Diageo India, under its annual Spirit of Progress ESG action plan, has made remarkable strides towards sustainability and positive social impact in FY24. The company’s third annual ESG Reporting Index highlights significant achievements across key areas, underscoring its commitment to pioneering grain-to-glass sustainability, promoting responsible drinking, and championing inclusion and diversity.

The Reporting Index shares impacts across three key objectives outlined in Diageo’s Spirit of Progress plan, this includes pioneering grain-to-glass sustainability, promoting positive drinking, and championing inclusion and diversity, all underpinned by doing business the right way.  

The Reporting Index is developed in accordance with the globally acclaimed GRI Standards Index and maps Diageo India’s performance against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The index provides additional sector-specific disclosures as part of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board’s (SASB) framework.

Hina Nagarajan, Managing Director & CEO, of Diageo India said, “We are committed to leading the way in grain-to-glass sustainability, fostering positive drinking, and championing inclusion and diversity throughout our operations and communities, with an unwavering allegiance to doing business with integrity. We will continue to lead with purpose, leveraging our scale and working collaboratively with partners to drive meaningful impact and sustainable growth.”  

In Doing Business the Right Way, governance plays a vital role in the company’s ambition to lead the Indian Consumer Product Goods (CPG) industry on ESG and create enterprise value. It is the foundation of Spirit of Progress and, includes strategic thinking about long-term value and impact created, and the risks and opportunities of the operating environment and business model.  

One of Diageo India’s standout accomplishments in 2024 is its overachievement of water replenishment targets—surpassing its goal by 25%, three years ahead of schedule. The company also continues to innovate in renewable energy, achieving 98.6% renewable energy usage across its direct operations, positioning it on track to meet its 2030 goal of 100% renewable energy well ahead of time. Additionally, its distillery in Alwar, Rajasthan, earned the prestigious Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Certification, the first of its kind in Asia, further solidifying Diageo’s leadership in water conservation efforts.

In its pursuit of a low-carbon future, Diageo India has eliminated coal from its operations, relying instead on biomass renewable fuel boilers, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 87% since 2020. Its afforestation and mangrove regeneration projects further demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability. On the social front, Diageo continues to foster positive drinking behaviours with programs like Act Smart India, which educates youth on the dangers of underage drinking, and its Wrong Side of the Road campaign against drink-driving.

The company also made significant strides in inclusion and diversity, with women now comprising 50% of its Executive Committee. Diageo India’s efforts to empower underrepresented communities are reflected in programs that train marginalised youth for the hospitality sector and provide long-term employment support for people with disabilities. Diageo’s focus on integrity, governance, and long-term sustainability continues to guide its impactful work across India.