THE WORLD IN 2024: DUSHAN MITREV “ESG FOR US IS A STRATEGIC PRIORITY”

With Dusan Mitrev, who assumed the role of General Manager of Pivara Skopje AD in June 2023, we delve into the challenges of steering a company with a century-long tradition, coupled with a distinct vision for the future.

Stepping into the leadership role at Pivara Skopje during a period marked by economic challenges, inflation, post-pandemic recalibration, and global supply chain instability due to conflicts, as well as the celebration of the company’s 100-year milestone and the upcoming centenary of Skopsko next year, posed a unique set of circumstances. Considering these factors, what vision did you bring to the management of the company?

“It is both a pleasure and an honor to embrace the responsibility and privilege of leading Pivara Skopje AD, a Macedonian company steeped in a century-old tradition, and simultaneously, a member of the international families of Coca-Cola HBC and Heineken. The challenges of managing a company of this stature are ever-present, regardless of the prevailing circumstances. My personal vision and commitment are aligned with being an integral part of a team that will guide Pivara Skopje AD into the next century, exemplifying progressiveness, professionalism, knowledge, and market experience.”

Pivara Skopje, embodying the essence of a genuinely responsible corporate citizen, is synonymous with trust and quality. The company prioritizes its consumers and buyers, places emphasis on the development and well-being of its employees and demonstrates a commitment to caring for the community in which it operates.

What results does Pivara Skopje end 2023 with?

I will discuss Pivara Skopje AD’s results in the recent years, as the official financial statements for 2023 have not been published yet. Regardless of the specific period or year, Pivara Skopje AD remains steadfast in pursuing set strategic goals, maintaining a long-term and unwavering focus on their achievement and continual improvement.

Primarily, this involves focusing on our consumers and establishing mutual trust through the consistent delivery of top-quality products and exciting innovations. This includes the development of a comprehensive product portfolio for 24/7 occasions, catering to every day of the week.

Furthermore, the paramount focus is on providing exceptional care and adopting a partnership approach with our customers. This involves continuous efforts to deliver outstanding service and foster shared growth and shared results.

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Thirdly, our distinctive trait as a company is the ongoing attention to our most crucial secret ingredient – our employees, prioritizing their growth and professional development.

And, of course, a significant priority for us is the care of the community in which we operate. We engage in constant activities and projects aimed at enhancing the well-being of society, covering various ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) aspects.

ESG standards are anticipated to be a dominant trend in 2024. What is the position of Pivara Skopje AD in this regard?

When discussing ESG, it’s important to highlight that at Pivara Skopje AD, this topic has been deeply ingrained and familiar to us for an extended period. Sustainability and community care constitute integral components of our company strategy, permeating all our plans and activities. We genuinely believe that only by acting as a responsible corporate citizen and consistently contributing to society can we truly deem ourselves a successful company.

I am pleased to announce that for the ninth consecutive year, one of the groups to which we belong – CCHBC, has attained the highest ratings (AAA) in the realm of sustainable development according to MSCI ESG Ratings.

Furthermore, the group has been included in the FTSE4Good index, receiving the highest scores in areas such as corporate governance, health and safety, anti-corruption, climate change, water security, and human rights.

These accomplishments underscore that our sustainable development strategy and the strides we are making are propelling us closer to the objective of achieving net zero emissions by 2040, solidifying our position as leaders in the industry.

Locally, within the non-alcoholic beverage segment, investment in the new non-alcoholic beverage line has played a significant role in reducing water and energy consumption. The initiative adheres to all safety and health standards while introducing preforms with the lowest weight in their class.

In the beer section, we have achieved commendable results through the reduction of both water and energy consumption.

A significant stride toward achieving our ambitious goals and commitments under the “World without waste” platform and the initiative for net zero emissions was the introduction of attached caps. This innovation will be implemented across all our non-alcoholic beverage brands by the end of this year.

I would like to emphasize projects such as “Generalka Weekend” and the afforestation initiative “Soncheva Gora,” which integrate the “World without waste” and net zero emissions platforms. Pivara Skopje serves as a patron, and our employees actively participate as ambassadors of sustainable development, engaging as volunteers in these initiatives.

Our flagship beer brand, SKOPSKO, is initiating the campaign “Our Pride, Our Responsibility” aimed at contributing to the cleanliness of national landmarks. Commencing with activities in the Ohrid region, numerous initiatives are planned to further promote cleaning efforts and raise awareness among the public.

Among the community support initiatives, we take particular pride in the consistent and positive response to Youth Empowered – a free educational youth program, which this year marks the successful completion of over 100 training courses. Additionally, we cherish our enduring partnerships with SOS Children’s Village and the Red Cross.

What are the plans for 2024?

We consistently approach the future with enthusiasm and a readiness for challenges, and this outlook extends into the upcoming year, 2024. Our plans for the next year are rooted in our long-term strategy. Consumers can anticipate thrilling innovations and campaigns, with a special emphasis on celebrating the 100th anniversary of our iconic beer brand, Skopsko. Additionally, numerous exciting activities are in store across our 24/7 portfolio.

We persist unwaveringly in our commitment to be acknowledged as an exemplary company and a genuine partner to our customers. Together, we strive to foster mutual development and growth in our shared business endeavors, without compromise.

Certainly, anticipate a multitude of activities and projects related to ESG, as for us, it is not merely an imposed obligation but an integral and strategic priority. It encapsulates our approach and determination, guiding how we act and contribute to the community and society.

Text: Economist – The World In 2024