Confectionery house Ricola is now B Corporation certified, reflecting its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
The family-owned company met non-profit organisation B Lab’s standards in the areas of social and environmental impact, legal commitment to responsible company practices and public transparency.
Ricola’s journey towards B Corporation status stems from its founding commitment to the Swiss Alpine ecosystems, which provide the herbs for its products.
Through organic herb cultivation and environmentally responsible manufacturing, the company aims to safeguard the ecosystems and its biodiversity.
Ricola CEO Thomas P. Meier said: “We owe everything to nature. Becoming a B Corporation aligns with our identity as a family-owned company and our dedication to connecting people with nature.
“It’s about balancing our ambitions for growth with our responsibilities to the planet and its people.”
B Lab Switzerland Founder & CEO Jonathan Normand commented: “B Lab Switzerland foundation is truly honoured to welcome Ricola into the B Corp movement.
“As an iconic Swiss company with nearly a century of unwavering commitment to nature and communities, Ricola embodies the principles of using business as a force for good. Its dedication to resiliency and sustainability leadership is exemplary.”
In the last two years, Ricola identified six core areas to maximise its positive impact: agriculture principles, waste management, packaging innovation, climate-change mitigation, water conservation and ethical sourcing.
For each area, the company sets quantitative targets and annual ‘footsteps’ – actionable steps to achieve these targets.
As a B Corporation, Ricola is required to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, including continuous improvements towards recertification every three years to ensure compliance and progress.
The confectionery leader plans to report on its progress biennially according to the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines. The initial report for 2022 is available for download on the company’s website.
Ricola Vice President Region Middle East & Travel Retail Andreas Reckart said: “Obtaining B Corp status is a signal to Ricola’s travel retail partners of our commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
“Travelling consumers are increasingly demanding that brands deliver on sustainable business practices, and we are delighted that Ricola’s values align with both their expectations and those of the travel retail industry.” ✈
