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 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 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.