A Bristol-based business founded by a former professional rugby player and his two brothers has become the first UK meat brand to be certified as a B Corporation (B Corp).
The Jolly Hog was established by the Kohn brothers after former Harlequins and Bristol lock and Olly Kohn took up sausage-making whilst side-lined with an injury, using a machine he was given as a present.
The company, which supplies a range of 14 products to the UK’s major supermarkets, has now joined a global group of establishments judged to have a high standard of ethics and that balance profit with purpose.
In order to attain B Corp status, which is administered by US non-profit organisation B Lab, companies must be able to demonstrate responsible practices in five impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers.
The Jolly Hog said it uses outdoor bred pork for its sausages and bacon and demanded “a high level of animal welfare” - only sourcing pork from RSPCA assured farms.
Olly Kohn, said becoming a B Corp felt like a "real milestone" for the business, which he founded with his siblings, former ship-broker Max and ex-cabinet maker Josh.
Mr Kohn said: “When we first thought about applying four years ago, it felt like a natural fit for us to help shape the way we run our business.
“Max, Josh and I are extremely proud to become the UK’s first meat business to be certified B Corp. As a family company based in Bristol, it’s always been deeply ingrained in us to be doing the right thing by our team, our consumers, and our planet.
“This doesn’t mean we are perfect or better than anyone else, it just means that we are genuinely trying to be better as a company for everyone involved.”
The Jolly Hogg said it had donated its products to causes committed to reducing food poverty, and it would be looking to reduce its packaging “significantly” over the next three years - with a view to making it fully recyclable.
There are more than 800 B Corps in the UK, with accredited South West organisations including Bristol-based chamber of commerce Business West and Gloucestershire environmental consultancy Lighthouse Sustainability.
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