Ellis Wines, the historic family-owned wine merchant supplying the on-trade, has achieved B Corp certification, with a B Impact Score of 84.8. Its sister branch, Richmond Wine Agencies (RWA), which supplies the independent sector, is also included within the certification. Ellis Wines now joins a global community of businesses recognised for meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
Founded over 200 years ago and remaining proudly family-owned, Ellis Wines has built its reputation on long-standing relationships, exceptional service and a deep respect for the people and places behind the wines it represents. Achieving B Corp status formalises the company’s long-held values and reflects a commitment to using business as a force for good.
As part of this journey, the business achieved verified Carbon Neutral status in 2023, through a combination of emissions measurement, reduction initiatives and offsetting, reflecting a sustained and structured approach to addressing its environmental footprint. Recent initiatives include investment in electric vehicles, which now make up 20% of the company fleet, alongside the introduction of HVO fuel to power 70% of the remaining vehicles from December 2024. In its first year, this transition has saved approximately 200 tonnes of carbon emissions, while significantly reducing harmful pollutants compared to traditional diesel fuels. Ellis Wines has also been recognised with a Certificate of Commendation in The Drinks Business Green Awards for Best Logistics & Supply Chain and has recently become a member of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable’s Bottle Weight Accord initiative.
B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet rigorous standards across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers. The comprehensive assessment recognises not only operational practices but also a business’s wider impact on society and the environment.
“Ellis Wines has been a family business since 1822, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together over generations. Alongside my brothers, I’ve had the privilege of being a custodian of the business for more than 40 years, through decades of hard work, change, and growth. None of it would have been possible without the fantastic team around us, who have played such a huge part in shaping Ellis Wines into what it is today.
“It’s been especially rewarding to see the next generation get so involved and bring fresh energy and ideas into the business. Watching them take us on the B Corp journey has been a real highlight, and I’m proud of the commitment shown across the whole company to do things the right way.
“Becoming a B Corp feels like a credit to the ethos that has always been at the heart of Ellis Wines. I’m genuinely excited to see where the future takes us and delighted that we can now join the B Corp family as we continue to grow the business in a responsible and positive way,” said James Ellis, Director.
