The Rise of B Corps™ in Ireland: Insights from Cathy Kinsella (B Lab IRL) and Johnny Tobin Allen (Ballymaloe Foods)

In a recent episode of the Colectivo Podcast, Laura McDermott sat down with Cathy Kinsella from B Lab™ Ireland and Johnny Tobin Allen from Ballymaloe Foods to explore the fast-growing B Corp™ movement in Ireland, and what it really takes for a business to live up to it. Listen on Spotify here.

The B Corp Movement in Ireland

Cathy walked us through how the movement took root in Ireland. While the first Irish certification happened back in 2018, interest surged significantly during the later stages of COVID-19. "Ireland is officially the fastest-growing B Corp movement in the world," Cathy noted, pointing to a broader cultural shift as more businesses recognise the value of building ethics and sustainability into how they operate.

What Draws Businesses to B Corp

One theme ran through the conversation: family businesses, in particular, tend to align closely with B Corp values, especially as leadership passes to a new generation. "As succession happens, people want to put their own stamp on a family legacy," Cathy explained, describing how B Corp certification often becomes a way for the next generation to embed sustainability and social responsibility into a business they're inheriting.

Sustainability in Action

Cathy and Johnny both pointed to hospitality and food as sectors leading the charge on certification. Johnny shared how this plays out day to day at Ballymaloe Foods, where sustainability touches nearly every part of the business. "Sustainability has quite a few arms and legs to it, primarily energy management and waste management," he said, offering a grounded look at what the work actually involves beyond the headline commitments.

Where does the Movement Goes Next?

With over 150 certified B Corps across the island and no signs of slowing down, the momentum behind the movement in Ireland is only building. Cathy also spoke to ongoing work aimed at supporting family businesses through the certification journey, a sign of even broader participation to come.

This conversation is a reminder of why sustainable, ethical business practices matter, not just as a certification to chase, but as a foundation for building companies that last. As more Irish businesses step into this space, the ripple effect for communities and the environment could be significant.

Want the full conversation? Listen to the episode for more from Cathy and Johnny on what the B Corp journey looks like in practice.