Trending
Share With Your Friends
Here at The Coffee Blog (TCB), we’re passionate about great coffee and the stories behind it. One of the most inspiring stories in the coffee world today is that of Rumble Coffee, a brand that has taken significant steps to align its business practices with its core values. In this article, we explore why Rumble Coffee decided to become a B-Corp and what this means for their business and the coffee community.
Since its inception in 2014, Rumble Coffee has had a clear mission: to roast delicious coffee, support café owners, and treat coffee growers fairly. This commitment to quality and ethics has driven every decision at Rumble Coffee, from sourcing beans to running their operations.
Running a business involves countless decisions, many of which go unnoticed by the public. At Rumble Coffee, making the right choices often means prioritizing people and the planet over profit. This ethos is what led them to consider becoming a B-Corp, a certification that aligns perfectly with their values.
A B-Corp, or Benefit Corporation, is a type of business that balances purpose and profit. Unlike traditional corporations that focus solely on shareholder returns, B-Corps strive for a positive impact on society, workers, the community, and the environment. This commitment is validated through a rigorous certification process conducted by B Lab, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.
The B Corp movement started in 2006 when B Lab recognized the need for businesses to address societal challenges. The goal was to shift the business paradigm from being the best in the world to being the best for the world. Today, B-Corp certification is a symbol of a company’s dedication to higher social and environmental standards.
For Rumble Coffee, the idea of becoming a B-Corp was not a sudden decision but a culmination of their ongoing commitment to ethical practices. From the beginning, Rumble Coffee has prioritized the planet and people alongside profit. Their Transparency Project was a pioneering step towards public accountability, highlighting the hard work of coffee growers and advocating for fair compensation in the global coffee supply chain. This initiative evolved into their annual impact reports, where they transparently share their achievements, coffee purchases, and efforts to minimize environmental impact.
When Rumble Coffee explored the B-Corp certification process, they realized they were already on the right path. Much of the groundwork had been laid, reflecting their long-standing values and practices.
Becoming a B-Corp is no easy feat. It involves a meticulous evaluation process through the B Impact Assessment, which measures a company’s performance across various areas. To qualify, a company must score at least 80 out of 200 points. The average business scores around 50.9, but Rumble Coffee surpassed the 80-point threshold.
Despite this, there were significant challenges, primarily related to documentation. As a small business, Rumble Coffee prioritized operations over formal policies and procedures. To meet B-Corp standards, they had to meticulously document their practices, from hiring policies to codes of ethics. This exhaustive process took over a year and required persistence and dedication.
Another critical step was amending the trust deed of their business to include a purpose clause. This legally binds Rumble Coffee to continue prioritizing people and the planet alongside profit.
Achieving B-Corp certification is not a one-time accomplishment but an ongoing commitment. Rumble Coffee must maintain their standards and recertify every three years. Their current B Impact Score is 85.7, and they aim to improve this score in future assessments.
Being part of the B-Corp community means collaborating with like-minded companies and continually striving to meet and exceed B-Corp standards. For Rumble Coffee, this certification is more than a badge of honor; it’s a testament to their belief that business can be a force for good when it focuses on people, place, and profit.
As a coffee lover, supporting a B-Corp like Rumble Coffee means more than enjoying a great cup of coffee. It means endorsing a company committed to ethical sourcing, fair treatment of workers, and environmental sustainability. Every sip of Rumble Coffee is a vote for a better way of doing business, one that values quality and ethics equally.
At The Coffee Blog, we celebrate businesses that go the extra mile to make a positive impact. Rumble Coffee’s journey to becoming a B-Corp is an inspiring example of how dedication to ethical practices can transform a business and its community.
If you’re passionate about great coffee and want to support companies that share your values, consider trying Rumble Coffee. And if you enjoyed this article and want to stay updated with more inspiring stories and coffee tips, subscribe to our newsletter. Join us in celebrating the brands that make a difference, one cup at a time.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest from The Coffee Blog!
Jhett’s earliest coffee love memories involve family road trips where coffee stops were as much a part of the adventure as the destinations themselves. Growing up coffee wasn’t just a drink for him - it fueled the after after party chill sessions or late night gaming. For him The Coffee Blog is about giving back to the coffee community, making it fun and easy to learn about the coffee industry, its about connecting people, and helping them discover new ways to enjoy their favorite brew. Fun Fact: Jhett is still a big-time gamer and loves hosting game nights! “Coffee isn’t just a drink… it’s the perfect excuse to connect with people.”
