(1 December 2021) China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited (“Mengniu” or the “Group”, HKEX: 2319), a leading dairy product manufacturer in China, is glad to announce that MSCI Inc.(“MSCI”), one of the largest index companies in the world, has published a new rating report and upgraded Mengniu’s ESG (environment, social and governance) Rating from “BB” to “BBB”, reflecting the market’s recognition of the Company’s performance in ESG. 

MSCI stated in the report that Mengniu outperforms industry average in handling packaging material and waste, as well as grasping the opportunities in nutrition and health. The report also pointed out Mengniu’s efforts to reduce environmental impact of packaging, such as lightweighting and increasing recyclable content of packaging. It also said that Mengniu is well-positioned to tap growing opportunities from eco-friendly and healthy products relative to peers.

MSCI provides in-depth research, ratings and analysis of the environmental, social and governance-related business practices to companies worldwide. As one of the most widely adopted tools by institutional investors, MSCI ESG Rating measures a company's resilience to long-term, industry material ESG risks, with an aim to help investors identify ESG performance of companies, which may flag opportunities or risks not captured by conventional financial analysis.

Mr. Lu Minfang, Chief Executive Officer of Mengniu,said, “We are very honoured to be recognized by MSCI for our ESG performance. This year, we have included ESG targets into management’s key performance indicators (KPIs), in order to integrate social responsibilities with development strategies, social value with our business genes, and embark on a steadfast journey of sustainable development. In active response to the national goal of ‘carbon neutrality’, Mengniu has promised to take lead in achieving carbon neutrality in the industry, and will disclose its carbon emission reduction targets and roadmap in 2022. Going forward, Mengniu will continue to promote sustainable development of the industry, and implement the ‘FIRST’ (First-Choice, International, Responsibility, Spirits, and Technology) strategy, to drive the five-year strategic plan of ‘Creating a new Mengniu’.”