Smaller food companies earn global recognition for ‘green’ initiatives
Food and drink companies across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to invest in measures to help sustain the environment.
A new Food Strategy and Action Plan that has been developed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in consultation with industry leaders prioritises protecting and enhances the environment here; fostering sustainable economic growth; and promoting health and wellbeing.
It aims to connect food to better health and building a food-conscious society through education.
Several local food and drink companies are already investing in measures to protect and sustain our environment through engagement, for instance, with global certification programmes on sustainability.
Three smaller Northern Ireland companies are setting the pace through the global B Corp organisation and have achieved international certification for their focus on sustaining our environment. All three are members of Food NI, the main food and marketing body, which is backing the new strategy and action plan with support from DAERA and the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme.
They are: Boatyard Distillery in Enniskillen, an award-winning producer of widely acclaimed gins and vodka; Deli Lites in Warrenpoint, a successful producer of sandwiches and other snacks for customers throughout the island of Ireland; and Suki Tea Makers in Lisburn, a multi-awarded specialist in loose-leaf teas and herbal infusions.
These companies are part of a global movement redefining business success through high standards of social and environmental performance. They are demonstrating a commitment to balancing profit with purpose, transparency, and accountability, joining over 9,500 globally.
The globally significant accreditation comes from the B Labs operation, a non-profit organisation founded in 2006 in the US to “promote sustainability worldwide and to create value for society”.
Located on the picturesque banks of Lough Erne, near Enniskillen, Boatyard currently produces a core range of four premium products - Boatyard Double Gin, Boatyard Old Tom gin, Sloe Boat gin and Boatyard Vodka.
According to B Corp: “Boatyard uses innovation to seek out new flavours and products for exclusive releases. The distillery follows sustainable and environmentally conscious gin making practices where possible, continually looking at where improvements can be made.
“With a seismic shift in the way that consumers think about what they eat and drink, Boatyard Distillery will be an agent of change in Ireland and in the distillery industry, intending to be at the front of the conversation, setting new standards in the world of spirits.
“A great deal of emphasis is put on meticulously choosing the best quality ingredients and materials used in the goods, from the beginning to end of the product. Quality, is supporting and using organically farmed ingredients where possible. They will continue to question and challenge conventional beliefs and push boundaries to be the best it can be for our people, community and environment,” B-Corp said.
“We’re thrilled to achieve Certified B Corporation says,” said Oscar Woolley of Suki Tea Makers, who founded the business with Anne Irwin in 2005. “This is a milestone recognition for us that reflects our commitment to sustainability, waste elimination, ethical sourcing, and Fairtrade,” he added
Suki Team Makers has invested extensively in best environmental practice, leading the way, for example, in sustainable packs and the elimination of plastics. The company now operates from a 9,000, sq ft factory in Lisburn that is 100% powered by solar and renewable energy.
B Lab describes itself as “the non-profit network transforming the global economy to benefit people, communities and the planet”. It was created in 2006 with the mission to inspire and enable people to use business as a force for good. There are B Labs across the globe. B Lab UK is a charity that was launched in 2015.
As part of this international network, B Lab UK’s purpose is “to redefine success in business through building a community of engaged businesses, raising awareness of the B Corp movement and influencing change in the UK economy”.
According to B Lab UK: “Businesses that have become B Corps are rewarded with “committed and motivated employees, increased customer loyalty, higher levels of innovation and market leadership”.
It spells out the benefits of certifying as a B Corp company as:
Improving impact through participation in working groups and sharing best practice
Collaborating with other B Corps to find solutions to specific challenges
Networking and attending exclusive community events
Alignment with B Lab and the B Corp Community on global issues
Brand building
Engaging employees, attracting and retaining talent and creating an inclusive and diverse workforce
Attracting new customers and investors
According to B Lab UK, B Corps outperform their UK peers. Compared to surveys of UK SMEs, B Lab UK found that B-Corp small and medium sized enterprises have, on average, faster annual growth; more jobs; greater community engagement; and higher levels of new product development and innovation.