With both brands and consumers alike becoming increasingly conscious of sustainability, the growing number of B Corps within the drinks industry is a clear indication that the trade is making a long-term commitment to operating more sustainably.
According to B Lab, the organisation responsible for verifying companies that are seeking B Corp certification, there are around 7,600 B Corps across the world, spanning just over 160 industries. Around 1,500 of these businesses are UK based.
Companies that have been certified as a B Corp are regarded to prioritise their environmental and social impact, having built this commitment into their legal structure. During the verification process, B Lab evaluates five core pillars: governance, employees, community, environment and customers.
A handful of drinks brands have achieved B Corp status in the past year:
In September, RTD cocktail brand Moth announced its B Corp certification, gaining recognition for its commitment to staff wellbeing. Moth is also focussing on reducing its carbon emissions, having recently partnered with Zevero to calculate and verify its carbon footprint.
Champagne Bollinger was also granted B Corp certification in September, following the implementation of its new environmental and societal charter. Charles-Armand de Belenet, managing director of the Champagne house, said: “This certification recognises the merit of our daily actions and engages all Champagne Bollinger employees in a collective approach to progress.”
French winery Maison Le Breton joined the growing number of B Corps in February, following a three-year verification process. Le Breton is also thought to be one of the first family-run wineries to achieve ISO 26000 standards for Corporate Social Responsibility.
Wine brand When in Rome, which is known for its alternative packaging formats, is now a certified B Corp, making it one of only a handful of UK wine brands to have achieved B Corp status. The brand was regarded for its transparency surrounding its carbon emissions, having become the first UK wine brand to publish the carbon footprint of its products with partner CarbonCloud two years ago.
Meanwhile, English wine producer Ridgeview announced its B Corp certification last year, and recently released its first impact report which outlines plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Ridgeview is also working to support its local community with donations to organisations such as Table Talk – a Sussex-based food education group.
