Led by Alex Head, London-based Social Pantry is excited to announce that it has achieved B Corp certification.
With one of the highest B Corp scores in the UK hospitality industry, Social Pantry is now officially recognized as a company with high social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. This achievement integrates Social Pantry into the global B Corp movement that utilizes business as a force for good.
Founded by Alex Head in 2011, Social Pantry was born out of his passion for bringing people together through great food. It has since evolved into London’s leading catering company, known for serving fresh, innovative and sustainable food at a range of unique events, exclusive venues and workplaces both in London and beyond.
Social Pantry’s mission has always been to offer exceptional food and at the same time bring about significant change. The catering company, known for its commitment to social and environmental protection, is constantly working to create unique experiences in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
The AB Corp assessment assesses the company’s impact in five key areas: management, employees, community, environment and customers. The scoring system measures the company’s social and environmental performance. To achieve certification, a company must meet strict standards, score at least 80 points and commit to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement. Certification must be renewed every three years.
By partnering with sustainability consulting firm Bold Green Strategies throughout the certification process, Social Pantry successfully leveraged the Impact business model for workforce development during the B impact assessment. Thanks to this cooperation, they were able to enhance their socially impactful initiatives, especially in supporting the employment and education of those released from prison. In addition, Social Pantry has integrated social and environmental values into its management structure and job duties, incorporating these principles from the recruitment stage.
Alex Head, Founder and CEO of Social Pantry, said: “I couldn’t be happier or prouder to announce Social Pantry’s B Corp certification. This recognition reflects everything we stand for – our commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and creating a more inclusive future. I couldn’t have done it better without our incredible team, our suppliers and of course all our customers who have chosen to work with us along the way.Together we’re not just serving great food – we’re creating positive change, one plate at a time, and we can’t wait to continue pushing our mission forward and working towards new and even more impactful goals , like coming online. Turn it on.”
Nash Gierak, director of Bold Green Strategies, commented: “Social Pantry is an ideal candidate for B Corp certification; they are not afraid to do things differently. Their impressive work with prison leavers and meaningful commitment to sustainability have earned them one of the highest B Corp scores in UK hospitality. Working with Alex and the team for a long time means we really understand the unique nature of the business, and we’ve used this insight in our strategies towards a result that captures – and does justice to – the Social Pantry mission, and we’re incredibly proud to have achieved this milestone with them.
Social Pantry considers food-related emissions and waste as critical environmental challenges in the catering, event and restaurant industry. They solve these problems by re-engineering waste, creating innovative containers that reuse waste, and using preservation techniques. The company follows a zero-to-landfill waste hierarchy, which includes an on-site biodigester, separate waste streams and a First Mile gold-certified recycling rate. By tracking key data points in these areas, Social Pantry has a good chance of achieving its Net Zero goal.
Social Pantry has implemented sustainable practices outside the kitchen as well. They have removed global plastic polluters from their drink menus and replaced them with brands that align with their ethos. The company has given up fossil fuels, switched to renewable energy, invested in electric vehicles and introduced a fossil fuel-free ethical pension foundation.
The Social Pantry is proud to be a leading employer of ex-prisoners in the hospitality industry. Since 2015, they have been actively involved in the prison system, providing training, mentoring and employment opportunities to those currently incarcerated and those returning to society. As part of their commitment, Alex Head and his team have opened a new Social Pantry cafe and training center at HMP/YOI Feltham and are members of HMP Wandsworth’s Employment Board. This initiative is a significant step towards their goal of facilitating a smoother transition into the workforce for young people in the prison system and creating a more direct way to join the Social Pantry HQ team.
As a Living Wage Foundation approved employer, Social Pantry prioritizes social mobility and offers valuable training to all of its staff, including a specialized Carbon Literacy training program. B Corp evaluates factors such as underrepresented founders and takes into account the closeness of management and suppliers. The Social Pantry, a locally owned, women-led business, operates and leaves with a purpose in the London area.