Staff at total supply chain solutions provider Oakland International have been reflecting on the power of the B Corp movement as it marks its 10th anniversary.

 

Oakland has proudly held B Corp certification since 2022, and November’s Take 10 celebration offered employees the chance to consider what being part of this global community means for the business.

 

To achieve B Corp status, companies must meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, balancing people and the planet alongside profit.

 

Since earning certification, Oakland International has demonstrated leadership in driving sustainability within the logistics sector. The company has collaborated with other businesses to create positive change without compromising environmental integrity.

Sustainability Officer at Oakland International, Elinor Smith said as well as the environmental benefits there were staff and community benefits too with Oakland focused on making a difference through its charitable Oakland Foundation and its’ support for charities include Molly Ollys and local foodbanks.

 

Elinor said: “We are one of the few logistic companies to achieve B Corp status and it is a certification which we are very proud of.

 

“We will be reapplying for certification next year and are determined to hold on to such a reputable badge of honour.”

 

As Oakland prepares for recertification, its commitment to shaping a greener, more responsible future for logistics remains stronger than ever.

 

Founded on sustainable innovation, Oakland International is a Certified B Corporation and a pioneer in reducing food waste through its distress load management service. The company delivers comprehensive supply chain solutions across storage, distribution, contract packing, consolidation, and direct-to-consumer support for UK and Ireland retail, wholesale, and foodservice markets.

We are expanding our fleet of multi-temperature vehicles with 16 new DAF XB210s, 2 new DAF XB290s, and 1 new DAF XD340 truck, taking our total multi-temp fleet to over 140 vehicles.

All 19 vehicle bodies are being built by Solomon Commercials and are fitted with the latest safety and fuel efficiency features, including enhanced aerodynamics, non-slip seamless flooring, heavy-duty load restraint systems, and premium stainless-steel fittings for durability.

Driver safety and operational efficiency have been prioritised through a comprehensive 4-camera MDR system with an in-cab 7” monitor, white-noise reversing alarms, and strategically positioned LED lighting for optimal visibility during loading and unloading.

For the XB290s and the XD340, we are particularly proud to be investing in the purely electrically driven ECOOLTEC TM182 transport refrigeration units, designed for larger, rigid, multi-temperature applications. These units are revolutionary within the transport refrigeration industry, delivering both economic efficiency and environmental benefits.

The TM182 uses natural refrigerants R1270 and R744, which—unlike F-gases—do not contain PFAS harmful to the atmosphere. Furthermore, these refrigerants have a negligible Global Warming Potential.

 

The ECOOLTEC TM182 units require reduced maintenance, hold zero ozone-depleting potential, and deliver excellent performance — a true win-win.

By choosing these ECOOLTEC Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs) over traditional TRUs, we’re achieving a reduction of over 14.5 tonnes of CO₂e per vehicle — a total of 43.65 tonnes of CO₂e saved across the three vehicles. Unlike diesel refrigeration machines, the ECOOLTEC units produce neither local pollutants nor CO₂ emissions during battery operation, and up to 98% fewer emissions via alternator drive.

As an independent family business, Holdsworth Foods is proud to collaborate with other independent family businesses within our supply chain. Solomon Commercials, operating for almost 50 years, counts Michael I Holdsworth Ltd among their very first customers. ECOOLTEC was founded by Peter Großkopf, a respected name in the transport refrigeration industry and founder of Frigoblock.

All refrigeration units are being fitted by CC Refrigeration, another independently owned business that Holdsworth Foods has partnered with for many years.

The XB210s are fitted with Frigoblock EK13 refrigeration units, which now offer reduced CO₂ emissions and lower noise pollution, while maintaining reliable performance across our 12-tonne vehicles during their demanding daily, multi-temperature, and multi-drop operations.

At Holdsworth Foods, we remain committed to sustainable investment — adopting new technology that reduces environmental impact, enhances operational safety, and supports long-standing partnerships with independent businesses across our industry.

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Environmental Sustainability of Global Food and Beverage on the Agenda, Responsible for One-Third of Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions

London, 5 November 2025

The Sustainable Foods Conference will return to London’s Business Design Centre on 28–29 January 2026 and is set to be the most senior gathering of food and beverage (F&B) professionals ever seen in the UK.

More than 500 retailers, food and drink manufacturers, landowners, farmers, and other stakeholders will address key challenges facing global food systems.

Keynote Speakers Include:

• Dame Angela Eagle, Minister of State, Department for Food, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
• Ken Murphy, CEO, Tesco plc
• Ash Amirahmadi, CEO, Sofina Foods
• Rami Baitiéh, CEO, Morrisons
• James Mayer, President, Danone UK and EIRE
• Archana Jagannathan, Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo Europe
• Emma Pinchbeck FEI, CEO, Climate Change Committee (CCC)

Currently, the food industry is responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Empty supermarket shelves in 2023, caused by flooding in Spain, were a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the UK’s food supply chain. More recently, debates surrounding farmers’ inheritance tax, rising obesity rates, processed foods, and poor crop yields have all highlighted major systemic challenges within global food systems.

The Sustainable Foods Conference has strong support across the industry and will provide a high-profile meeting place for announcements, partnerships, and deal-making for those who farm, manufacture, and sell food and drink.

2026 Partners Include:

Tesco (Lead Sponsor), Arla (Associate Sponsor), ABP (Regenerative Agriculture Partner), Danone (Health & Nutrition Partner), BidFood (Content Partner), and Bel (Healthy Snacking Partner).

Commenting on their support for the congress, Ken Murphy, CEO, Tesco, said:

“We’re proud that Tesco is the lead sponsor of the Sustainable Food Conference, which brings together leaders from across the industry to focus on the future of food. It’s a great opportunity to collaborate, share ideas and innovation, and accelerate the progress we all need to make towards a more sustainable and healthier food system. We’re pleased to support the event and stand alongside others who are committed to making a real difference.”

At Costa Brava Mediterranean Foods, we are defining a 2026–2030 Strategic Sustainability Plan aligned with ESG principles (Environmental, Social & Governance). This framework enables us to manage risks and opportunities responsibly across key areas such as the environment, social relations, and corporate governance.

 

These are the five main objectives guiding our sustainable actions:

1. Climate Commitment
   We are reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and boosting energy efficiency through the installation of photovoltaic panels and the exclusive use of 100% renewable energy.
2. Reduction in the Use of Natural Resources
   We actively reduce water, electricity and gas consumption, and promote cleaner production by minimising waste — following the principles of the 5Rs and our strong commitment to the Zero Waste model.
3. Plastic Reduction
   We are driving a circular economy by lowering plastic use per kilogram of product and increasing the amount of recycled plastic used in our packaging.
4. Commitment to People and Quality
   Aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda SDGs, we work to provide safe, high-quality food (IFS, BRC certifications), combat food waste, and implement Equality Plans that promote social inclusion and greater female representation in management positions.
5. Animal Welfare
   100% of our farms, slaughterhouses and processing plants comply with the highest European animal welfare standards, certified by Welfare Quality.

 

With this plan, we reaffirm our ambition to be active agents of change, creating sustainable value for our clients, employees, consumers and the planet.

🔗 www.costabravafoods.com/en/sustainability-2/