Little Moons has become a Certified B Corporation (B Corp), pledging to transform itself into an “even more sustainable business”.

The mochi ice-cream brand joins a growing movement of 2,500 UK companies which have achieved B-Corp status, but is only the 10th food manufacturing business with more than 250 employees to achieve the standards required.

Among other requirements, the label demonstrates that the brand meets a high standard of social and environmental performance, as well as transparency and commitment to goals beyond shares and profit.

Verified by B Lab, the not-for-profit organisation behind the B Corp movement, the process requires companies to provide evidence on performance, while legally embedding their commitment in company articles.

Little Moons chief executive Joanna Allen described the new label as “a wonderful accomplishment”.

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“Becoming part of the B Corp community is a wonderful accomplishment for Little Moons, validating our commitment to offer little lifts, crafted without compromise, to all our fans across the world,” said the CEO.

“It’s a huge achievement for everyone at Little Moons and one I’m really proud of. And when you’re leading a B Corp, the work is never done – we will use the standards to continue our focus on reducing our carbon footprint, advancing the responsible sourcing of our ingredients and enabling every employee to act in a way that means we become an even more sustainable business.”

B Lab executive director Chris Turner added: “We are delighted to welcome Little Moons to the B Corp community.

“This is a movement of companies that are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that Little Moons is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”

The news follows the frozen treat brand downsizing its operations in November after conducting a “a robust assessment” to ensure a “stable and profitable future”.

The company warned structural changes would include the closing of its new 50,000 sq ft Kettering factory, mere months after it opened, and the potential axing of a number of jobs.

In 2022, Little Moons doubled its annual turnover, upping its sales £25.5m to £68.5m in the 18 months to the end 30 December 2022, driven by strong growth across key markets such as the UK, France, Germany and Australia.