Annam Group is granted Carbon Neutral ISO 14068 Verification by BSI

On June 10 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Director of Business Development cum Head of Digital Trust at BSI (British Standards Institution) presented the verification to Eric Merlin, CEO of Annam Group.

Specifically, Montclair Co., Ltd., a member of Annam Group, officially received Carbon Neutral verification under the international ISO 14068-1:2023 standard, issued by BSI.

The recognition also reflects the growing role of the private sector in accelerating climate action and promoting internationally recognized sustainability practices across Viet Nam's food and retail industries. By aligning its operations with global standards, Montclair aims to demonstrate that environmental responsibility and long-term business growth can go hand in hand.

The certification makes Montclair one of Viet Nam's pioneering food companies to achieve this milestone, marking an important step toward supporting the Vietnamese government's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Montclair specializes in premium food production, including naturally fermented breads, artisanal pastries, and Mediterranean cuisine. Its products are supplied to five-star hotels and distributed through more than 15 Annam Gourmet retail outlets nationwide.

The company has continuously invested in production quality, responsible sourcing, and operational improvements to meet evolving customer expectations while reducing its environmental footprint throughout the value chain.

In 2019, Annam Gourmet became one of Viet Nam's first premium retail chains to eliminate single-use plastic bags, replacing them with environmentally friendly alternatives across its entire store network.

Between 2019 and 2020, the company launched a strategy to reduce single-use plastics throughout the Annam Gourmet system while Montclair obtained ISO 22000 food safety certification. In 2023, it installed rooftop solar power systems and optimized energy use across its manufacturing facilities. During 2025-2026, the company launched its ISO 14068-1:2023 initiative and achieved Carbon Neutral verification after just one year of implementation.

The initiative involved cross-functional collaboration across multiple departments, with employees participating in data collection, operational assessments, and continuous improvement measures designed to identify opportunities for emissions reductions and greater resource efficiency.

ISO 14068-1:2023 is the latest international standard for carbon neutrality, building on the PAS 2060 framework while introducing more stringent requirements for data transparency, emissions accounting methodologies, and independent verification. Unlike voluntary commitment schemes, the standard requires companies to demonstrate a complete emissions inventory, implement a credible emissions-reduction plan, and achieve carbon neutrality using globally recognized methodologies.

To meet these requirements, Montclair conducted a comprehensive review of its operations, covering electricity and fuel consumption, logistics, raw materials, and the broader supply chain. All data were measured, verified, and made fully traceable in accordance with international standards.

The company also emphasized continuous monitoring and transparent reporting as essential components of its long-term sustainability strategy, recognizing that maintaining carbon neutrality requires ongoing improvement rather than a one-time achievement.

Beyond internal operations, Montclair also recognizes the importance of engaging suppliers, business partners, and customers in its sustainability journey. The company plans to further strengthen collaboration across its value chain by encouraging responsible sourcing practices, improving resource efficiency, and promoting greater awareness of environmental stewardship. Through continuous innovation and the adoption of internationally recognized standards, Montclair aims to contribute to the development of a more resilient, low-carbon food industry while creating lasting value for both consumers and the wider community.

Looking ahead, the company will continue to evaluate new technologies and operational solutions that can further reduce emissions while maintaining the highest standards of product quality, food safety, and customer satisfaction.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Ha, a representative of Annam Group's leadership, said: "We are proud that Montclair, a member of Annam Group, has officially received Carbon Neutral verification under the ISO 14068-1:2023. This is a significant milestone that reflects our strong commitment to reducing environmental impacts and advancing sustainable development.

For Annam Group, product quality has always gone hand in hand with responsibility toward the community and the environment. This achievement is not the end goal but the beginning of a longer journey to build a responsible business ecosystem and help set new standards for the premium food industry in the Net Zero era."