A History of Positive Change - Celebrating B Corp

March is B Corp Month, this year with the playful theme of Gen B, a nod to the youngest generation in the world force and the importance that we all have to creating the change we wish to see in the world. It’s a time to celebrate businesses that balance purpose and profit, using their influence and operations to create positive change, whether that be environmental or social. In the drinks industry, where sustainability and ethical business practices are becoming increasingly important, B Corp Certification is a powerful marker of commitment to a better way of doing business, one that signifies to distributors, buyers, and citizens, in one recognisable logo, that your brand is a force for good in the world.

The B Corp movement, established in 2006 by B Lab, has been pivotal in redefining business success and tracing the journey of B Corp-certified drinks brands offers insight into the industry’s evolving dedication to positive impact. 

Pioneers in the B Corp Drinks Movement

One of the earliest drinks brands to gain B Corp certification was Guayakí, an organic beverage company specializing in yerba mate products. Founded in 1996, Guayakí was one of the first 82 companies to become a B Corp and became California's first B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Another trailblazer was Small Beer Brew Co., a London-based brewery specializing in lower-abv beers. Achieving B Corp certification in November 2019, Small Beer set an example of how breweries can integrate sustainability into their entire business and continue to lead the way

Growth and Notable Certifications

As of writing 2025, the B Corp community has expanded significantly, with 9,558 certified companies from 102 countries across 160 industries, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This growth reflects a broader shift towards ethical business practices within the sector.

Some notable drinks brands that have embraced B Corp certification:

Piper-Heidsieck, Charles Heidsieck, and Rare Champagne: In August 2022, these renowned Champagne houses became the first in their region to achieve B Corp certification, marking a significant milestone for sustainability in the luxury beverage market.

Pensador Mezcal: In March 2023, Pensador became the world's first mezcal brand to receive B Corp certification, underscoring a commitment to ethical sourcing and community support in the mezcal industry.

Bailey’s: Probably the most high profile drinks brand to gain certification, certainly the biggest volume. The world’s best selling liqueur has proven that big sales and sustainability are compatible and are showing how big brands can do the work to get certified.

Avallen Calvados: Born out of a mission to create the world’s most planet-positive spirits brand, Avallen champions biodiversity, supports regenerative agriculture, and has removed more CO2 from the atmosphere than it has produced. (We’re a little biased on our love for this one)

Boatyard Distillery: Based in Northern Ireland, Boatyard Distillery takes sustainability seriously, crafting organic spirits with transparency at their core. With a grain-to-glass approach, they source their wheat from local farms and use organic ingredients to ensure the highest standards of quality and environmental responsibility.

Nc’nean: Scotland’s Nc’nean Distillery is redefining whisky production with its dedication to sustainability. As a certified B Corp with a highly impressive score of 135.6, it operates a fully organic distillery, powered by renewable energy, and bottles its whisky in 100% recycled glass.

Hattiers Rum: Bringing ethical rum to the forefront, Hattiers Rum sources high-quality, sustainable rums from around the world and blends them in the UK with pure Dartmoor water.

Toast Ale: Toast Ale has turned beer into a solution for food waste; genius!. By brewing with surplus bread, Toast reduces food waste while producing great-tasting beer.

When in Rome: A visionary wine brand championing sustainable packaging by offering high-quality Italian wines in eco-friendly alternatives to glass bottles, such as paper bottles and boxed wine.

Everleaf: For those looking for a sophisticated, non-alcoholic option, Everleaf offers a delicious range of botanical aperitifs made from responsibly sourced ingredients that also work as brilliant cocktail ingredients.

Current Landscape and Future Outlook

The B Corp certification has gained traction among various beverage companies, from craft breweries to major corporations. For instance, as of 2023, only 18 out of approximately 10,000 breweries in America had achieved B Corp status, highlighting not only the exclusivity and rigorous standards of the certification, but also the huge amount of work that needs to be done for the B Corp movement to gain critical mass.

The future of B Corp drinks brands appears promising, with a growing number of companies recognizing the value of ethical and sustainable practices. This movement is driven by both the realisation that our industry needs to reduce exposure to environmental risk as well as increasing citizen demand for transparency and responsibility, encouraging more brands to pursue certification. As the movement expands and the new B Corp standards come in, it will hopefully foster innovation and collaboration, further embedding social and environmental considerations into the core strategies of drinks companies worldwide.

The evolution of B Corp Certified drinks brands reflects a significant shift towards making purpose a driver of profit. From early pioneers to recent entrants across various beverage categories, the commitment to social and environmental responsibility continues to reshape the industry, promising a more sustainable and equitable future.

Are you a drinks brand considering B Corp Certification? Avallen Solutions helps businesses navigate the sustainability landscape. Get in touch to learn how we can support your journey!