Diageo South, West & Central Africa

Understanding the Health Risks of Counterfeit Alcohol At the recent DF-SA Illicit Alcohol Roundtable held at GIBS, we hosted Professor Irene Mackraj of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, who shared her knowledge of the severe health risks posed by counterfeit alcohol. As discussions around illicit alcohol continue, it’s crucial to remain informed and vigilant about what we consume. Let's prioritise safety and make responsible choices. Watch the full video to hear more from @irenemackraj Professor Mackraj on the dangers of counterfeit alcohol. #Unitedforgood #CounterfeitAlcohol #PublicHealth #Awareness

We are thrilled to share that Gordon's Gin 200ml has earned the Silver Award at the Gold Pack Awards for our innovative and sustainable packaging! Our redesigned bottle, transitioning to a lightweight PET structure, slashes weight by 41.32% and incorporates 50% recycled content. With its elegant design featuring an embossed logo and a sleek black label, our bottle strikes the perfect balance between sustainability and elegance. The “PICK ME I'M GREEN” message on the label emphasizes our commitment to the environment. This accolade from the Institute of Packaging South Africa highlights our dedication to reducing our environmental impact while maintaining high quality and aesthetics. We’re proud of this achievement and remain committed to setting new benchmarks and inspiring positive change in packaging. #DiageoSWC #DiageoSouthWestCentral #sustainability #Gordons

At Aware.org.za, we're dedicated to reducing alcohol-related harm and building a culture of responsibility in South Africa. Whether it's preventing underage drinking, promoting sober pregnancies, or ensuring road safety, we're committed to real change. This video highlights our work's impact and how we inspire safer choices for a healthier future. Let’s continue making the better choice for ourselves, our families, and our communities. To learn more, visit www.aware.org.za #NOtoU18 #SoberPregnancies #DontDrinkandDrive #MakeTheBetterChoice

Johnnie Walker Shines at Whisky Live Whisky Live 2024, held from the 7th to the 9th of November at The Firs in Rosebank, was an unforgettable celebration of whisky craftsmanship and culture. Among the standout exhibitors, Johnnie Walker commanded attention, setting itself apart from its competitors with an exceptional display of both elegance and expertise. At the heart of the Johnnie Walker stand were brand ambassadors Nduduzo Mdletshe and Lungelo Sean Tantsi, whose engaging interactions with whisky enthusiasts left a lasting impression. Their knowledge and passion for the brand fostered genuine connections with visitors, who were eager to learn more about the rich history and craftsmanship behind each bottle. The Johnnie Walker stand itself was a sight to behold, featuring the full range of the brand's iconic offerings. From the bold and smoky Johnnie Walker Blue Label to the smooth and rich Johnnie Walker Black Label, whisky lovers couldn’t resist exploring the diverse expressions available. The stand became a hub of excitement, with attendees savoring the opportunity to sample, learn, and indulge in some of the finest whisky the world has to offer. Johnnie Walker’s presence at Whisky Live was a true testament to the brand’s ability to create memorable experiences, blending history, quality, and passion in a way that captured the hearts of all who attended. Whether through the knowledge shared by the ambassadors or the allure of its exceptional whiskies, Johnnie Walker proved once again why it remains a leader in the whisky world. Drink responsibly. DRINKiQ.com

Diageo Driving Change: Tackling Drink-Driving at the Heart of South Africa during Transport Month Our global leading campaign against drinking and driving – Wrong Side of the Road – kicked off at the Mall of Africa this month! This year, the campaign introduces an incentivised experiential-survey activation at shopping malls and taxi ranks, encouraging the public to be more self-aware of the risks of drinking and driving and ultimately change drinking behaviour.   The campaign went live under the theme #iamresponsible and will be interfacing with shoppers and consumers at the Food Court of the Mall of Africa – next to our Waterfall head office!!! Set against the backdrop of Transport Month, the Wrong Side of the Road campaign uses an innovative pre-recorded video-call approach, allowing participants to delve into the engaging narrative of Junior Khanye, an ex-Kaizer Chiefs football player. Junior courageously recounts his personal story, emphasizing the severe consequences that drinking and driving had on both his life and his soccer career. This immersive experience enables participants to connect with Junior as he openly discusses the profound consequences drinking and driving brought to his life and career. At the end of the experience, participants are provided with additional resources for advice and support.   In a recent interview on Power FM 98.7, Amy Mudzamiri joined Bongi Gwala on the Power Week show to discuss the contentious issue of alcohol's role in social challenges within South Africa. Amy acknowledged the reality that alcohol misuse can lead to health issues and accidents, but she emphasized that these societal challenges are multifaceted and cannot be attributed solely to alcohol consumption. "At Diageo, we acknowledge our responsibility and are firmly committed to being part of the solution through responsible marketing and active community engagement. Our 'Wrong Side of the Road' campaign, launched under the theme #IamResponsible, exemplifies our efforts to educate the public about the dangers of drinking and driving."   As Amy insightfully emphasized, addressing the social challenges tied to alcohol necessitates a collective effort involving government agencies, community leaders, and consumers. These issues are interwoven with broader societal problems like unemployment and insufficient education, which can amplify the effects of alcohol misuse. Therefore, our commitment transcends individual initiatives to encompass a comprehensive strategy of corporate social responsibility focused on making a positive impact on the communities we serve. As a business, we remain unwavering in our dedication to cultivating a culture of responsibility and progress.   #iamresponsible #WROTR_RSA #SpiritofProgress #Diageo

We are proud to introduce to you the Diageo Africa Heroes video, a true reflection of the spirit and identity of #DiageoAfrica. This is more than just a video - it's a celebration of our diverse cultures, relentless innovation, and the deep connections that drive us forward. Experience the energy, passion, and vision that define us as we continue to lead with purpose and pride across our continent. 🌍✨ #Diageo

DIAGEO GRABS GOLD AT THE INVESTEC TROPHY SPIRITS SHOW! The results are in, giving us more reasons to celebrate! Diageo excelled at the 6th annual Trophy Spirits Show, which took place on Wednesday, 26 June 2024. The Trophy Spirits Show by Investec is one of South Africa's premier competitions assessing a representative array of international and local high-end spirits, liqueurs and aperitifs available to consumers in the country. Its judging methodology is based on the tried and tested system developed over many years by the Trophy Wine Show. Amongst its key features are three person judging panels, at least one of whose members is an international specialist invited to South Africa specifically to judge the competition. 106 entries across the industry were submitted, coming from 17 producers and distributors with 56 brands, spread through 7 categories. In terms of total entries, the whisky classes saw the greatest number (33). As in previous years, entries came in from producers in places as far afield as England, Ireland, Scandinavia, Italy, the Caribbean, the highlands of Scotland, the deserts of Mexico, the villages of Cognac and pretty much everywhere in between. Included among these exotics were at least 54 different brandies, liqueurs, whiskies and gins from the Cape and Gauteng. Diageo is proud to announce that we won the following awards: TROPHY – A champion: highest-scoring gold medal winner in the class Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky, received the Investec Trophy for Best Blended Whisky GOLD MEDAL – Superlative, world-class: scored 95 to 100 out of 100 Gordon’s London Dry Gin Johnnie Walker Green Label Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 15 Years The Singleton of Dufftown Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Years Old SILVER MEDAL – Excellent, spirit of distinction: scored 90 to 94 out of 100 Don Julio 70th (Cristalino Anejo) Don Julio Añejo Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky Aged 18 Years The Singleton of Dufftown Luscious Nectar Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 Years Old #Diageo

🌈 Reflecting on Pride Month at Diageo South Africa🌟 As we wrap up Pride Month this week, we are proud to share how our team celebrated our commitment to inclusion and diversity. At Diageo, we believe in championing diversity across our business, and this Pride Month was no exception. We marked the occasion by unveiling the iconic Johnnie Walker striding statue painted in vibrant rainbow colours. This special moment was shared live on a Diageo Global webinar, reaching colleagues and partners across all our markets. Thank you to everyone at Diageo who helped make this Pride Month memorable and meaningful. Let's continue to celebrate inclusion and diversity every day, everywhere. #KeepWalkingTowardsSafeSpaces #PrideMonth

We believe there is power in diversity, and are proud of our commitment to ensure Diageo is a great place to work for LGBTQIA+ talent. Hear from members of our Rainbow Network Employee Resource Group about how Diageo is creating a business where everyone can be themselves, as well as witnessing how our brands are endorsing LGBTQIA+ inclusion and rights around the world.

Last week, we celebrated the graduation of 480 students and graduates who have successfully completed the Diageo Learning for Life program in partnership with the University of Johannesburg School of Tourism and Hospitality. This initiative has provided valuable hands-on training and industry exposure to final-year students and unemployed graduates in the tourism, hospitality, and food and beverage sectors. Through paid internships with leading businesses in Gauteng and beyond, participants have significantly enhanced their employability prospects. The impact of collaborative initiatives like Learning for Life cannot be understated, as they play a crucial role in tackling unemployment within South Africa's vital tourism sector. We are proud to support the growth and development of skilled workers in this industry, which is a crucial pillar of the economy. Congratulations to all the graduates and a big thank you to our placement partners for making this program a success. Together, we can create numerous job opportunities and drive positive change in South Africa's tourism and hospitality industry.   #DiageoLearningforLife #GraduationDay #TourismIndustryImpact #SpiritofProgress #Society2030