Modern Slavery in the Global Drinks Trade

At Amathus, we have been proudly supplying Drinks to the World for 45 years. Our founding family’s roots lie deep in Mediterranean vineyards and olive groves where sustainability was not a fad, but a way of life. So, it is no surprise that we have sought out producers who are committed to their husbandry in ways that reflect our own values.

In that time, we have forged strong and lasting relationships directly with growers who have become part of our extended family. Very often, these are smaller producers with long family ties to their estates, who care deeply about their agriculture and production. We maintain these connections by regular exchanges, whether this is sending our buyers to take a first-hand look at harvest and production or at trade fairs and development tours. We have clear insights into how our producers get their products to us.

And it is this close connection that gives us confidence that our producers promote the best possible conditions not only for their products but also for their people.

We will never knowingly work with suppliers whose values do not include respect for their staff, fair treatment in the workplace and a commitment to sustainable production. All of our new suppliers undertake due diligence with us to test for any risks of modern slavery in all its pernicious forms, and contract with us to provide assurances not only on slavery risks but also on bribery and corruption, each evil being an obvious encouragement to the other.

Naturally, many of our suppliers are large concerns. We do not take their global reputations for granted. We ask our suppliers to help us understand their own labour relationships and working conditions and their corporate social responsibilities.

We are fortunate that in our part of the supply chain, there is little scope for the abuse of people. Even so, we are alert to the risk of traffickers and the enforced labour and exploitation of the very young. We are happy to say that since awareness of modern slavery has entered widespread consciousness, we have yet to encounter a single instance of serious concern. We will not stop looking.

If you have any concerns or knowledge you wish to share in confidence please contact us by mail, marked Private & Confidential.