Who we are

Our business was founded in 1816 with one key priority - to deliver excellence in everything we do. That’s why we chose ‘Esse Quam Videri’ as our motto which means 'To be, rather than to seem to be'. Over 200 years later, operating across a multitude of industries around the globe, our motto remains constant.

Our values help us understand how we can bring our motto to life, no matter where we work:

Integrity

Maintaining integrity in everything we do is central to Swire’s success. Taking the most ethical and honest path, honouring our commitments and delivering on our promises, creates a bond of trust that sustains relationships with our staff, customers, shareholders, business partners and the communities in which we do business.

Humility

We believe in the need to respect and to learn from others. To do this we must be aware of our own limitations, listen to others with an open mind and seek to understand other perspectives. Humility guides our approach to colleagues, customers and partners.

Endeavour

We aspire to the spirit of endeavor and enterprise that has distinguished Swire’s history since its early pioneering days. We relish a challenge and have the resilience to deliver results even when the going is tough. And we remain always aware that lasting success is hard won and must be nurtured with responsible hard work.

Excellence

Swire today is an increasingly large and diversified group but the common thread that runs through our businesses is a dedication to excellence and maintaining high standards. Our customers expect us to deliver quality goods and services. If something is to be done, we believe it should be done in the best possible way.

Continuity

One of the great strengths of Swire as a family-controlled business is that it can take a long-term view. There is a fundamental concern with people and the communities in which our businesses operate. We thus have the privilege and responsibility of growing our investments along sustainable lines. By this means we believe we can create enduring value for our shareholders and engender the respect and loyalty of our staff and the public.

Our businesses

Property

Swire has substantial property interests in the Hong Kong SAR, the Chinese Mainland, the USA, Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea. These include property development, investment, management, and trading interests, as well as hotels. The principal businesses are grouped under Swire Properties Ltd and Steamships Trading Company Ltd.

Beverages & Food Chain

Swire plays an important role in numerous links in the food chain. The group is one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the world, a leading international supplier of tea, coffee and botanical extracts for the global beverage industry, and one of the largest operators of cold storage facilities in the USA. Swire is also involved in the manufacturing and distribution of a variety of food and beverage products.

Aviation

Swire is a major player in the global aviation industry, with interests including airlines and aircraft engineering. The division comprises significant investments in the Cathay Group and Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO) Group.

Marine Services

The Swire group's involvement in the marine industry dates back 150 years, with interests covers a wide range of activities, from multipurpose liner shipping to global bulk trading, logistics, and port and shipping agency services.

Trading and Industrial

Swire’s trading & industrial activities encompass a wide spectrum of business interests, ranging from apparel to automotive trading. The group has strategic investments in various sustainable businesses.

Healthcare

Swire is continually looking to expand into new areas of operation that complement its existing portfolio and provide opportunities for future growth. It is actively working to grow its healthcare services platform.

How we work

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