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Principles

How Bidcorp embeds responsible governance across its global operations — from board accountability to ethical culture in every market we serve.

Our approach Good governance is a business fundamental

For Bidcorp, governance is not a compliance exercise — it is the foundation upon which a sustainable, trusted foodservice business is built. Our decentralised operating model places great responsibility on local management, and that requires a governance framework that is clear, consistent, and genuinely embedded in day-to-day decision making.

We apply King IV principles across the group and maintain alignment with applicable governance codes in each of our 31 operating markets. The social and ethics committee of the board has direct oversight of our ESG commitments, while each operating company is accountable to its own local governance structures within the group framework.

Governance at Bidcorp spans board composition and independence, executive remuneration policy, risk management, internal audit, ethics, data privacy, anti-corruption, and supply chain conduct standards.

Board and committee structures

For full board composition, independent director profiles, committee terms of reference, and governance documentation, visit the about us — corporate governance section.

View corporate governance

Framework Four pillars of good governance

Governance
Bidcorp’s commitment to business integrity is supported by a governance framework that combines board oversight, accountable management teams, disciplined reporting and clear delegation across the group.
The framework supports consistent governance standards, legal and regulatory compliance, and recognised governance principles, while preserving the agility each business needs to respond to local market conditions and operational priorities.
The board applies the King Code principles to support ethical culture, good performance, effective control, and legitimacy. During the transitional year, from King IV to King V Bidcorp continues to apply the King Code principles through a summarised King Code report, with cross-references to relevant disclosures in this ESG report and the annual integrated report. The group will continue to monitor emerging reporting practices and will evolve its reporting approach.
Risk management
The Bidcorp board has direct responsibility for the governance of risk and ensuring that risks and opportunities are appropriately and adequately considered when developing the group’s strategy. Material risks are managed in accordance with our appetite and tolerance for each risk and in tandem with our strategy, to mitigate impact and optimise competitive advantage.
The board is satisfied that Bidcorp’s risk management systems support the group’s business model and strategy, that the adopted risk appetite remains appropriate, and that group and local business risks are managed accordingly.
Through the group audit and risk committee, the board oversees the integration of King Code recommendations and group requirements into Bidcorp’s enterprise-wide risk-management process, supporting ethical and informed decision making.
Management is accountable to the board for implementing, monitoring, and embedding risk management in day-to-day activities. Business-level risks are assessed locally, then consolidated to evaluate their potential impact on group performance.
Compliance
Bidcorp’s geographic diversity and decentralised operating model create potential exposure to statutory and regulatory noncompliance. As requirements differ by jurisdiction, each local entity is responsible for identifying and maintaining the information needed to comply with the laws and regulations applicable to its operating environment.
The board annually confirms Bidcorp’s compliance with the Companies Act, its MoI, the King Code and the JSE Listings Requirements, and places strong emphasis on financial management, accounting and reporting standards. For economic, environmental and social reporting, the group follows the Global Reporting Initiative sustainability reporting guidelines. The environmental, social and ethics committee (ESEC) oversees compliance with the groupadopted sustainability, social and ethics standards across the group, relevant industries and geographies
Bidcorp performs an annual review of its alignment with King Code principles and best practice recommendations, identifying actions taken and areas requiring ongoing attention. Details of the application of the King Code governance principles are set out in the annexures on pages 78 to 83. A compliance certificate confirming Bidcorp’s compliance with the JSE Listings Requirements is submitted to the JSE annually.
The current charters and policies can be found here.
Assurance
Assurance provides the board with confidence that Bidcorp’s governance, risk management and control processes are operating effectively across the group. Through internal audit, external audit, combined assurance and management attestations, the board receives independent and management-confirmed insight into the reliability of reporting, the effectiveness of controls and the management of key risks.

Ethics and compliance Doing business the right way

A consistent ethical framework protects our people, our partners, and the communities in which we operate — and underpins the trust that long-term business relationships are built on.

Policy

Code of Ethics
Governs conduct for all Bidcorp employees, directors, and contractors worldwide. Covers conflicts of interest, gifts and entertainment, fair competition, and obligations to report suspected misconduct. Available in multiple languages.
Download the Code of Ethics

Policy

Anti-bribery and corruption
Bidcorp has zero tolerance for bribery and corrupt practices in any form, in any market. The policy applies to all employees and third parties acting on behalf of the group, and includes specific guidance for high-risk interactions with public officials.
View anti-bribery policy

Policy

Supplier code of conduct
All Bidcorp suppliers are required to comply with our supplier code of conduct, which sets minimum standards on labour practices, health and safety, environmental responsibility, anti-corruption, and business integrity. Alignment is assessed as part of our supplier onboarding process.
View supplier code of coduct

Compliance

Data privacy – POPIA and GDPR
Bidcorp operates in multiple jurisdictions subject to different data protection regimes, including South Africa's POPIA and the EU's GDPR. Each operating company maintains a local data protection officer and complies with applicable local legislation for the processing and protection of personal data.

Whistleblowing Speak up. Report a concern.

Bidcorp provides confidential, independently managed reporting channels in all regions. Anyone — employee, contractor, or third party — can raise an ethical concern safely. Anonymity is protected where local legislation permits. Reports go directly to the relevant compliance team, not line management.

Documentation Governance reports and policies

Key governance documents are published annually. The combined governance, remuneration and sustainability report is issued in September each year.

View all reports and downloads
Explore further

ESG

Our ESG story

How Bidcorp embeds People, Planet, and Product sustainability across 31 countries of operation.

About Us

Corporate governance

Board structure, audit and risk committees, and Bidcorp's governance framework for long-term responsible management.

Investors

Reports, results and presentations

The complete library of Bidcorp investor publications — results, reports, presentations, governance documents and more.