Lion, one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading beverage producers, has been recognised as a Certified B Corporation (B Corp), confirming its commitment to balancing profit with positive environmental and social impact.

While individual Lion brands such as Stone & Wood had previously achieved B Corp status, this marks the first time certification has been extended across the entire Lion business.

“We are delighted to be recognised as a Certified B Corporation across Lion as a whole,” said Lion Group CEO, Sam Fischer. “Being a force for good has always been part of Lion’s DNA, but B Corp Certification has given us a framework to go even further. For almost two centuries, we’ve believed in making a strong contribution to our communities and managing Lion for the long-term, and this certification supports that commitment for the years to come.”

Fischer added: “B Corp Certification provides independent verification of Lion’s commitment to measuring success not just in profit, but in the positive impact we create together with our partners.”

Certified B Corporations are verified by B Lab, the non-profit network behind the certification, for meeting high standards of environmental and social performance, governance, accountability, and transparency. Businesses must score at least 80 points in the B Impact Assessment (BIA) and amend their constitution to consider the long-term impact of decisions on stakeholders.

Lion achieved a score of 80.6, well above the median of 50.9 for ordinary businesses, and amended its constitution accordingly. The company’s score and detailed impact report are now publicly available on the B Corp directory.

Andrew Davies, CEO of B Lab Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand, welcomed the news: “We’re thrilled to welcome Lion to the B Corp community. Stone & Wood was one of the earliest businesses in the region to become B Corp Certified, and it’s exciting to see the broader Lion business take this next step. When a large business like Lion uses B Corp Certification to measure and improve its impact, it sends a powerful message to the broader business community that it is possible to prioritise people and planet, alongside profit.”

Lion joins more than 10,000 Certified B Corps worldwide, and only a small number of high-scale businesses have passed B Lab’s rigorous assessment.

Its certification builds on recent sustainability milestones, including:

• Becoming the first major brewer to use 100% renewable electricity for all Australian operations.
  
• Achieving 2030 science-based carbon reduction targets seven years ahead of schedule, in 2023.
  
• Operating major breweries at XXXX and Tooheys with world-class water efficiency.
  
• Using packaging with 72% recycled content.
  
• Advancing diversity, inclusion, and First Nations engagement initiatives.
  

“When our trade partners choose to work with Lion, our B Corp Certification is further evidence that they’re partnering with a business that places people, planet, purpose, and profit on equal footing,” Fischer said.

About Lion
Founded over 180 years ago and headquartered in Sydney, Lion’s portfolio spans iconic beer brands in Australia and New Zealand, craft breweries in the US, fine wine labels in New Zealand and North America, and premium spirits such as Four Pillars Gin. The company employs nearly 4,000 people across its markets.