PRESS RELEASE: Bigelow Tea Earns Re-Certification as a ‘B Corporation’
Fairfield, CT, November, 2022 – Bigelow Tea, the U.S. specialty tea market leader, announces that it has proudly achieved recertification as a Certified B Corporation, joining more than 6,000 companies globally that are committed to using their businesses as a positive force for social and environmental change.
Third generation President and CEO, Cindi Bigelow, carries on her grandmother’s legacy by giving back to people and the planet. Simply because it’s the right thing to do. “Being certified, and now recertified, as a B Corp officially recognizes a commitment that has been part of the company’s DNA since it was founded by my grandmother, Ruth Campbell Bigelow, over 75 years ago. Re-certification proves how intentional we remain behind our commitment to a purpose far beyond making profits, and our aim to always do better. We’re committed to good citizenship, ethical business practices, accountability and transparency, protecting the environment, sustainability and supporting our communities.”
In order to be certified/recertified as a B Corp (B stands for “Benefit”), a company goes through a rigorous assessment of its existing business practices. The evaluation is conducted by B Lab, a non-profit organization that measures how a company treats workers, suppliers, the environment, and the community. B Lab Auditors examine the company’s social and environmental performance to verify operations are adhering to the highest standards.
Always striving for continuous improvement, Bigelow Tea uses the assessment as a tool to celebrate strengths and identify areas of opportunity. As a result, the organization establishes a road map to identify short- and long-term goals. In terms of the environment, focus areas have included mapping a global carbon footprint and achieving a Green-e certification (facilities are powered by 100% renewable energy). The next wave of improvement areas for Bigelow Tea are being drafted by a taskforce and evaluated at the executive level.
Bigelow Tea has long prided itself on its commitment to give back to the community it operates in as well, including charitable initiatives centered around the annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge, which recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. A community-supported road race and walk, efforts have contributed over $2 million to local non-profits since 1988.
The bottom line, Cindi Bigelow shared, “Our mission statement calls for ‘making a difference everyday’. B Corp certification and recertification is a good benchmark to show our progress against this goal.”
About Bigelow Tea Company
Based in Fairfield, CT and 100% family owned, the Bigelow Tea Company pioneered the specialty tea category nearly 75 years ago. The three-generational company takes pride in its heritage and successful growth from a one-product, entrepreneurial venture into America’s leading specialty tea brand. Producing 2 billion tea bags annually, the Bigelow Tea line includes more than 150 varieties of Flavored, Traditional, Green, Herbal, Decaffeinated, steep by Bigelow Organic, Bigelow Benefits Wellness teas and Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusion – including its flagship specialty tea flavor, “Constant Comment”®, an all-time American favorite. Bigelow Tea products are available nationwide. For more information, visit our website (www.bigelowtea.com) or contact: media@bigelowtea.com
About B Corporations
Certified B Corporations are for-profit companies that use the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. They meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. To date, there are more than 6,000 B Corps in 158 industries and 86 countries around the world.
About B Lab
B Lab is a non-profit that serves a global movement of people using business as a force for good. Their initiatives include B Corp Certification, administration of the B Impact Management programs, and advocacy for governance structures like the benefit corporation. B Lab’s vision is of an inclusive and sustainable economy that creates a shared prosperity for all.
