Real Food Markets

Real Food Markets earned B Corp certification with a standout score of 101 and three Impact Business Models — proof that a grassroots, community-centred model can meet the highest standards without losing its authenticity.

Client Intro 
Real Food Markets is a mission‑driven organisation dedicated to championing independent food producers, small businesses, and community‑based traders through vibrant markets, festivals, and cultural events. Their work strengthens local economies, celebrates food heritage, and creates accessible spaces where communities can connect with sustainable, ethical, and artisan producers.

With social impact already at the heart of their operations, B Corp certification offered a way to formalise their values, strengthen governance, and demonstrate their commitment to economic empowerment and cultural enrichment.

Real Food Markets had long operated with a clear social mission — supporting small businesses, creating inclusive community spaces, and promoting cultural engagement through food. However, much of this impact wasn’t yet captured in the structured, evidence‑based format required by the B Impact Assessment.

Their challenge was to:

• Translate their community centred model into measurable, verifiable impact
• Evidence the economic empowerment they provide to underserved producers
• Demonstrate how their markets directly serve underserved populations
• Formalise policies and governance without losing the authenticity of their grassroots ethos

They didn’t need to change what they do — they needed a partner who could help them show the depth of their impact.

transformacy partnered with Real Food Markets to guide them through the full B Corp certification process, ensuring their mission and impact were accurately represented. This included:

• Conducting a full diagnostic of the B Impact Assessment
• Mapping existing practices to high value scoring opportunities
• Strengthening governance, worker, community, environment, and customer policies
• Evidencing the economic empowerment provided to small and underserved producers
• Demonstrating how their markets directly serve underserved populations through access, affordability, and community engagement
• Preparing structured documentation to secure three Impact Business Models (IBMs):
  
  
  • Economic Empowerment for the Underserved
  • Arts, Media & Culture
  • Serving Underserved Populations (Direct)
    
    
• Providing hands on support throughout the submission to ensure clarity, completeness, and audit readiness
  

   

Results
Real Food Markets achieved B Corp certification with an outstanding score of 101, placing them among the highest scoring organisations in their sector. Their three IBMs reflect the depth and breadth of their social mission — from empowering small producers to enriching local culture and directly serving underserved communities.

The certification provides the organisation with:

• Formal recognition of their long standing commitment to community impact
• A strengthened governance and impact framework
• A powerful narrative for partners, producers, and local authorities
• A clear baseline for future improvement cycles

Client Testimonial 
"Good, professional service that got us through the process reliably and efficiently." - Philip Lowery, Founder & Director, Real Food Markets

Inspiration
Real Food Markets’ journey shows how transformative a community centred business model can be when paired with strong governance and clear evidence. Their exceptional score of 101.1 and three IBMs reflect not only the quality of their operations but their genuine commitment to empowering small producers, enriching local culture, and serving underserved communities. With certification achieved and a robust impact framework in place, Real Food Markets is well positioned to continue scaling its positive impact across the UK.