#Sustainability #United States #Des Moines #SGS #BLK & Bold

BLK & Bold Partners with SGS for Sustainable Coffee Practices

In a notable move toward environmental responsibility, BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages, known as the largest independent social impact coffee brand in the U.S., has partnered with SGS, a global leader in sustainability practices. This collaboration aims to redefine the coffee supply chain by enhancing transparency, promoting circularity, and strengthening climate resilience through innovative sustainability measures.

This partnership is particularly significant because BLK & Bold is not just a coffee producer; it is a Certified B Corporation, which means that its commitment to social and environmental performance is legally binding in its operational practices. As part of this new initiative, the company will focus on measuring its carbon footprint, training its staff on sustainability practices, and laying out clear strategies to minimize emissions in the future. This dedication is outlined in an upcoming docuseries called BLK & Bold: A Journey Rooted in Coffee, Community, and Climate.

Co-founders Rod Johnson and Pernell Cezar are at the forefront of this transformation. They understand that climate change presents a unique challenge to coffee production, which can drastically affect crop yields and quality. The duo emphasizes that the partnership with SGS is not solely based on their leading certification expertise; SGS is also among the top ten sustainable companies worldwide, making them an ideal partner in championing greener practices in the coffee industry.

The docuseries is set to launch during the second annual Business for Good Summit at Drake University, where viewers will be taken on a journey from the brand's humble beginnings roasting coffee beans in a garage to operating a substantial 33,000 square-foot facility in Des Moines, boasting a distribution network that reaches over 11,000 retail locations, including giants like Target, Amazon, and Walgreens.

One of the core facets of BLK & Bold's message is its commitment to the community. The company pledges to allocate 5% of its gross profits to initiatives that empower underserved youth across the nation. This social consciousness is fundamental to their ethos and they aim not only to elevate their environmental goals but also to solidify governance around these objectives.

Cezar reflected on the urgency brought about by adverse climate impacts in coffee-growing regions, stating: "We felt an urgent need to identify how our operations impact the environment—so we can measure our environmental performance and improve over time." His sentiments highlight the critical connection between environmental challenges and community livelihoods that depend on coffee.

The challenges faced in coffee production due to climate change, like rising temperatures and erratic rainfall, have led to diminish quality and reduced yields, particularly for communities like those in San Ignacio, where many residents are deeply involved in coffee cultivation. Johnson pointed out that the onus lies with coffee brands to mitigate production reductions caused by these disturbances, ensuring both consumer enjoyment and the sustainability of grower communities.

To further advance in its sustainability journey, BLK & Bold is setting out to define environmental key performance indicators, assessing everything from agricultural practices to greenhouse gas emissions associated with their production processes. This commitment resonates powerfully within the food and beverage industry, where many companies still lack robust sustainability governance and oversight.

Adam Hammes, Vice President of Sustainability Assurance at SGS in North America, praised BLK & Bold’s approach, pointing out that their initiatives serve as a positive example for other small to mid-sized food and beverage manufacturers in North America. As BLK & Bold continues its journey in sustainability, it is showcasing what leadership in environmental responsibility looks like in the industry.

As the brand progresses, it remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and making tangible progress toward a sustainable future. This collaboration with SGS is just one chapter in a broader narrative of innovation and commitment to both social and environmental responsibility, marking BLK & Bold as a trailblazer in the specialty coffee market.

About BLK & Bold

Founded by Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson, BLK & Bold has evolved from a modest garage operation to a significant player in the coffee industry, known for its innovative approach to social impact. With its B Corp certification, the brand's dedication to upholding exceptional standards in social and environmental aspects remains unwavering. Recognized among the Fast 50 Top Growing Minority Business Enterprises and featured in the Inc. 5000 list, BLK & Bold exemplifies rapid growth and creativity within the coffee sector.

About SGS

SGS sets the benchmark in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification industry, with an expansive network of over 2,500 laboratories worldwide. With a history spanning over 145 years, SGS aids businesses in achieving the highest quality and sustainability standards, echoing its motto: ‘when you need to be sure.’