Setting a higher standard

Upstreet Brewery achieves unique certification

Upstreet Craft Brewing in Charlottetown has become the first Island business to gain B corporation certification.

It recognizes international companies that voluntarily meet standards of transparency, accountability and social impact.

The brewery joins a movement of more than 2,000 vetted companies across more than 50 countries committed to being a force for food, adding P.E.I. as one of the last provinces to be represented in Canada.

“The B corp ethos was built into our business on day one and we’ve worked towards this for over two years,’’ said Mitch Cobb, Upstreet’s CEO.

To become certified, Upstreet had to undergo and pass an assessment by B Lab, an international non-profit that evaluates their mission, employment practices, governance structure, social impact and environmental stewardship. The brewery was recognized for using locally and ethically sourced ingredients, providing staff with paid volunteer hours, giving back a portion of profits to local charities, supporting community in initiatives and sourcing power produced by renewable resources.

“We have tried to find new ways to do business, not only because it’s the right thing to do but because it also makes good business sense. We believe that this approach has played a significant role in the success of our business and hope to inspire other Island businesses to become B Corporations.’’