Ajinomoto Group Policies (AGP)

Message from the President & CEO

What are the Ajinomoto Group Policies (AGP)?

Scope of application

Corporate responsibility

Basic Principle

Revised on : April 28, 2023

1. Initiatives to Improve Nutrition

1. 1.1 We aspire to focus on the nutritional needs of people of different regions, ages, lifestyles, and health conditions, and to provide products and information that improve the nutritional balance of daily meals.
2. 1.2 We contribute to emotional and physical nourishment not only with products that provide the appropriate nutrients, but also through recommendations for delicious meals, diverse menus, smart cooking, and eating together.
3. 1.3 We work to help consumers improve nutrition by offering a total package of information, products, and services based on a deep understanding of local conditions.
4. 1.4 We provide opportunity for nutritious meals with products that are both affordable and in appropriate styles, and that meet diverse consumer needs in each country.

2. Provision of Safe, High-Quality Products and Services

1. 2.1 We constantly aim to put the customer first and, through advanced technology and creativity, develop and provide safe, high-quality products and services.
2. 2.2 We provide accurate and helpful information about our products and services in order to earn and maintain the trust of our customers, to meet their expectations, and to ensure their satisfaction.
3. 2.3 We ensure that all of our marketing and advertising is done interactively with our customers and in a responsible manner, especially when directed at children.

3. Contribution to the Global Environment and Sustainability

1. 3.1 We work with communities and customers to coexist harmoniously with the earth and to bring about a carbon neutral, sustainable "recycling-oriented society." Furthermore, we implement initiatives to conserve natural capital and biodiversity, which are indispensable foundations for our business activities.
2. 3.2 We encourage all individuals to use resources and energy more efficiently and pursue environmentally responsible lifestyles.

4. Fair and Transparent Transactions

1. 4.1 We are dedicated to fairness and transparency in all of our transactions and maintain fair business practices, recognizing our valuable business partners.
2. 4.2 We take steps to ensure a thorough understanding of and compliance with antitrust and other laws and rules related to competition in each country where we do business. We do not engage in collusion with competitors to fix prices or sales/production volume to limit competition (cartels), or in bid-rigging. We do not employ unfair means to eliminate competitors from or block entry into the market.
3. 4.3 When selecting subcontractors and suppliers, we make decisions by fairly comparing and evaluating terms such as price, quality and service. We do not engage in conduct that results in any disadvantage to our business partners by abusing our dominant position.
4. 4.4 We involve our subcontractors and suppliers in our efforts to fulfill our social responsibilities, including environmental preservation and protection of human rights, and we work with suppliers to contribute to the sustainability of communities along the entire supply chain.
5. 4.5 In dealing with our customers and business partners, we act with good judgment and do not engage in inappropriate conduct such as offering improper gifts, entertainment, or money.
6. 4.6 We do not provide gifts, entertainment, money or other benefits as bribes to domestic or foreign public officials or persons equivalent to them, regardless of the means. We maintain sound and normal relations with governments and officials.

5. Approach to Human Rights

1. 5.1 We conduct business activities based on an understanding of internationally recognized human rights and respect for international rules of conduct concerning human rights.
2. 5.2 We work together with a wide array of stakeholders to avoid any complicity in the violation of human rights.
3. 5.3 We respect fundamental principles and rights at work as follows. We: (a) recognize the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining; (b) prohibit the use of forced labor in any form; (c) prohibit the use of child labor; (d) do not tolerate discrimination in employment; and (e) ensure safe and healthy work environments.

6. Human Resources Training and Ensuring Safety

1. 6.1 We do our best to provide meaningful employment opportunities that allow our employees to develop and exercise their skills and abilities in a manner that respects their diversity, character and individuality.
2. 6.2 We take a global perspective on our work, emphasize teamwork, exercise creativity, and value a pioneering spirit, striving to contribute to the development of the Ajinomoto Group.
3. 6.3 We support employees’ efforts to enjoy fulfilling lives and contribute to the prosperity of society through the continuous development of the Ajinomoto Group. To this end, we constantly strive to improve ourselves through new initiatives and programs.
4. 6.4 We aim for a workplace climate that improves our job satisfaction and promotes high productivity.
5. 6.5 We respect the laws and culture of each country and region where we do business. We prohibit discrimination against anyone on the basis of race, ethnic group, nationality, religion, belief, birthplace, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.
6. 6.6 We build and maintain positive workplaces, based on open communication, that are free from discrimination and harassment, where people respect one another’s human dignity.
7. 6.7 We respect each person and, with the participation of all employees, place occupational safety and health as one of the most important components of corporate activities.

7. Working with Local Communities

1. 7.1 We strive to make positive social contributions to create healthy communities where we do business and across broader society. We focus on economic, cultural and educational development of each community where we do business.
2. 7.2 As members of local communities, we are encouraged as individuals to participate in social contribution activities.
3. 7.3 We recognize that each and every one of us as a Group employee represents the Ajinomoto Group whenever we interact with the public, and as such, our actions are governed at all times by an awareness of social etiquette.

8. Responsibilities to Stakeholders

1. 8.1 We make every effort to employ sound management practices, to provide appropriate returns to shareholders, and to achieve continuous increases in corporate value.
2. 8.2 We disclose information in a timely and appropriate manner to our diverse stakeholders, and we respond fairly and faithfully to the expectations and trust placed in us.
3. 8.3 We build relationships of trust and promote collaboration by engaging in ongoing two-way dialogue with our diverse stakeholders.
4. 8.4 We maintain and operate a framework of appropriate internal controls to ensure the credibility and accuracy of the financial information disclosed to stakeholders.
5. 8.5 We do not engage in illegal activities such as insider trading, which includes trading in stocks or other investment vehicles using nonpublic information for publicly listed Ajinomoto Group companies and/or publicly listed business partners.
6. 8.6 We fulfill our social responsibility by complying with tax laws and paying appropriate taxes in each country in which we operate, while striving to properly manage tax risks.

9. Protection and Management of Corporate Assets and Information

1. 9.1 We strictly protect and manage confidential information and tangible and intangible company assets, including trade secrets and intellectual property.
2. 9.2 We recognize the importance of protecting personal information and obtain, use and provide personal information only in appropriate ways so as to prevent information leaks.
3. 9.3 We recognize that our brand and intellectual property rights are important corporate assets and use these in an appropriate and correct manner according to laws and the rules of the Ajinomoto Group.
4. 9.4 We respect the legitimate intellectual property of third parties.

10. Clear Separation of Business and Personal Affairs

1. 10.1 We take steps to ensure that the interests of employees, including their families, and the interests of Ajinomoto Group companies do not conflict.
2. 10.2 We use corporate assets or information only for business purposes and not for the pursuit of private interests.
3. 10.3 We understand that business relationships established by employees belong to the company even after the retirement of the employees.
4. 10.4 We clearly distinguish between corporate public posts and individual personal posts with regard to information on social media. We are conscious of our roles and responsibilities as members of the Ajinomoto Group, even when posting information as an individual, and do not commit acts that could damage the Ajinomoto Group, its reputation, or any of its other assets.
5. 10.5 We engage in political activity only as individuals taking a personal stance, and only outside of working hours and outside company property.

11. Establishment and Implementation of Good Governance

1. 11.1 We establish governance systems centered on appropriate delegation of authority and accountability and manage the Group in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner to continuously increase our corporate value.
2. 11.2 We implement strategic risk management and organized crisis management to ensure preparedness for political, economic, and social concerns such as terrorism, cyber-attacks, and natural disasters.
3. 11.3 We strictly avoid any involvement with organized antisocial forces, which pose a threat to civic order and safety. Moreover, we stand resolutely against organized antisocial forces and refuse any and all inappropriate demands.
4. 11.4 We comply with relevant laws and regulations as well as act in accordance with the AGP as our own code of conduct.
5. 11.5 We speak up if we become aware of fraud or violation of laws and regulations or the AGP in the workplace and in business. We consult with appropriate managers and use our whistle-blowing system to bring to light concerns and problems.

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PDF download (3rd edition: Reflect the April 28, 2023 revision)

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