CODE OF ETHICS
&
OPERATING PRINCIPLES 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

       1. ​Introduction

This CODE OF ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT of The ABS TEA & CO., LLC serves as our ethical commitment and as a guide to proper business conduct for all of our stakeholders. We, at ABS TEA & CO. are committed to doing business legally, ethically and in a transparent manner.

 

This document applies to all associates who work for the ABS TEA & CO. (including officers, directors, managers, team leaders, employees, temporary | part time, agency, interim, sub-contractor or consultant associates), and also include other organizations who do business with us, directly and/or indirectly.

 

ABS TEA & CO. expects its associates to be impartial and honest in all affairs relating to their role of and responsibilities. All associates bears a responsibility in general, to be of good faith and do nothing to destroy the trust of their peers | associates, customers, and our consumers, for employment.

 

The success of the business is based on the trust we must earn every day from our interaction with associates, representatives, customers, stakeholders and the consumers. We will all gain credibility by adhering to our commitment to fairness and reaching our goals solely through diligent and ethical conduct. All associates, representatives are expected to adhere to this Business Code of Ethics in their professional capacity, as well as their personal conduct, when it comes to treating everyone with respect, honesty and fairness – up and downstream.

 

The ABS TEA & CO. is open to questions, suggestions | recommendations at any time and the business will not allow retaliation and/or retribution against associates (anyone) for reporting misconduct in good faith. Those who are in management and leadership roles have greater responsibility demonstrating professionalism and personal Business Code of Ethics, through their daily actions and/or interaction, with their peers and associates. (internally & externally) 

 

Managers and leaders are responsible for promptly addressing each and every raised ethical question(s) or concern(s). Associates must comply and collaborate with investigations of potential or alleged misconduct.

Non-compliance to this Code considered and/or classified as misconduct could warrant disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment and/or contractual relationships concerning any other contractual cases.

 

We are committed to making efforts to apply our values and professional standards (norms) throughout the entire value chain and with our own suppliers, contractors, sub-contractors, service providers and business partners.

 

    Ethical Values

The ABSOLUTE TEA & CO. Core Values are simply: Respect, Integrity, Honesty and Promise-keeping to others

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    Ethical Decision-Making

Ethical conduct should be value-driven against our decision-making. Several key questions can help to identify situations that may be unethical, inappropriate or illegal. :

• Are my actions helpful?

• Is this the right thing to do?

• Does my (or his/her/their) action reflect company values and ethics?

• Are my actions conveying respect to another individual and/or a group of individuals?

• Does my (or his/her/their) action comply with the Code and company rules/policies?

• Am I (he/she/they) being disrespectful, harmful or insensitive to a customer, consumer, associate who has different beliefs | opinions than my own?

 

     Infringe (on or upon) Individual Rights

We are committed to respect the dignity and the rights of each individual and community whom we interact with during the course of business. In any way, we shall not cause, contribute, impede or infringe on others constitutional human rights. Our associates shall treat everybody with dignity, respect and care and uphold human rights.

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    Discrimination and Harassment

We will provide equal opportunity in employment and we do not tolerate any discrimination or harassment or any type form of abuse. No direct or indirect discrimination shall take place based on any professionally non- relevant trait or circumstance, such as, gender, marital status, age, national or social or ethnic origin, color, religion and political affiliation | opinion, disability, employee representation status. Any such of discriminatory behavior, harassment, bullying or victimization is strictly prohibited. Any form of retaliation is grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal in accordance with the applicable policy | Code of Ethic violation.

 

All associates expected to follow the highest standards of conduct in all verbal and written communication based on mutual respect, and must refrain from any form of harassment, slander or any behavior that could be taken as offensive, intimidating, humiliating, malicious or insulting.

 

     Health, Safety and Environment

We provide clean, safe and healthy work conditions and we are dedicated to maintaining a healthy environment. We are committed to minimize the impact on the natural environment of our business operations. We make efforts to reduce the use of finite resources, like energy or water, and the harmful emissions, like waste.

All associates must follow and comply with every relevant health, safety and environmental protection laws, regulations and rules all times.

 

     Compliance with Laws and Regulations

Our commitment to integrity begins with complying with laws, rules and regulations. We understand and comply with the legal requirements and commercial practices of a lawful business in markets in which we chose to operate.

 

We are committed to adhere to every valid and binding contractual agreement that we conclude, and the business will not abuse its rights. Therefore, all associates must follow applicable laws and regulations, including our Business Code of Ethics at all times and ensure compliance of operations.

 

      Fair Labor Practices and Working Conditions

The business is committed to promote equality in its employment practices and to fair employment and remuneration policy in compliance with applicable laws. We condemn all forms of illegal, unfair, unethical labor practice that exploits workforce. Our associates shall act with integrity and treat colleagues and others with full respect.

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    Fair Competition and Business Conduct

Our relationships with business partners are built upon trust and mutual benefits compliant with competition law. We are dedicated to ethical and fair competition, as we sell products and services based on their quality, functionality and competitive pricing. We will make independent pricing and marketing decisions and will not improperly cooperate or coordinate our activities with our competitors.

 

We will not offer or solicit improper payments or gratuities, nor will we engage or assist in unlawful action of particular customer(s). We commit to comply with all applicable industry expectations, trade controls, restrictions, sanctions and import-export embargos. The business will refrain from damaging competition and the reputation of any business partners and any behavior that harms competitor’s creditability.

 

We do not hold back unlawfully, maliciously or unduly payments towards our business partners, and we do not allow such practices in our supply chain, we fight the unethical practice of “debt chain”. Our associates are responsible for ensuring fair business practice during their role and responsibility (their job) and adhere to every competition, consumer protection and fair marketing rule. Customers and business partners shall be treated fairly and equally, products and services shall be displayed in a manner that is fair and accurate (fair marketing and advertising), and that discloses all relevant information.

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    Anti-Corruption

The business firmly condemns and do not tolerate any forms of corruption. It is prohibited directly or indirectly offering, promising, giving, asking, soliciting or accepting any unfair advantage or benefit, in order to obtain, retain or facilitate in any unlawful way to advance the business products or services. An unfair advantage or benefit may include cash, any cash equivalent (e.g. voucher), gift, credit, discount, travel, personal advantage, accommodation or services.

 

We do not permit facilitation (or “speed”) payments to government officials or private business in order to secure or speed up and/or expedite routine actions. Corruption also covers the misuse of function or position as well, when someone makes that false appearance that he or she improperly influences a decision maker.

 

Corruption for either to obtain or retain business, or to obtain or retain an advantage in the conduct of business is considered gross misconduct. Similarly accepting or allowing another person to accept a bribe is considered gross misconduct. Our associates’ has to account for all benefits received in the course of doing business and must not give or receive favors (i.e., bribes) or otherwise act corruptly.

 

     Corrupt Payment means:  (a) the direct or indirect payment, promise, offer or authorization of anything of value to any government official to induce him or her to violate a lawful duty or improperly help the Customer to obtain or retain business; (b) the direct or indirect payment, promise, offer or authorization of any illegal contributions relating to political activity in order to help the Customer to obtain or retain business; and (c) the payment, promise, offer or authorization of anything of value to any director, officer, employee or representative of any customer or supplier, to encourage the recipient to violate any lawful duty he or she owes to his or her employer.

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    Security, Protection and Proper use of Company Assets

The business is responsible for the security, protection and for the economic use of company resources. Our resources, including time, material, equipment and information are provided for legitimate business use only. Occasional personal use is permissible as long as it is lawful, does not affect job performance or disrupts workplace morale. All associates are obligated to follow appropriate security measures and they should treat company property, whether material or intangible, with respect and shouldn’t misuse company assets or use it carelessly.

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    Confidentiality, Information Security, Proprietary Information and Intellectual Property

We are committed to business information confidentiality, integrity and accessibility, we implement proper technical security measures this and it is our associates’ obligation to uphold this Policy | Code. Proprietary information includes all non-public information that might be harmful to the company or its customers, business partners and our end-users; if disclosed to unauthorized parties.

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All associates must handle any such information as secret and/or confidential. It also covers that, no one is entitled to trade with securities while in possession of non-public information or deliver non-public information to others that could have impact on future securities. Every rule ensuring information security guidelines | laws must be followed at all times.   The business respects the property rights of others. We will not acquire or seek to acquire trade secrets or other proprietary or confidential information by improper means. We will not engage in unauthorized use, copying, distribution or alteration of software or other protected intellectual property.

 

   Privacy, Personal Data Protection

The business respect an associate’s privacy and the business acknowledge customers, employees and other natural persons’ need to feel confident that their personal data is processed appropriately and for a legitimate business purpose. We are committed to comply with all personal data protection laws. We only acquire and keep personal information that is necessary and we give proper information on these activities to data owners. We implement proper security measures to assure confidentiality, integrity and availability of personal information. Our associates must observe the legal requirements, apply compliant practices and follow related procedures to ensure legality of personal data handling and processing activities.

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   Bookkeeping, True Reporting, and Financial Integrity

The business’s books, records, accounts and financial statements must be maintained in appropriate detail, must truly and properly reflect our transactions. We condemn all forms of money laundering, so we are committed to do business with partners involved in legitimate business activities with funds derived from legitimate sources.

 

The business commit itself to fair taxation and to avoid all tax evasion practices, including such as failing to issue receipt or accounting of any fake expense invoices. (Such as, T&Es, sales, marketing & operations expenses, etc.) All associates must follow accounting procedures, ensure that business transactions are recorded and documented appropriately and make certain that all disclosures made in financial reports are full, honest, accurate, timely and understandable. All associates must not improperly influence, manipulate or mislead any audit.

 

   Anti-Fraud

Fraud – the act or the intent to cheat, steal, deceive or lie – is both unethical and, in most cases, criminal. Fraud in every form, (including e.g. submitting false expense reports; forging or altering financial documents or certifications; misappropriating assets or misusing company property; making any untrue financial or non- financial entry on records or statements) is prohibited.

 

   Conflict of Interests

Our decisions shall be based on objective and fair assessments avoiding the possibility of any improper influence. A "conflict of interest" exists when an employee's personal interest (that can be linked to e.g. friends, family, or customer, competitor, supplier, contractor entity, as well) interferes or potentially interferes with the best interests of The Absolute Tea Company, LLC. Determining whether a conflict of interest exists is not always easy to do, thus anyone with a conflict of interest question should seek advice from management.

If conflicts of interest arise:

1. Employed (you and/or a family member) being in an economic relation with an actual or potential customer, competitor, supplier or contractor.

2. Having a personal interest, financial interest or potential personal gain in any company transaction.

3. Owning or having a substantial interest in a customer, competitor, supplier or contractor.

4. Hiring or supervising family members or closely related persons.

5. Serving as a board member for another company or organization.

 

In addition, if co-workers become involved in personal relations with each other, the onus is on the senior level associate concerned to bring this to the attention of his or her manager to confirm that there is no conflict of interest, nor will a conflict of interest arise.

 

    Organic Growth Initiatives & Sustainability Business Practices : Purpose + Profits + Balance

We are committed to creating a balance to meet tomorrow requirements by starting today; without compromising the needs of future successors for tomorrow. To this, we combine economic, environmental and social factors in our operations and our business decisions.  Our sustainability's main pillars represent the environment, social responsibility, and economic reinvestment. (Internally, these pillars also referred to as our channel, customer, consumer and the community.) Our economic sustainability refers to our business practices and decision making that support and is contingent upon long-term economic growth without negatively impacting social, environmental, and the cultural aspects of the communities we serve.

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ABSOLUTE  TEA & CO. 

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​ABS OPERATING PRINCIPLES:

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Team Oriented - To enhance our competitiveness in the marketplace while advancing economic and social conditions in the markets and in those communities, in which we operate.

 

Evolving Business - Responding to market dynamics, customer demand and changing technologies to ensure relevance and real progress.

 

Authentic Value - True to our own mission, values, and spirit, regardless of the market pressure; honest with our self and with others, and take responsibility of our action. Demonstrate every day our values, ideals, and are actions align.

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Customer Centric - Truly understanding customer needs and aligning our business strategy based on putting customer first and at the core of business engagement in order to provide a positive experience and build long-term relationship.

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Operations Excellent -Having a mindset that embraces three principles: 1) increased customer satisfaction, 2) empowered employees, and 3) ongoing improvement of existing processes to create a culture of excellence within the organization. Our operational excellence means every associate can see, deliver, and improve the flow of value to our direct customer and our end-user.

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• OUR MISSION: 

To Be The Best Better-for-You Wellness Beverage Company.

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• ​OUR VISION:

To make our customer beverage choice a little easier every day.

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• ​POSITION STATEMENT: 

To make a simple, tasteful and healthful difference to what’s possible when it comes to a beverage, as much as we can achieve, for all of our customers: the consumer, retailer and foodservice operators.

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• OUR PLEDGE: 

Be Unique.  Be of Significant.  Be Better-for-You.

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• OUR MESSAGE:  

'ABSOLUTE IS BETTER' . . . Tastefully simple. Uncommonly good. Refresh and Embrace Wellness.

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• ​OUR MARKET: 

Our market is a customer and a consumer who embraces natural and healthy ingredient product goods and who also support organic and natural farming and sustainable business practices.

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• WE ARE:

An all-natural and organic (better-for-you) beverage business with bottle tea, lemonade and juice products for the At-Home and the Away-from-Home Sales Channels.  

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