General Mills Named to Elite Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and Dow Jones Sustainability North American Index

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- General Mills has been named to both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the North American Index by S&P Dow Jones Indices and sustainability asset management firm RobecoSAM. The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) is one of the most prestigious recognitions for leadership in corporate sustainability, and is based on in-depth analysis of economic, environmental and social performance. General Mills scored well above the industry average across each of these dimensions.

Companies listed in the annual Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) have demonstrated best-in-class performance against numerous sustainability metrics. The DJSI review provides thorough analysis of material economic, environmental and social practices, such as innovation or supply chain management, climate strategy and stakeholder engagement and places a special focus on industry-specific risks and opportunities.

"At General Mills, we recognize that a multifaceted approach to sustainability is fundamental to our business strategy and to being able to make food people love for future generations," said Jeff Harmening, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  "While we know there's more work to do, we're pleased to be recognized for our progress. The DJSI review affirms that General Mills places a strong emphasis on earning the trust of our consumers, customers, employees, shareholders, and other key stakeholders every day but perhaps more importantly, we are making a lasting impact on people and our planet."

General Mills ranked in the 86^th percentile, and secured industry-best scores of 100 in Corporate Governance, Health & Nutrition, and Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy. The company's strong performance was driven by strong sustainability commitments, robust and public disclosures, and demonstrated improvements in performance over time.

"I congratulate General Mills for being included in the DJSI World and North America indices," said Manjit Jus, Head of ESG Ratings, RobecoSAM. "Companies that compete for a coveted place in the DJSI challenge themselves to continuously improve their sustainability practices and we are pleased to see that the number of companies that commit to achieving measurable positive impacts continues to rise."

General Mills' sustainability mission centers on promoting environmentally and socially responsible practices across the company's value chain to protect the resources and people upon which the company's business depends. To achieve this mission, General Mills is focused on key areas in the company's supply chain: reduce the environmental impact and implement responsible sourcing practices that respect human rights, expand economic opportunities and protect animal welfare.

Launched in 1999, the Dow Jones Sustainability World represents the gold standard for corporate sustainability and is the first global index to track the leading sustainability-driven companies based on RobecoSAM's analysis of financially material Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and S&P DJI's robust index methodology. For more information about the DJSI, visit: http://www.sustainability-indices.com/.

For more information on General Mills' sustainability commitments and progress, visit the company's 2018 Global Responsibility Report.

About General Mills

General Mills is a leading global food company that serves the world by making food people love. Its brands include Cheerios, Annie's, Yoplait, Nature Valley, Cascadian Farm, Epic, Fiber One, Häagen-Dazs, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills generated fiscal 2017 consolidated net sales of US $15.6 billion, as well as another US $1.0 billion from its proportionate share of joint-venture net sales.

SOURCE General Mills