Sustainable procurement guidelines

• 1. Quality management

  (1) We are already compliant with Japan's Food Sanitation Law, and we only procure/provide safe food products that meet the Group's quality standards in accordance with our Procurement Management Regulations and all relevant management systems.

  
  

  (2) In regards to food products and ingredients, the Group defines certain information that must be provided by our suppliers based on various standards, including our Food Sanitation Management Plan.

  
  

  (3) The Group works with our suppliers to receive understanding and cooperation in regards to any required inspections or audits of their processing methods.

• 2. Supplier selection

  During selection of suppliers, the Group uses fair and transparent evaluation of various factors for each supplier. These include quality, costs, provision, financial data, reliability, proposal skills, and environmental efforts.

• 3. Compliance and fair business transactions

  The Group's business transactions with all of its suppliers are conducted as follows.

  
  

  (1) We perform fair and honest transactions for the benefit of society in accordance with the applicable laws of each country or region.

  
  

  (2) During transactions, proper handling is performed for all information including confidential information, personal information, and intellectual property rights.

  
  

  (3) Proper information is provided during procurement selection.

  
  

  (4) Procurement is performed at proper monetary values without using price fixing, bid rigging, dumping, or any other practice that impedes fair competition.

  
  

  (5) Unlawful business practices such as money laundering, corruption, bribery, or extortion are never used.

  
  

  (6) Corporate gifts and entertainment are either refused or restricted to levels considered appropriate by society.

  
  

  (7) Resolute stands are taken against antisocial forces such as criminal organizations, and we don't perform any actions that allow their influence to grow.

• 4. Consideration for the environment

  (1) Our business operations include the use of energy-efficient equipment, and we help to reduce greenhouse gases in order to counter climate change.

  
  

  (2) We strive to preserve biodiversity, stop environmental pollution, reduce water usage, and we make other contributions to the preservation of ecosystems as we perform our business operations.

  
  

  (3) We aim to reduce waste materials and contribute to a recycling-oriented society through our business activities.

• 5. Human rights and labor

  Our transactions and business activities are carried out with respect for human rights, and we comply with international standards such as the International Bill of Human Rights.

  
  

  (1) We do not allow inhumane acts or anything that infringes on human rights

  
  

  (2) We prohibit forced labor and child labor, prohibit illegal overworking, and provide compensation that exceeds minimum wages

  
  

  (3) We don't allow for discrimination in areas such as hiring, assignment, promotion, transfer, or relocation

  
  

  (4) In order to allow for smooth negotiation of working hours, we respect our employees' freedom of association and their right to collective bargaining

  
  

  (5) We strive to provide safe, sanitary, and healthy working environments for employees

• 6. Information provided by suppliers

  The Group's suppliers are requested to provide information on the aforementioned subjects in a timely and appropriate manner.