CEO Message

Mrs. Thapanee Techajareonvikul

Chief Executive Officer and President Berli Jucker Public Company Limited 

As we reflect on the dynamic global landscape of 2023, characterized by volatile economic shifts, evolving social dynamics, and environmental challenges, Berli Jucker Public Company Limited and its subsidiaries, collectively known as BJC, once again find ourselves at the forefront of adapting to emerging risks and seizing new opportunities. The complex interplay of these factors, intricately woven into the fabric of our business operations, presents us with the ongoing task of swiftly navigating and managing the complexities they entail. From domestic economic distinctions to international influences, such as the lingering aftermath of the Russian-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Palestine tensions, our operations are deeply intertwined with a multitude of external forces. These disruptions not only affect the availability of crucial raw materials but also resonate through our supply chains, impacting prices and consumer purchasing power, thereby reshaping market dynamics. Amidst these challenges, we remain acutely aware of our responsibility towards both our stakeholders and the broader global community. We recognize the profound impact our operations can have on various fronts, including human rights and environmental sustainability. It is with this awareness that we have steadfastly integrated sustainable development principles into every surface of our operations, aligning with evolving stakeholder expectations. Our journey towards sustainability is not merely a commitment but a continuous evolution, evident in our strategic realignments and operational initiatives over the past five years. Today, BJC stands as a beacon of leadership in the food and staples retailing industry, exemplifying our dedication to sustainable practices, and serving as Your Trusted Partner for a Sustainable Better Living.
 

Central to our sustainability efforts is the corporatewide sustainability strategy “B.J.C.”, encompassing the three dimensions of sustainability: Better Living (Environment), Joint Success (Economic & Governance) and Caring for Communities (Social). This holistic approach guides our decision-making processes and ensures that we promptly adapt to emerging risks and capitalize on opportunities. Furthermore, we remain committed to our “1+5 strategy”, designed to achieve Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2050. This ambitious goal underscores our dedication to combatting climate change and aligning with international climate initiatives. Throughout 2023, we made significant steps towards these targets, spearheading projects such as the “Big Tree Planting Project by BJC”, which we planted over 20,000 trees across 100 Rai (40 Acres). Additionally, initiatives aimed at reducing GHG emissions, non-renewable energy consumption, water usage, food waste, and packaging weight were implemented across our supply chain, marking the first phase of our journey towards Net Zero emissions. I extend my sincere gratitude to all our stakeholders, from our dedicated employees to our valued business partners, for their unwavering commitment to our shared goals. Together, we will continue to uphold BJC’s core values, drive sustainable practices, and forge a path towards a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Mr. Aswin Techajareonvikul
Chief Executive Officer and President of Big C Supercenter Public Company Limited

Amidst the ever-evolving global economic, social, and environmental landscape, Berli Jucker Public Company Limited (BJC) encounters a countless of challenges and opportunities, both at home and abroad. The year 2023 marked a period of adaptation and strategic maneuvering for BJC, as we navigated through shifting market dynamics and stakeholder expectations, all while maintaining our steadfast commitment to operational excellence and sustainability. In 2023, BJC encountered pivotal trends: escalating operating expenses driven by factors like international conflicts and volatile exchange rates, prompting us to implement measures such as closely monitoring markets, entering price lock agreements, and continuously identifying high-potential and alternative suppliers, with a focus on local options. Through rigorous sustainability supplier assessments, we aim to minimize risks within our supply chain and ensure that our sourcing practices align with our commitment to sustainability and responsible business practice.
 

Simultaneously, heightened domestic and international competition spurred us to develop private label products (such as We are Fresh, Happy Price and Besico), enhance store formats, and diversify product assortments to meet evolving customer needs. We also prioritized research and development to maintain product quality while managing expenses, expanded into new sales channels, and remained vigilant against cybersecurity risks during promotional campaigns and loyalty programs. Furthermore, sustainability and climate change remained at the forefront of our agenda, with stakeholders increasingly demanding corporate responsibility for operational impacts. Embracing our ‘1+5 Strategy’, we integrated sustainability considerations across all facets of our operations, leveraging risk assessments and key performance indicators to drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at minimizing environmental footprint and enhancing social impact. We are proud that our sustainability efforts have been recognized both domestically and internationally, with accolades such as our continued inclusion in the SET ESG Rating by the Stock Exchange of Thailand for the fourth consecutive year, our position as an industry leader (Top 1%) in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for the second consecutive year, and maintaining our esteemed position as a Member of DJSI by S&P Global in food & staples retailing industry for the third consecutive year (2021-2023). Moreover, BJC achieved a notable ranking adjustment from ‘A’ to ‘AA’ in food & staples retailing industry by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), marking the highest rating in the Asia region. Additionally, we proudly maintained our status as a constituent on both the FTSE4Good Emerging Index and the FTSE4Good ASEAN 5 Index for the third consecutive year, further reaffirming our unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and ethical governance. As we move forward, BJC remains steadfast in our commitment to balancing business growth with sustainability, striving towards our long-term goal of achieving Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2050. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration as we journey together towards a more sustainable future.