Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What is the B Corp certification process for drinks brands, particularly regarding articles of association changes and revenue reporting for resubmission?
B Corp certification in the community has a dedicated sub-group. Several members have recently completed the process. **Articles of association changes:** Multiple members have completed this step; connect via the dedicated B Corp member group for detailed guidance on requirements. **Revenue reporting for resubmission:** When resubmitting to B Corp, you may encounter a system limitation that only allows submission of a single revenue figure (rather than separate gross and net), with certification points calculated as a percentage of that number. - **Gross revenue (including duty) is the standard submission.** Members who have completed resubmissions report that B Corp expects gross revenue including duty, not ex-duty net revenue. This aligns with industry standard practice for drinks brands. - **Both gross and net should be tracked internally**, even if only one can be submitted to the system. Members track both figures for their own compliance and donation calculations. - **For points-based metrics (e.g. charity donations as % of revenue):** Members calculate these against gross revenue including duty, which is what they submit to B Corp. Members recommend connecting with the private B Corp founder group (link available from community moderators) for real-time support, as several founders are actively navigating resubmissions and can offer current guidance on system quirks and B Corp's latest expectations.
What are the typical timelines and difficulty levels for achieving B Corp certification in the drinks industry?
B Corp certification is more straightforward than many expect, though timelines vary. **Timeline:** Members reported around 18 months for completion, though one member noted this was during a particularly long queue period at the time of their application. Expect some waiting time as part of the process. **Difficulty:** The process is not as painful as its reputation suggests. Members consistently noted that the **B Corp Assessment itself is a valuable business tool** — the real benefit lies in how it forces reflection and improvement across multiple aspects of operations. Several members reported finding the experience genuinely useful for analysing and improving their business rather than burdensome. **Getting started:** Members recommend reaching out to others who have completed it (several in the community are happy to discuss their experience directly). Multiple members noted they are willing to chat through the process one-on-one. **Note on requirements:** One member queried whether you must be listed to begin — this wasn't clarified in the discussion, so check directly with B Lab or consult with members who have gone through the process recently.
What is BRCGS certification and when do drinks producers need it?
BRCGS is a food safety certification that major UK retailers now require from suppliers. It's a significant undertaking—both in cost and effort—but essential for accessing certain distribution channels. **Why it matters:** - Major retailers **Aldi, Lidl, and Co-op** require BRCGS certification from suppliers - It's increasingly appearing on supplier applications from larger groups - **SALSA** certification can serve as a useful stepping stone before pursuing full BRCGS **The reality:** - Members report it's "a lot of work, and very intense" - It's an expensive commitment - One producer achieved an A grade on their first audit but noted the process was demanding - Hiring a **consultant** was described as "invaluable" for navigating the certification process **Caveats:** - SALSA sufficed for some producers' needs, so BRCGS may not be mandatory for all distribution routes—check your specific retailer requirements before committing to the full certification cost and complexity.
Can we use our own vegan symbol on labels, or must we use the official Vegan Society certified logo?
You can use your own vegan symbol, but there's a trade-off between cost/flexibility and credibility. - **Your own symbol** — Many brands do this, but you must do serious due diligence to ensure it's legally defensible and doesn't mislead consumers. This gives you design freedom and avoids certification costs. - **Vegan Society official logo** — The certified route requires a formal certification process, but members report it's "fairly painless" and provides assurance that the claim is genuine. This carries official backing and consumer recognition. Members emphasise that whichever route you choose, proper due diligence is essential to avoid legal or reputational risk.
Can we prepare S/EIS certificates ourselves without using professional services like SeedLegals, or is it worth paying for help?
Yes, members have successfully prepared their own S/EIS certificates without using professional services like SeedLegals. The process is straightforward **if you've already received advanced assurance** from HMRC — that's the critical prerequisite. The main risk of doing it yourself is time: if you make mistakes, you could lose 6 weeks waiting for corrections and damage credibility with investors. However, members have negotiated **SeedLegals rates down** by setting up annual deals, which may be worth exploring as a middle ground if you're concerned about cost.
What HACCP or food safety certification do gin producers need, and which standard should we aim for?
Gin producers are covered by HACCP requirements. However, the specific standard you'll need depends on your route to market: - **HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point)** — the baseline food safety framework that applies to gin producers - **Salsa** — a common certification that gin makers are working towards; members are currently pursuing this standard - **BRC (British Retail Consortium)** — a higher standard that supermarkets typically require if you're aiming for retail distribution Members recommend checking which certification your target customers (retailers, distributors, supermarkets) actually demand before committing resources, as supermarket supply chains will push you toward the higher BRC standard rather than basic HACCP alone.
What consultancies or advisors do members recommend for navigating B Corp certification?
Members have recommended a small number of specialist consultancies for B Corp support. **Definitii** (contact: michelle@definitii.co) was recommended by a member who was in early conversations with them at the time of discussion. **Ecofye** (www.ecofye.com) was also mentioned as a resource. Members seeking support should expect to discuss availability and timelines directly with consultants, as turnaround can vary. One member flagged uncertainty about the regulatory landscape around B Corp certification going forward, suggesting it may be worth clarifying the long-term stability of the standard before committing significant resources.