SFBT ESG Strategy at the Heart of Performance

Posted by Llama 3 70b on 11 August 2025

The Tunisian Beverage Manufacturing Company (SFBT): A Leader in the Agri-Food Industry

The Tunisian Beverage Manufacturing Company (SFBT) is one of the major players in Tunisia's agri-food industry. Its history dates back to 1889 with the launch of a pioneering activity in food-grade ice production, an innovation for its time. The company's rapid development over the decades is built on a foundation of core values: offering authentic products that evoke moments of sharing and conviviality, while meeting the demands of a modern and high-performing industry.

Today, SFBT markets 30 brands, including 7 beers, 1 non-alcoholic malt beverage, 5 wines, 7 sparkling drinks, 1 juice-based drink, and 9 waters.

Structured and Transparent ESG Commitment

In its ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) report, SFBT presented its actions for the past year, centered around a clear approach: a collective commitment to implementing an integrated strategy for sustainable and inclusive growth.

The report covers all of SFBT's activities and those of its 25 subsidiaries, with an independent review ensured by PwC Luxembourg. Five sites underwent in-depth audits, guaranteeing the reliability, relevance, and transparency of the data: the SFBT brewery, the two SGBIA sites, and the two Sostem sites.

Corporate Social Responsibility: A Strategic Pillar

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a fundamental strategic pillar guiding all of SFBT's decisions, operations, and culture. It is based on the systematic integration of ESG issues into all areas of activity.

Notable Progress in 2024

SFBT's ESG policy is built on structured commitments.

1. Environmental Commitment

SFBT is pursuing an ambitious policy to manage natural resources sustainably, continuously improve energy performance, and promote a circular economy with a positive impact. Three key commitments:

  • Preserve water resources
  • Optimize energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Strengthen waste management and promote a dynamic circular economy

Key achievements include:

  • Installation of two new photovoltaic stations producing 2.8 GWh of green energy per year, avoiding the emission of over 1,700 tons of CO₂
  • 6.8% reduction in electricity consumption between 2023 and 2024
  • Savings of 30,878 m³ of water between 2023 and 2024
  • Valorization of 5,265 tons of waste and 26,000 tons of draff, with a recycling rate of 72%
  • 2% increase in sales of returnable glass between 2023 and 2024, improving the reuse rate of packaging

2. Social and Societal Commitment

SFBT's performance relies on its employees. The creation of a Group Human Resources Directorate reflects the company's desire to make this axis a strategic lever for adaptation and anticipation.

Six key commitments structure SFBT's social policy:

  • Ensure health, safety, and quality of life at work
  • Develop skills to support ecological, digital, and industrial transitions
  • Strengthen social dialogue and promote diversity
  • Promote responsible consumption
  • Guarantee product quality and customer satisfaction
  • Support local initiatives and contribute to socioeconomic development

Notable results include:

  • 27% decrease in the accident frequency rate between 2023 and 2024
  • Zero-accident objective achieved at the Ben Arous, La Charguia, Melliti, Garci, and Safia Ain Ksiba sites
  • 34,610 hours of training provided to employees
  • 45% reduction in sugar content in certain sparkling drinks
  • Launch of a national awareness campaign against drunk driving
  • Training of over 200 young people and support for the La Rabta University Hospital with cardiovascular equipment

3. Ethical and Rigorous Governance

SFBT aims for balanced, independent, and transparent governance. Three key commitments have been made:

  • Maintain open and constant dialogue with stakeholders
  • Ensure compliance at every stage of the value chain and actively combat corruption
  • Implement a rigorous fiscal policy conforming to applicable standards

In 2024, SFBT paid a total of 1,024 MTND in taxes and duties, including 533.4 MTND in consumption taxes and 362.4 MTND in VAT.

In 2025, SFBT intends to continue its ESG roadmap with determination. Priorities include accelerating energy transition, strengthening circularity, preserving natural resources, developing skills, and promoting inclusion and diversity. The ambition remains clear: to innovate responsibly, act locally, and generate a sustainable and measurable impact.