NAPA, CA – April 14, 2023 – Maryam + Company, a collaborative consulting firm that develops brand extension programs and educational experiences for purpose-driven clients that love food and wine, is proud to announce that it has been certified as a B Corporation. B Corps are businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
“We are thrilled to be recognized as a B Corp,” said Maryam Ahmed, founder and CEO of Maryam + Company. “From the beginning, we’ve focused on improving the impact of our clients in a way that benefits all stakeholders, including our team, customers, suppliers, and our broader community. We’re committed to demonstrating that it is truly possible to balance the success of people, planet, and profit.”
Napa’s premiere creative consulting firm has a long history of commitment to engaging the food and beverage community to build a more inclusive and responsible industry. In partnership with Dr. Akilah Cadet, Founder + CEO at Change Cadet, Maryam + Company leads The Diversity in Wine Leadership Forum to foster collaborative efforts and problem-solving among wine industry advocates and leaders of inclusive initiatives. Founded in 2020, the Forum provides a bi-annual summit for leaders of organizations dedicated to diversity and equity in the wine industry; a central location for information on organizations doing the work; and educational series focused on DEI training for wine professionals. Boasting 14 member organizations from across the U.S. and Canada, the Forum has worked with more than 20 initiatives and welcomed over 200 global wine professionals with its lauded Do the Work series which focuses on anti-racism integration.
This coming June, Maryam + Company will host the second installment of Field Blends, an immersive food and wine travel experience rooted in conversations that explore emergent and evolving movements in wine and agriculture. The epicurean adventure will take place in the Finger Lakes Region of New York and seeks to close the knowledge gap between socially conscious consumers and makers—an important next step in a region’s evolution. Since the program’s inception, Field Blends has offered several scholarships to empower those from underrepresented communities to pursue a career in the wine industry through community-building, inquiry, and exploration.
“B Corp certification demonstrates the depth of commitment Maryam + Company has to sustainability efforts and the community engagement that makes them possible,” said Elaine Chukan Brown, award-winning global wine educator and writer. “The B Corp certification is a recognition of the leadership, professionalism, and follow through Maryam + Company cultivates in all of their projects, partnerships, and overall work ethic. It is an approach that is helping to guide the wine, food, and events industry forward.”
“We believe that businesses have a responsibility to use their power to make a positive impact on the world,” said Maryam. “Becoming a B Corp is a way for us to further our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility while also infusing these practices into our client and community work. I believe the wine industry can help shape conversations of great importance and joining the ranks of other B Corps is a way to cross industries, pool resources, and inspire change.”
B Corp certification is a rigorous process that requires businesses to meet high standards in five areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. Maryam + Company was evaluated by an independent third party and found to meet all of the B Corp standards.
Maryam + Company is now one of over 6,000 Certified B Corporations in more than 80 countries and over 150 industries, and one of 321 in the state of California. B Corps are a growing movement of businesses that are committed to using their power to make a positive impact on the world.
About Maryam + Company
Led by Maryam Ahmed who was honored as one of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 Tastemakers 2022 and listed as one of the Imbibe 75 earlier this year, Maryam + Company is a creative consulting firm committed to advancing impact goals for food and wine clients through educational and strategic programs. Clients include community-focused non-profits, emerging businesses, regional development initiatives, and large companies developing new portfolios.
Maryam + Company acts as an ecosystem, weaving together Ahmed’s expertise in strategic program development, her expansive community network, and her passion for bridging meaningful connections to boost revenue, improve retention, and strengthen brand reputation for clients.
