Scottish plant-based chocolate company Fellow Creatures has become B Corporation-certified, a designation awarded to a business meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency.

Committed to paying 60% over the industry average for cocoa, Fellow Creatures has become one of five UK-based chocolate companies to substantiate their ethical credentials with the certification.

Working exclusively with cocoa collaboratives in Ghana, its bars are fully traceable back to farm.

Fellow Creatures Founder Zsolt Stefkovics said: “With ethics at the core of our DNA, the Fellow Creatures name refers to treating both animals and humans with respect. With that in mind, we set out to make dairy-alternative chocolate that didn’t compromise on flavour and is harmless in its production.

“Our business model means we are committed to contributing to the creation of sustainable jobs and alleviating poverty in deprived cocoa communities in West Africa. Our long-term vision is to be able to invest a portion of profits back into these communities.”

Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, added: “Being able to welcome Fellow Creatures to the B Corp community is hugely exciting. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good.

“Their commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and really help spread the idea that we can redefine success in business to be as much about people and planet as it is about profit.”

In Autumn last year, Fellow Creatures secured £450,000 investment and landed UK-wide listings with retailers including WH Smith and Sainsbury’s.