New Leaf First Grocer in California Recognized for Social and Environmental Performance

New Leaf Community Markets is the first grocery store in California to be recognized as a "Certified B Corporation" (B Corp) for meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency by B Lab, a nonprofit that serves a global movement of entrepreneurs using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

“As a company whose mission is to nourish and sustain our community, certifying as a B Corp was a natural step,” said Scott Roseman, founder and co-owner of New Leaf Community Markets. “Certification recognizes that we place as much value on taking care of our staff, the community, and the environment as we do on growing and operating our business." 

New Leaf is the first grocer in California to achieve this certification, and one of only two grocers in the world to do so.  

Since its founding 28 years ago, New Leaf, a Green Certified Business, has demonstrated a deep commitment to the environment and to giving back to the community; each year the grocer donates 10 percent of profits to local non-profits working to improve the quality of life.

B Corp certification is to sustainable business what LEED certification is to green building or Fair Trade certification is to coffee. Unlike traditional corporations, B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions not only on their shareholders, but also on their stakeholders such as employees, suppliers, community, consumers, and the environment. All B Corps strive to be best for the world. They set the bar for businesses seeking to have a positive social and environmental impact, scoring 25 percent higher than nearly 2,000 other sustainable businesses on the B Impact Assessment.

Today, there is a growing community of more than 800 Certified B Corps from 27 countries and 60 industries working together toward one unifying goal: to redefine success in business.