Sapporo Group Human Rights Policy

Since its establishment in 1876 in Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture, as the “Kaitakushi Brewery,” the Sapporo Group has expanded its business domains to include not only beer, but also alcoholic beverages, food, soft-drinks, restaurants, and real estate, and has become involved in various aspects of life with its management philosophy of "As an intrinsic part of people’s lives, Sapporo will contribute to the evolution of creative, enriching and rewarding lifestyles." We will practice sincere business operations to enhance the trust from our stakeholders and contribute to the creation of a sustainable society.

We recognize that our business could directly or indirectly affect human rights in the course of its process, and to respect human rights of all people involved in our business, we hereby provide the Sapporo Group Human Rights Policy. With this policy, we will promote approaches to respecting human rights.
We expect all of our business partners, including our suppliers, to understand and support this policy.

Commitment to Respect for Human Rights

The Sapporo Group Human Rights Policy (hereinafter referred to as this Policy) is based on the Sapporo Group Code of Corporate Conduct and governs all other human rights-related policies within the Sapporo Group, and this policy is a foundational element of all our business operations.
This Policy has been stipulated with reviewing the human rights issues related to the Group, following advice from independent external experts.
In the course of implementing this Policy, we will have earnest dialogues and consultations with our stakeholders.
The Sapporo Group respects the human rights of all persons involved in the business, and prohibits discrimination based on reasons from race, ethnicity, nationality, creed, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity etc.

We will be further aware of the influences on human rights in the whole value chain and improve approaches to respect for human rights.

As a company that endorses the United Nations Global Compact, we support and respect internationally recognized human rights standards, including the International Bill of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Children’s Rights and Business Principles, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Should national/regional laws differ from or conflict with international human rights standards, we will seek ways to honor the principles of internationally recognized human rights to an extent possible, without violating local laws and regulations.

Scope of the Human Rights Policy

This policy applies to all officers and employees of Sapporo Group. In addition, we will make efforts to ensure our suppliers and other business partners understand this policy and expect them to comply with this policy.

Commitment to Human Rights Due Diligence

In accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Sapporo Group will promote approaches to identify, prevent and mitigate adverse human rights impacts that may relate to our business.
We will strive not to violate human rights ourselves and will not encourage human rights abuses by our stakeholders, including our suppliers and other business partners.
If, under human rights due diligence, it is revealed that any of our conduct has caused or promoted any adverse impact on human rights, we will make efforts to take appropriate and effective remedial action.

Explanation about Grievance Procedures

Particularly Important Human Rights Issues (Priority Issues)

• Forced Labor and Child Labor:

  Under the laws of the countries where we do business and under the internal policies of each Group company, we are making efforts to appropriately manage personnel affairs in a regionally-oriented manner without being engaged in any forced labor or child labor.

• Discrimination and Harassment:

  We respect diversity and the human rights of individuals. We will eliminate any discrimination and harassment based on race, ethnicity, nationality, creed, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity etc., and will create a work environment where all employees are fairly treated.

• Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining:

  We will respect the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of the countries and regions where we do business. If the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining is restricted under national/regional laws and regulations in contravention of international human rights standards, we will seek ways to honor these freedom and right by establishing alternative means of dialogue with employees.

• Occupational Health and Safety:

  We will keep updated on laws, regulations and rules concerning health and safety in our workplace and the status of their implementation in the countries and regions where we do business, and always strive to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

• Working Hours and Wages:

  We will comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to working hours and wages in the countries and regions where we do business. We will also strive to ensure wages that enable employees to meet their basic living needs.

• Autonomy and Challenge:

  We aim to make the most of each person's strengths, to be healthy in mind and body, and to challenge new areas autonomously with a cheerful and positive energy.

Established: June 4, 2020
Revised: August 1, 2024
Revised: December 23, 2025
President and Representative Director of Sapporo Holdings Limited

* This policy has been developed with the approval of the Board of Directors.

* Human rights issues of particular importance to our business activities were identified in 2020 with the advice of independent external experts.

Promotion Structure

We are working to reduce the risk of human rights violations in all our business activities under the responsibility of the President and Representative Director, who chairs the Group Sustainability Committee. Under the sustainability promotion structure, the Corporate Planning Department of Sapporo Holdings oversees initiatives to respect human rights across the entire Group and promotes them through daily collaboration with sustainability officers and personnel of operating companies, as well as related departments involved in human rights. These initiatives and human rights issues are discussed by the Group Sustainability Committee, and the outcomes of such discussions are reported to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors fulfills its oversight responsibility by regularly reviewing compliance with the Human Rights Policy and the progress of initiatives to respect human rights.

Training on Human Rights

To deepen understanding of the Sapporo Group Human Rights Policy, the Group provides annual e-learning training on human rights, including harassment, to all employees in Japan. In addition, to prevent human rights violations and eradicate harassment, the Group has established consultation channels and actively promotes education and awareness-raising activities for both managers and employees.

• Training for all employees

  Annual web-based training aimed at the eradication of harassment is provided to all employees, with approximately 8,200 participants each year. Training is also conducted to create opportunities for employees to reflect and discuss workplace issues together, as well as to help them understand how to respond when harassment incidents occur.

• Training for managers

  To promote healthy workplace management, annual training programs are conducted for managers on topics such as harassment prevention, psychological safety, one-on-one communication, and unconscious bias.