Premium distributor celebrates B Corp certification as it accelerates toward net zero by 2030
Woods Foodservice, one of the UK’s leading premium distributors supplying over 60 Michelin-starred restaurants across London, has achieved B Corp certification – marking a major milestone in its long-term sustainability journey and reinforcing its ambition to help the UK fine dining sector close the gap with Europe on environmental leadership.
While sustainability is increasingly shaping global gastronomy, the UK is lagging behind its European counterparts when it comes to Michelin Green Stars – an accolade recognising restaurants at the forefront of sustainable practices. France leads with 100 Green Stars, followed by Germany (70), Italy (58) and Spain (57). By contrast, the UK has just 37, with only a handful in London itself.
Against this backdrop, Woods Foodservice is positioning itself as a catalyst for change – working across the supply chain to help chefs, producers and operators elevate the UK’s standing on the ‘eco table’.
Darren Labbett, Managing Director of Woods Foodservice, said: “Achieving B Corp certification reflects years of commitment to doing business responsibly. Sustainability isn’t a bolt-on for us – it’s embedded in every part of the business, from how we source products to how we deliver them.
We believe London can become the greenest restaurant scene on the planet. With the calibre of chefs we work with and the innovation happening across our supply chain, the opportunity is there for the city to lead globally.”
Rosie Labbett, Head of Procurement, added: “Our role is to connect exceptional producers with forward-thinking chefs, and increasingly that means prioritising suppliers who share our environmental values. We’re working closely with partners to reduce packaging, improve transparency and champion seasonal, lower-impact ingredients. There’s real momentum across the industry, and collaboration is key to accelerating progress.”
The certification comes as the business celebrates over a decade of sustained investment in green innovation across its operations. This includes the rollout of an electric vehicle fleet, the introduction of combined chilled and frozen delivery vans to improve efficiency and reduce emissions, and the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems at its distribution hub.
Now five years into its strategy to become a net zero contributor by 2030, Woods Foodservice is working closely with chefs, suppliers and partners to help position London as one of the most sustainable dining destinations in the world.
As part of its commitment, Woods Foodservice continues to focus on reducing emissions across its entire operation while supporting improvements throughout its supply chain. Key initiatives include transitioning from petrol-powered vehicles to electric vehicles, replacing single-use cardboard packaging with durable, reusable crates made from recycled plastic and expanding its existing solar energy capacity.
Jean Delport, Executive Chef of Michelin Green Star, Interlude, which is working with Woods Foodservice, commented: “Sustainability is no longer optional in high-end kitchens – it’s essential. Having a supplier that aligns with those values makes a huge difference. Woods are helping us source responsibly without compromising on quality.”
Zakaria El Rhzari, Key Account Manager UK & ROI at Les Vergers Boiron, added: “Woods Foodservice has been proactive in driving change. Their willingness to collaborate and invest in greener solutions is pushing the whole supply chain forward.”
With the UK food system responsible for around 19% of national greenhouse gas emissions, the role of distributors and supply chains is increasingly critical in driving meaningful change. Alongside this, consumer demand for sustainable dining is accelerating, with nearly half of diners (49%) now willing to pay more for sustainably sourced, local ingredients.
With B Corp certification, Woods Foodservice is strengthening its commitment to supporting the hospitality sector – working in partnership with chefs, producers and operators to ensure sustainability becomes a defining feature of London’s world-leading restaurant scene.
[1] Michelin Guide
[2] The Food Foundation, 2025
[3] RSM, 2025
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