Los Angeles-based Thrive Market, a member-first, online marketplace, has announced its B-Corp certification. As the largest online grocer to receive the certification in the United States, Thrive Market is leading the way for the grocery industry as the first major grocer and largest non-GMO food retailer to be B-Corp certified.
Boasting an innovative wholesale process and comprehensive environmental practices that has redesigned traditional ways of conserving natural resources, Thrive Market’s B-Corp certification largely comes as a result of its zero waste fulfillment centers effort; new, curated packaging; and its commitment to organic and regenerative organic agriculture. Additionally, its supply chain poverty alleviation efforts were recognized as it recently enacted trade terms, positive labor conditions and support for underserved suppliers to reduce poverty.
“Thrive Market is trying to build a company and an infrastructure that could last 100 years,” says co-founder and CEO Nick Green. “Being a B-Corp enables mission-driven companies like ours to stay mission-driven through capital raises, changes in ownership or leadership by cementing the values and pillars we put in place.”
With a pre-assessment completed in May 2019 leading to an October 2020 verification, the milestone signals to customers, employees and the industry that Thrive Market has met the highest independent standards for social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability. By demonstrating a commitment that extends beyond shareholders, being a B-Corp certified entity ensures all stakeholders – environment, suppliers and more – are considered when Thrive Market is acting as a force for good – where people and planet are just as important as profit.
“Ingraining values into an essential business is imperative to a sustainable future,” said Lindsey Wilson, business development manager for B-Lab. “Thrive Market’s commitment to be the leader in the grocer community, especially as online grocers like Thrive Market have become increasingly important and valuable amid the pandemic, serve as captains and catalysts of social change. Thrive Market is the model for all grocers and is among the most environmentally responsible grocers in the United States.”
As the latest B-Corp, B-Corp certified corporations are verified by the nonprofit B Lab, certifying companies based on how they create value for their employees, community and the environment and their non-shareholding stakeholders. Thrive Market’s commitment to its triple-bottom (people, planet, profit) line growth is indicative that Thrive Market is aiming to become the most environmentally responsible grocer in the United States.
Thrive Market was founded in 2014 with a mission to make healthy living easy and affordable for everyone. As an online, membership-based marketplace, Thrive Market delivers the highest quality, healthy and sustainable products at member-only prices, while matching every paid membership with a free one for someone in need. Thrive Market carries more than 5,000 organic and non-GMO products, and offers 70-plus filters and values, allowing you to shop by diet and lifestyle. Over the last four years, Thrive Gives has raised more than $3.6 million to fund food access and environmental sustainability causes. In March 2020, Thrive Market launched its COVID-19 Relief Fund. To date, it has raised more than $1 million and supported more than 30,000 families affected by the pandemic.
