Argentinian ARCOR Group extends social commitment to Brazil

Since its beginnings in 1951, the ARCOR Group has had a tradition of community involvement, both as a company and on the part of individual members of staff. The same trend is evident within the company: ARCOR is a responsible employer, catering for the needs of its staff as well as those of the outside community.

As the company grew and expanded, it became necessary to make this community involvement more organized and coherent. Hence the creation of the ARCOR Foundation in 1991. Since 1991, the Foundation has directed over US$4.5 million to the financing of over 300 NGO-run projects for children and adolescents. The average of $0.5 million per year is equivalent to 1.25 per cent of profits. The Foundation also sponsors a great variety of cultural events, health research and infant education programmes. Its annual budget is now $1 million.

The Foundation's highly professional staff is backed by a Board that is keen to promote strategic alliances with other key foundations in Argentina and abroad. Alliances with ANTORCHAS, Argentina's largest private foundation, the Inter American Foundation of the United States and UNICEF have given rise to innovative social programmes.

Expanding into other countries

Until now ARCOR Foundation funding has gone solely to Argentina. In 1999 the Foundation began contacting different grantmaking organizations in Brazil to establish strategic alliances, again with the aim of developing projects for children and adolescents at risk. The first such project will be operating in Brazil early in 2000, and a similar commitment is planned for Chile by the year 2001.

Although ARCOR belongs to the private sector, it sees itself as part of a whole social network. Belonging to the community implies both rights and duties for the company.

Positive community response is also a factor. In 1999 ARCOR was the most favoured brand of candy-maker of over 40 per cent of children and adolescent consumers. According to Mercado magazine, the company is viewed as one of the five most socially responsible companies in Argentina.

About the ARCOR Group
The ARCOR Group is an Argentinian company with 37 plants which give employment to more than 14,000 people. It has 28 factories in Argentina, 4 in Brazil, 3 in Chile, and 1 each in Uruguay and Peru.

The ARCOR Group is the biggest producer of candy in the world and the biggest producer of chocolate in Latin America. It also produces jams, vegetable products, packaging and electric power. It has an annual turnover of more than U$S1.25 billion, with an average annual profit of U$S40 million. It exports to over 80 countries.

For more information about the Arcor Foundation, contact Manager Luis Aberto Ulla.
Tel +54 51 4208 200
Email lulla@arcor.com.ar