‘Wonky fruit’ gin brand achieves B Corp status
Penrhos Spirits in Herefordshire has been verified by B Lab as achieving certified B Corporation status.
“We know the industry is full of green claims and this certification is an independent guarantee of our genuine commitment to our ongoing sustainability mission.”
The accreditation means the small independent distillery has met high standards of social and environmental performance and transparency.
Founded in 2018 by fruit farmers, Penrhos was born on the family farm to convert its ‘imperfect’ fruit that would otherwise go to waste into gin.
To achieve B Corp certification, the team was assessed across five areas – governance, workers, community, environment and customers – and had to provide verified evidence for every claim, from packaging and supply chain to how it treats its people and its local area.
Penrhos achieved a B Impact assessment score of 86.8, in excess of the median score for businesses completing the assessment, at 50.9.
Since its inception, the company has ‘rescued’ more than 1 million blueberries from waste, and in 2023 became the first distillery in the UK to move from glass to 100% recycled aluminium bottles, cutting its packaging carbon footprint by an independently verified 91%.
Charlie Turner, co-founder of Penrhos Spirits, said: “Achieving B Corp as a small business in the alcohol industry is a big moment for us and we hope it shows the commitment we have as a brand into sustainability and the environment at such an important time. It confirms our core sustainability credentials and it puts us – a small independent producer – alongside some of the biggest global drinks brands.
“We know the industry is full of green claims and this certification is an independent guarantee of our genuine commitment to our ongoing sustainability mission.”
Chris Turner, CEO of B Lab UK, added: “Welcoming Penrhos Spirits to the B Corp community is hugely exciting. Its commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and will help spread the notion that success in business is as much about people and planet as it is profit.”
Penrhos joins the ranks of other B Corp certified drinks brands including Witchmark Distillery, Elephant Gin, Gosnells meadery, craft brewer Tiny Rebel, soft drinks supplier Frobishers and coffee company Nespresso Professional.