Sustainability 12/03/2025

3 reasons we’re top of the class in B Corp Certification 

Since its early beginnings in 1972, Oxfam Fair Trade has had a positive social and environmental impact. But now, our recently renewed B Corp certification makes it official: we proudly hold the highest score among all Belgian B Corp-certified organizations! And on a global level, we ranked top of the class among food companies. 

Since its early beginnings in 1972, Oxfam Fair Trade has had a positive social and environmental impact. But now, our recently renewed B Corp certification makes it official: we proudly hold the highest score among all Belgian B Corp-certified organizations! And on a global level, we ranked top of the class among food companies. 

Marion Meyvis, Head of Sustainable Sourcing & Product Marketing, highlights the three key factors behind this outstanding recognition. 

1. The fundamental structure of our impact-driven business 

We are building a world where fair trade is the norm. As an impact-driven business, we are committed to long-term change. And this commitment runs through our DNA: we operate as an independent cooperative, ensuring that profits flow back to stakeholders rather than shareholders. 

Oxfam Fair Trade is a food company that prioritizes stakeholder ownership—not shareholder interests! 

Social and environmental impact for trade partners and their communities 

Social impact 

We trade with small-scale producer cooperatives, where farmers themselves are in control. We establish long-term partnerships—in good and bad times—giving cooperatives the stability they need to invest in their future. We maintain direct relationships with our trade partners. 

Our commitment: 100% fair trade certification, including guaranteed minimum prices and premiums for social and environmental projects. As a result, over 500,000 people worldwide benefit from these collaborations. 

We share risks and responsibilities—not just with farmers, but with the entire supply chain. And we don’t go for the “easy” way. Instead, we work to create market access for farmers who need it most. Our trade relationships in the occupied Palestinian territory and Eastern Congo, that face huge trade difficulties, are proof of this. 

In regions where government support is lacking in times of crisis, we go beyond fair trade and climate premiums. Through Bite to Fight, Oxfam’s cocoa project in Ivory Coast, we help bridge the gap toward a living income—and empower hundreds of women to expand their businesses and launch new ventures by supporting self-managed and self-capitalized savings groups in rural areas. 

Our Mission? To transform the food industry until all trade is fair! 

Marion Meyvis, Head of Sustainable Sourcing 

Environmental Impact

By 2030, we want our assortment to be composed entirely by organic products (we’re currently at 66%). 

We support farmers with sustainable agriculture practices, investing in agroecological production methods—like those used by our coffee partners in the DRC. The results? Farmers improve soil resilience, boost biodiversity, and increase their climate resistance. This secures a more stable income for them. 

3. Our impact on society as a whole 

  • Reducing CO2 emissions: We aim for a 15% reduction by 2025 and 30% by 2030, compared to 2021 levels. 
  • Climate contributions: What we can’t reduce, we offset by investing in climate adaptation and mitigation projects. 
  • Eco-friendly packaging: 
    • Our coffee is now packaged in 100% recyclable, aluminum-free materials. 
    • Our fruit juice comes in bio-based Tetra Pak, a PFAS-free carton made from over 80% renewable plant-based materials. 
  • Waste reduction & circular economy: We implement a responsible sourcing policy throughout our supply chain, following a cyclical due diligence approach.