Effective stakeholder engagement is a cornerstone of sustainable success in our dynamic operating environment.
Our capacity to create value is inextricably linked to the value we create for our stakeholders, society and the environment.
We appreciate constructive stakeholder feedback through our various communication channels, to ensure that we align with stakeholders’ needs and to enhance our reputation.
CA&S’ priority stakeholders encompass the people and organisations that enable us to deliver on our purpose. We determine what is material to our stakeholders through ongoing assessments of our direct and indirect interactions with them. The insights gained from this process inform our reporting and engagement strategies, ensuring that we address our stakeholders’ main concerns and expectations.
The tables on the next page provide an overview of our key stakeholder groups, our interdependencies in terms of value creation, the material expectations of each group, and how we engage with them to identify and address these expectations. We recognise that there may be diversity within each group, with individual stakeholders often having differentiated interests.
Our stakeholders
Employees
Contribution to value creation
Our 18 590 employees contribute the skills, experience and operational excellence that enable us to deliver on our purpose and to ensure client and customer satisfaction.
Priority interests and concerns
- Job security.
- Competitive remuneration and rewards.
- Work-life balance.
- Career development, growth and advancement.
- Strong Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) practices.
Our response
- Targeted learning and development programmes.
- Structured reward and recognition programmes.
- Regular employee engagement and regular surveys to gather feedback and guide improvements.
- Flexible working arrangements, where possible.
- Opportunities for career progression. 248 employees were promoted during 2025.
Communication channels
- Daily operational interactions and team engagement.
- Staff meetings and leadership updates.
- Internal digital platforms including email, newsletters and a proprietary employee mobile application.
- Regular one-on-one performance reviews.
- Social media platforms including LinkedIn and Facebook.
Areas of continued focus
- Succession planning and leadership development.
- Enhanced transformation at senior management level.
- Digital upskilling and training initiatives for employees.
Clients
Contribution to value creation
Our clients are at the centre of our business. Their needs and strategies inform our strategic intent, operational delivery and value creation across all markets.
Priority interests and concerns
- Growth in brand presence, visibility and market share across geographies.
- Consistent on-shelf product availability.
- Best value for money in a constrained operating environment.
Our response
- Efficient storage, distribution, sales, replenishment, display and promotional execution.
- Ensuring brands are available, visible and supported.
- Securing product listings with retailers.
- Regular communication on product availability and performance.
- Providing insights and identifying growth opportunities.
- Acting as a solutions-oriented service provider.
- Increasing inventory cover to ensure uninterrupted stock supply.
Communication channels
- Performance reports and dashboards.
- Regular meetings and feedback sessions.
- Strategic planning sessions.
- Supplier in-country visits.
- Event and promotional proof of performance reports.
- Social media updates.
- Client Summit.
Areas of continued focus
- Innovation and adaptability to meet evolving market trends.
- Enhanced data analytics and capabilities.
Customers
Contribution to value creation
Our customers create value through their broad engagement in wholesale, retail, independent channels, specialist outlets and the hospitality trade, helping to build a dynamic and mutually beneficial commercial ecosystem.
Priority interests and concerns
- Growing market share and increasing revenue.
- Availability of brand owners' products.
- Service levels above 95%.
- Streamlined communication for efficiency.
- Proactive stock management to reduce supply chain disruptions.
Our response
- Ordering and replenishment mechanisms to maintain continuous on-shelf availability.
- Delivery of desired brands to shelves.
- Promotional display support through sampling and education. Along with timely delivery and installation of promotional materials.
- High outbound service levels in logistics and warehousing.
- In-store activations and continuous sales, systems and replenishment services.
Communication channels
- Proof of performance demonstrating the impact of our services.
- Weekly touch-base calls and emails with top customers.
- Monthly performance review meetings.
- Client Summit.
Areas of continued focus
- Technology-enabled customer engagement.
- Supply chain optimisation for greater efficiency and resilience.
Communities
Contribution to value creation
Our communities provide our social licence to operate and form the foundation of our talent pipeline and consumer base. Supporting them is integral to who we are and how we create long-term shared value.
Priority interests and concerns
- Support for local businesses and communities.
- Sustainable job creation.
- Strengthening community capability and supporting youth development.
- Gain access to learning opportunities and have a more resilient community over time.
Our response
- Prioritising local recruitment to contribute positively to communities we operate in.
- Supporting education and skills development in the communities in which we operate.
- Contribute to communities through focused CSI initiatives, aligned to community needs.
Communication channels
- Social media and recruitment portals.
- Events and community activations.
Areas of continued focus
- Continued investments in education, food security and job creation.
- Amplifying impact through key partnerships and shared-value initiatives.
Consumers
Contribution to value creation
Consumers create value by driving demand for our clients' brands. Their preferences, purchase decisions and loyalty shape brand performance and contribute directly to sustained revenue growth.
Priority interests and concerns
- Rising cost of living shifting demand toward value alternatives.
- Growing interest in environmentally and socially responsible products.
- Desire for convenient, seamless shopping experiences, along with wider choice drives the adoption of digital purchase habits.
Our response
- Ensuring the availability of sought-after products and brands.
- Providing meaningful choice across categories.
- Monitoring sale trends in response to evolving behaviours, preferences and shopping habits.
Communication channels
- Brand point-of-sale collateral interaction.
- Cross-merchandising opportunities harnessed.
- In-store promotions and face-to-face activations.
- Product communication.
- Social media engagement.
Areas of continued focus
- Strengthening sustainable business practices.
- Leveraging data analytics to understand, anticipate and meet consumer preferences.
Government
Contribution to value creation
We recognise the jurisdiction of government authorities in every country in which we operate. These authorities provide the regulatory, economic and infrastructural environment necessary for industry stability and growth.
Priority interests and concerns
- Support for local manufacturing and industry development.
- Collaboration to combat syndicated theft and illegal trade.
- Fulfilment of tax obligations contributing to national development.
Our response
- Upholding integrity, ethics and responsible business conduct.
- Meeting all tax and regulatory requirements.
- Contributing to economic growth and sustainable development.
- Supporting the well-being of the communities in which we operate.
Communication channels
- Participation in industry bodies and forums, along with contributing to policy development.
- Monitoring official government communication channels.
- Engagement with regulatory authorities.
Areas of continued focus
- Increased engagement in policy development.
- Adapting to evolving regulatory requirements.
- Supporting community development that is aligned with government priorities.
Investors and Shareholders
Contribution to value creation
Our investors and shareholders provide essential capital that enables us to pursue growth, invest in innovation and execute on strategic opportunities; strengthening long-term value creation.
Priority interests and concerns
- Return on investment, dividends and sustainable performance.
- Strong governance and responsible business practices.
- Effective risk management.
- Long-term sustainability and resilience.
Our response
- Delivering value through share price appreciation and consistent dividends.
- Driving sustainable growth in revenue, earnings and assets.
- Ensuring disciplined cost optimisation and capital allocation.
- Leveraging integration and synergies across the group for efficiency.
- Applying a remuneration policy aligned with performance and shareholder expectations.
- Maintaining governance structures that reflect integrity, diversity and expertise.
- Providing transparent and timely reporting.
- Adhering to a robust governance framework and supporting sound business practices.
Communication channels
- Annual and interim financial reporting.
- Annual general meeting.
- Investor roadshows.
- Stock exchange news portal announcements.
- Social media updates.
- Client Summit.
Areas of continued focus
- Addressing underperforming subsidiaries.
- Strengthening capital allocation and return enhancement.
- Ensuring transparent, strategic, financial and sustainability disclosures.
- Continuing to advance ESG initiatives and sustainable practices.