Reflecting on 2020: A year that shaped us all

In a year as unique as this one it’s important we pause and take the time to reflect.

Hot on the heels of a strong 2019 performance and with so much in the pipeline to make 2020 just as impressive, we started this year with real optimism.

And then of course everyone knows what came next – Coronavirus.

We had every reason to believe it would be another year of sustainable business growth, but this horrible illness disrupted everything - and to a large extent it still is – it brought about the most challenging personal and professional circumstances any of us have collectively faced in our lifetimes.

I know I’m not alone when I say I’ve been tested. But it’s in these times where we see what we’re made of. As people and as a business.  

Making our factory and our labs covid-secure and equipping our field sales team with PPE to ensure everyone could continue to work safely was a huge collaborative effort and a massive team made it happen. It took all of our employees’ discipline to ensure it worked effectively too.

Not just that, but we also provided ongoing mental health support in recognition of the invisible challenges facing us all in different ways.

And with this support our people – whether at our sites, in their homes or on the road -acted with humanity too. We all channelled our Growing For Good vision and gave back to society;

Our business distributed over 107,000 cases of drinks to support others, from Fareshare and food banks to the NHS and the homeless as well as many public services throughout Gloucestershire where we make our drinks.

Our marketing team galvanised their brands’ purpose and delivered two impactful campaigns that focused on supporting the public through physical and mental health challenges.

This isn’t the first time that Suntory has overcome challenges in its 121-year history; two world wars, multiple earthquakes and global economic crises, each time applying its ‘Yatte Minahare’ spirit to come out stronger. Now, through our own demonstration of spirit, agility, determinisation and One Suntory mindset, Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I has written itself into that same shared history.

I think about some of what we’ve achieved this year despite a global pandemic, and I couldn’t be prouder.

For one, our employees were recognised as essential workers and managed to maintain production and supply of our drinks while rolling out new pack formats.

Paper straws, a new bottling line and newly designed Ribena bottles also saw us honour our key sustainability commitments with more innovations to look forward to next year.

Of course, It’s just as important to reflect on our own personal development too.

I can tell you, for me personally, I’ve found it incredibly tough. But I believe that intense, shared experiences like this make us stronger and will make our business stronger. I know I’m more resilient now than I was before this pandemic and despite being apart, I’m now even closer to my team. This shared experience will mean we’re all ultimately in better shape to tackle the next challenges we face.

2020 was tough to say the least and we now face a very difficult and challenging end to a very difficult year, but I see so much to be proud of, grateful for and so many reasons to be optimistic.

Until then, it’s time for a well-earned break to reflect, refuel and refocus our minds.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas.

Carol