With B Corp accreditations racking up worldwide, Jacopo Mazzeo set out to discover what value this stamp of approval adds to businesses
In wine, beer and spirits production – where agriculture often plays such a central role in the supply chain – sustainability has traditionally been associated with environmentally friendly practices. In recent years however, a more nuanced understanding of corporate responsibility has taken shape, broadening the sustainability conversation to include social and economic dimensions as well. In this context, B Corp certification, which encompasses all three pillars of sustainability (social, environmental and economic), has gained significant traction, and is now widely regarded as one of the industry’s most sought-after ethical credentials.
According to B Lab – the non-profit that administers the certification – there are now around 9,500 certified B Corp businesses worldwide, employing approximately 1 million people. The UK in particular is a major hub for B Corps, accounting for a quarter of all certified businesses.
“With the current amount of greenwashing, a B Corp is more important now than it’s ever been,” says Stroud Brewery MD and founder Greg Pilley. “We really believe in it as a tool for communicating our values as a business. We don’t see many other similar certifications, certainly nothing that takes a holistic approach to measuring environmental and social performance in the way B Corp does. We acknowledge it’s not perfect, but it’s certainly the best available.”
While the number of sustainability certifications has surged in recent decades – some focusing solely on environmental issues and others competing directly with B Corp’s holistic model – B Corp has gained significant recognition among both the trade and consumers, with its membership trebling since the pandemic years. It is now frequently cited by companies as one of the most effective and valuable tools for communicating their sustainability credentials.
B Corp’s current recognition within the trade is reason enough for many businesses to justify the sizable costs involved. To achieve B Corp status, brands and producers must pay a submission fee and a verification fee during the certification process, followed by an annual commission to maintain their status. These payments are tiered based on company revenue: smaller companies might face £200 for submission, £360 for verification and around £1,000 annually. For larger businesses, upfront costs can reach up to £8,000, with annual fees as high as £60,000 (B Lab pricing).
Adding to these direct costs is the substantial number of work hours needed to manage the entire certification process. “The cost to us varies depending on turnover – and it’s not insignificant,” says Pilley, “especially when you factor in the time it took and still takes to manage it.”
Obtaining the certification can take businesses one to two years, involving extensive impact assessments and potentially significant legal and structural changes. But the work doesn’t end there: ongoing effort is required to maintain the B Corp badge through continuous improvement, which is regularly audited.
“The B Corp process was rigorous,” says Alberto Tasca, owner of leading Sicilian wine producer Tasca D’Almerita. “Out of more than 240,000 companies that completed the B Impact Assessment, only around 4% have been certified by the evaluating body, B Lab. We underwent multiple internal and external reviews before even qualifying for official B Corp evaluation, with the entire process demanding a significant investment of both time and money.”
Expert aid
With B Corp now such a highly sought-after recognition, an entire industry has emerged to help businesses obtain the certification with minimal time investment. A growing number of agencies now offer consulting services, guiding companies through the B Impact Assessment, clarifying legal requirements and developing strategies to improve their social and environmental impact.
“We considered doing it ourselves, and maybe we could have, but dedicating someone within the business to focus solely on B Corp is a big drain on resources for a start-up like ours,” says Jon Carson, founder and commercial director of Wiltshire Distilling. “So we hired a third-party agency. From our perspective, having experts who know how to navigate B Corp and understand what’s required was invaluable.” Once word spread about the distiller’s intention to become B Corp certified, multiple agencies approached it.
“These agencies are popping up more and more and are definitely very busy,” Carson adds.
Whether relying on external support or managing the process in-house, some B Corp members believe the challenge of obtaining and maintaining the certification is central to its perceived value, as it restricts access to those who are genuinely committed and discourages less-dedicated applicants.
“Gaining B Corp status is not easy, and it shouldn’t be,” says Steven Pattison, CEO and co-founder of Drinksology Kirker Greer. “It took us two full years to get certified. This isn’t a PR exercise, it’s a root-and branch assessment of your governance, environmental impact, supply chains, employee experience, diversity practices, community contributions, client relationships – everything.”
The rigorous process exposes a company’s weak points, which may present early challenges, yet ultimately fosters long-term, sustainable growth. And this is precisely why B Corp holds such weight and credibility for drinks businesses, both with consumers and commercial partners.
“It has opened doors,” Carson admits. “Some retailers, marketplaces and strategic partners now actively prioritise B Corp brands. It’s [also] made us more confident in defining the terms of our growth, providing a framework for long-term thinking. It doesn’t guarantee every decision will be perfect, but it ensures you ask better questions before acting. And in a world increasingly driven by values-led business, that kind of rigour is a competitive edge.”
