AGRIBUSINESS group Wilmar International on Monday announced its inclusion to the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), under the Asia-Pacific Index for the Food, Beverage and Tobacco industry grouping.

 

Wilmar said that it achieved 61 points compared to the average score of 30 points in the same category, while scoring above the 90th percentile for indicators related to raw material sourcing, human rights, labour practices, strategies for emerging markets, customer relationship management as well as risk and crisis management.

 

DJSI, launched in 1999, tracks the largest sustainability-driven publicly listed companies. The DJSI Asia-Pacific Index was launched in 2009 and evaluates 600 of the largest companies in key Asia-Pacific markets and recognises the top 20 per cent based on environmental, social and governance indicators.

Wilmar International

 

Between Nov 6 and 12, Wilmar chairman and chief executive officer Kuok Khoon Hong increased his total interest in the listed company from 12.67 per cent to 12.76 per cent.

 

The acquisition of 5.7 million shares were booked through HPRY Holdings Ltd, Longhlin Asia Ltd and Hong Lee Holdings (Pte) Ltd, in which Mr Kuok maintains deemed interests.

 

The average price paid for the acquisitions was S$4.32, with an overall consideration of S$24.6 million.

 

This followed his acquisition of 2 million Wilmar shares at S$4.28 per share on Nov 4.

 

Mr Kuok is overall in charge of the management of the group with particular focus on new business developments.

 

With extensive experience in the industry, he has been involved in the grains, edible oils and oilseeds businesses since 1973.