide compliance system. This committee is responsible for developing compliance regulations, identifying problems, and implementing employee awareness programs.
・Employee Awareness Survey Questionnaire
We conduct a survey of all employees every two years to confirm their compliance awareness and gather their opinions, striving to create a transparent and comfortable workplace.
・Helpline
In accordance with the Whistleblower Protection Act, we have established a helpline as part of our internal reporting system.
Reports and consultations received by external lawyers, third-party organizations, auditors, etc., will be investigated by the Compliance Investigation Committee. Violations will be penalized, publicly announced within the company, and measures to prevent recurrence will be implemented.
Respect for Human Rights
We strive to create a workplace environment where every executive and employee respects human rights and is free from discrimination and harassment. We are also taking steps to investigate the presence or absence of human rights violations through employee awareness surveys. Furthermore, as we expand our business, we are required to understand and appropriately address various human rights issues, and we will further work to ensure consideration of human rights throughout our entire value chain.
Initiatives for Respect for Human Rights
キユーピーグループ人権方針（367KB） Kewpie Group Human Rights Policy (155KB)
Fair and sound business practices
To gain the trust of all our stakeholders, we comply with all laws and regulations related to our business activities and act with integrity. We also engage in fair and free competition and build transparent and healthy relationships. We operate under the same principles when it comes to raw material procurement, Quality-First while also considering the environment and human rights throughout our supply chain.
Establishing a system for compliance with competition laws (Antimonopoly Act and Proper Transactions Act)
Kewpie Group is committed to complying with competition laws (Antimonopoly Act and Proper Transactions Act) as part of its efforts to practice fair and sound corporate activities.
Responding to the Antimonopoly Act
- ・Establishment of a "Manual for Compliance with the Antimonopoly Act" and a "Collection of Case Studies and Q&A."
- ・Implementation of education and training on the Antimonopoly Act through e-learning and in-house study sessions.
- ・Implementation of in-house training by lawyers at major overseas group companies.
Responding to the Proper Transactions Act
- ・Construction and operation of an ordering and payment system compliant with the Proper Transactions Act
- ・Regular implementation of education and training on the Act on the Proper Transactions Act through in-house study sessions, etc.
- ・Development of a "Manual for the Proper Transactions Act," various formats for necessary documents such as purchase orders, and a self-checklist for the Proper Transactions Act
- ・Appointment of legal compliance officers in relevant departments, promotion of self-checks and voluntary improvement activities
Correspondence to the appropriate price pass-through
Based on the "Guidelines for Price Negotiations to Ensure Appropriate Pass-Through of Labor Costs," Kewpie Group will take the following measures:
- ・We will maintain regular communication with our contractors regarding price negotiations and price increases.
- ・In price negotiations, we will thoroughly discuss and consider the appropriate interests of the contractor, including the impact of any price increases.
- ・Regarding price negotiations, we always strive to conduct negotiations with fair pricing across the entire supply chain in mind.
- ・In price negotiations, we will respect the publicly available documents and other materials presented by the contractor, and both parties will create and retain records of the negotiations.
Thorough information security
We have established various management manuals related to company information handling regulations, basic personal information protection regulations, etc., and the Information Promotion Committee is primarily responsible for employee training on information management, verifying the operational status of each regulation, and revising the regulations.
Furthermore, at our overseas offices, we are working to develop regulations and inform employees about them in accordance with the constraints and IT environments of each country.
Rejection of antisocial forces
As a member of society, we will have absolutely no ties with antisocial forces that threaten social order and safety, and we will respond resolutely to any unreasonable demands.
We provide training to our group employees and strive to consult with and gather information from relevant organizations such as the police.
Furthermore, our contracts with our business partners include clauses regarding the exclusion of antisocial forces.
System for promoting the elimination of anti-social forces
We strive to create manuals for dealing with antisocial forces, provide guidance and education to employees through compliance activities such as hierarchical training and e-learning, and, when necessary, consult with relevant organizations such as the police and gather information.
Contract clause excluding anti-social forces
Our contracts with our business partners include clauses regarding the exclusion of antisocial forces, requiring them to guarantee that they are not antisocial forces and have no relationship with such forces. We also stipulate that if it is discovered that they are in violation of this, we can immediately terminate the contract.