What is a Certified B Corporation?
In the conscious consumerism era, mindful choices drive purchasing decisions across every category, from fashion to grocery, beauty and services. For retailers, the opportunity lies in stocking brands and products that cater to this modern values-based and purpose-led decision-making.
None satisfy this better than certified B Corps. These businesses have been assessed against and meet the highest social and environmental standards of balancing the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. They take a holistic approach to creating positive outcomes for their businesses, employees, stakeholders, communities and the wider environment.
6,906 certified B Corps exist across 90 countries and 161 industries. They all share a common goal to do business for good and use it as a vehicle to make the world a better place.
The coveted accreditation and unifying goal
Becoming a B Corp isn’t a tick-box exercise. B Corps must pass and maintain stringent standards to retain their B Corp accreditation. Those standards relate to transparency and impact, the positive and possible adverse risks associated with the business and industry.
The B Corp accreditation is a testament to a brand's practices. That’s certainly the case for plant-based chocolate LoveRaw.
Husband-and-wife team Rimi and Manav Thapar launched LoveRaw, a B-Corp Certified business, in 2013 with a budget of just £600 and an ambition to make plant-based chocolate that tasted even better than traditional chocolate - but with sustainable and ethical ingredients.
The brand explains the popular flexitarianism movement is driving opportunity.
“LoveRaw is pioneering the industry by disrupting the plant-based chocolate category. We were the fastest growing plant-based chocolate brand in the UK in 2022 and this just keeps going! We want to be first on shelf and the access point for delicious plant-based alternatives in confectionery.”
Founder Rimi Thapar says,
“It’s our mission to make the best-tasting plant-based chocolate – while operating as a responsible business, which is hugely important to us as a team – and we know it’s important to consumers too." “As we continue to grow, we want to make sure we do so in an ethical, sustainable way, and this accreditation is a testament to our efforts so far.”
The number of B Corps globally is multiplying in recognition of the movement towards purpose.
“The general population is becoming more conscious about their choices and how they could impact sustainability and climate change. LoveRaw is ready and waiting as a sustainable option for everyone who enjoys eating chocolate (which is most people!). We are excited to take this to the next level within the Australian market.”
Consumers support B Corp
For today’s consumer, purpose matters more than ever before. 67% of Australian consumers expect brands to impact the world positively.
51% of Australians prefer brands that positively impact society, with 36% willing to pay a higher price. The numbers are similarly high for environmental impact, with 45% of consumers factoring environmental sustainability into their purchasing decisions. Almost a quarter of consumers identify that ecological sustainability will be their highest priority in the future.
These purpose-driven values align with the goals of B Corps. Moreover, B Corps have a clear framework to articulate their purpose to the assessed standards.
Brianne West, B Corp Ethique’s founder, says,
“Consumer demands for more transparency, authenticity, and much greater brand values are hugely on the increase.” Ethique has been recognised as Best for the World: Community in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022.
Retailers that meet consumer demands for purpose-led brands and products will benefit from increased sales and customer loyalty.
Organic, allergen-friendly chocolate, Bennetto is also amongst the brands implementing high performance, accountability and transparency standards to achieve and maintain the acclaimed B Corp accreditation.
As Australia’s trusted distributor of natural products, Unique partners with retailers to identify trend longevity, support long-term performance and grow customer loyalty; B Corp and responsible initiatives are here to stay.
Explore B Corps and purpose-driven brands
Little changes go a long way in preserving our planet. Unique employs a future-forward mentality from solar-powered warehouses to using paper where possible and packaging from recyclable materials. We continuously evolve our environmentally responsible operations with team member health and safety at the forefront.
View and order our entire range online or via our sales team at 1800 787 904. Alternatively, register for a wholesale account here.
