Velo has become the first coffee roastery in Ireland to obtain the prestigious B Corp certification.
The certification marks a significant milestone for the Cork-based company in its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
B Corp status is awarded to businesses dedicated to upholding the highest standards regarding their impact on society and the environment.
It evaluates a company’s impact across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.
Just over 30 Irish-based businesses hold the certification.
‘Genuine Commitment’
Speaking about the certification, the general manager of Velo Coffee, Suzanne Casey, said, “We are thrilled to achieve this gold standard of sustainability, and to be the first coffee roastery in Ireland to have done so.
“Our decision to pursue B Corp certification stemmed from our genuine commitment to transparency – we want to adhere to comparable standards that will drive tangible change.
“The process involved a comprehensive evaluation of every part of our operations – from packaging choices to policies to sustainability targets.
“While the accreditation system was rigorous, it compelled us to be even better and optimise our operations for the betterment of the planet, which, ultimately, will foster trust among suppliers and customers alike.”
The company is already recognised as an Origin Green Gold company.
Supporting Communities
The products offered are stocked in Dunnes Stores, Tesco, and premium SuperValu stores.
They have also been stocked in Aldi since the company’s success in the Grow with Aldi programme in 2019.
Velo sources specialty coffee beans with its partner, Covoya, to ensure full traceability and foster sustainable partnerships with farmers.
The company recently announced that it is on track to invest over €7,000 into community projects this year.
This will bring the total amount invested in the past five years to almost €20,000.
Velo pays a premium for its coffee beans, which allows it to invest funds back into communities.
It has supported projects such as building a new access bridge for a local school and organising STEM education initiatives.
Casey said of the commitment by the company, “Coffee has the power to bring people together, and we aim to leverage that power through responsible sourcing and production.”
Read More: How Are Irish Retailers And Suppliers Driving The Green Transition?
