Certified B Corporation®

Dark Horse Roastery / Horsebox Coffee Co is Now a Certified B Corporation®

People. Planet. Flavour.

We're proud to announce that Dark Horse Roastery and Horsebox Coffee Co. are now a Certified B Corporation®.

B Corp Certification recognises businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. It confirms what has guided our business from the beginning: that exceptional coffee should create positive impact for people, communities and the planet.

From coffee producers at origin to our team, wholesale partners and customers, we believe every cup should contribute to something bigger.

For us, becoming a B Corp isn't about just achieving the certification. It's about formalising a commitment we've always believed in: that great coffee should create positive impact throughout the entire journey—from origin to cup.

What Does B Corp Certification Mean?

B Corp Certification evaluates a company’s overall operations and the impact of its business practices and performance across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.

Certified B Corps meet the standards set by B Lab for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Their goal is to accelerate behavioral, cultural, and structural change toward a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economic system.

To support this mission, B Lab developed the B Impact Assessment (BIA), a free, confidential online tool that evaluates a company’s impact across five areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.

Companies must achieve a minimum score of 80 points and undergo a rigorous review process to verify the accuracy of their claims before certification is granted.

Why We Chose to Become a B Corp

Coffee is one of the world's most connected products.

Every bag of coffee represents the work of farmers, producers, exporters, importers, roasters, baristas and customers. We believe that every business within that chain has a responsibility to create value for everyone involved.

For years, Dark Horse has focused on ethical sourcing, transparent supply chains, long-term relationships and reducing our environmental impact. The B Corp framework provides an internationally recognised way to measure, verify and strengthen those commitments.

It challenges us to ask better questions, make better decisions and remain accountable for the impact we create.

Most importantly, it aligns with our belief that business success should be measured not only by financial performance, but by the positive difference we make to people, communities and the environment.

Impact in Action

Supporting Coffee Producers

We carefully source sustainably cultivated speciality coffee from individual farms, cooperatives and trusted trading partners. Wherever possible, we build direct and long-term relationships that promote transparency, quality and shared success throughout the supply chain.

Investing in People

Our team is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a supportive workplace where people can learn, develop and contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.

Strengthening Communities

Through our Horseboxes, wholesale partnerships, training programmes and coffee experiences, we help connect people through specialty coffee. We are proud to support local independent businesses, community organisations and the growth of coffee culture across Oxfordshire and beyond.

Reducing Our Environmental Impact

Sustainability has been a core focus since day one. We prioritise reuse, restoration and intelligent purchasing wherever possible. Our horseboxes, vehicles and roastery reflect a belief that existing resources often have the greatest value.

We continue to invest in efficient technology, reduce waste, compost by-products, recycle materials and seek practical ways to minimise our environmental footprint across the business.

Building a Better Future

As a Certified B Corporation, we join a global community of businesses committed to creating a more inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.

We know there is always more work to do. Certification provides a framework that helps us keep learning, improving and making decisions that create long-term value for people and planet.

This Is Just the Beginning

B Corp Certification is not a one-time achievement.

It's an ongoing commitment to measuring our impact, improving our practices and holding ourselves accountable to higher standards.

We'll continue to learn, adapt and invest in the areas where we can create the greatest positive impact for people, communities and the planet. Because great coffee should leave a positive mark long after the last cup is finished.