Hampshire-based agency, Watermill Wines, has added a B Corp certification to its roster of sustainable recognitions.
Watermill Wines has now joined a handful of drinks companies leading the global movement for inclusive, equitable, and regenerative business practices as a B Corp-certified wine agent. After receiving its certification from B Lab in February this year, the company, based in Hampshire, England, is believed to be the only UK wine agent with International Featured Standards (IFS), British Retail Consortium (BRC), organic and B Corp certifications.
The B Corp certification recognises companies that meet high social and environmental performance standards, assessing companies' practices, accountability, and transparency.
Hatim Dungarwalla, managing director of Watermill Wines, commented: "We are all proud to be building a future-proof business that is now part of a global community of businesses that meet high social and environmental impact standards. We’ve seen the growing importance of social responsibility in the trade, and becoming B Corp certified was the natural next step in demonstrating our commitment to using business as a force for good."
According to Watermill, one in four people are aware of B Corp, and retailers such as Waitrose are building on this momentum. The UK supermarket, which stocks Terra Organica wines, is the first to merchandise a dedicated end of isle fixture for the category and has a B Corp mini-shop on its online store.
Watermill Wines was established in 2012 as a technical wine agency specialising in off-trade sales. The company's portfolio includes brands such as
Terra Organica Parcel Series and
Della Vite. In August last year, the agent's Terra Organica Prosecco became the first commercially sold Prosecco to legally remove foil capsules from its packaging, following a change in UK legislation.
