Sustainability has recently become a mantra for large companies. In the hospitality industry in particular, where it is reflected in the full utilization of ingredients, reducing waste, and ethical partnerships with local farmers. Before sustainability reporting became mandatory for large businesses, genuinely sustainable practices in a broader context were being assessed by the independent organization B Lab, which awards the B Corp certification. This is not a marketing label or a one-time award. B Corp is one of the world's most rigorous certifications for responsible business, granted only to companies that consistently meet high standards of transparency, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Since the start of the company, 35 years ago, Zátiší has had an interest in the origin of its ingredients, fair treatment of employees and suppliers, and a desire to make the world a better place through care for its customers, its local community, and disadvantaged communities embedded in its DNA. For its 35th anniversary, the company received its greatest gift yet – B Corp certification. Zátiší became the only fourth company in the Czech Republic to achieve this certification and one of the first hospitality businesses in Central and Eastern Europe.

The certification process is complex and time-consuming. Zátiší began pursuing it two years ago, when its ESG Manager, Jiří Medvec, noticed that the company already met most of the criteria across the assessed areas. Nevertheless, achieving certification required a comprehensive review of all internal processes, a simplification of the structure, more accurate measurement and documentation of data related to carbon footprint, energy consumption, waste management, and charitable activities. Since its earliest years, the founder of Zátiší, Sanjiv Suri, has dedicated a portion of the company’s profits to disadvantaged children in the Czech Republic, Africa, and India. What started at 10% of profits gradually increased to as much as 50% before the pandemic. The company is now steadily working its way back towards that level. 

Authenticity may be the greatest value that customers look for in brands today. In a world increasingly affected by greenwashing, it is no longer enough for a company to simply claim that it is responsible. People want to see concrete actions, results, and a long-term commitment. And that is precisely what B Corp certification verifies. 

A company must achieve a minimum score of 80 points out of more than 100 possible points, and the standards are continuously updated and strengthened in line with new insights and evolving expectations. The certification must be renewed every three years, meaning that companies are required to continuously improve their performance and practices. Zátiší Group achieved an excellent score of 96.6 points.

Responsibility of the company is not just a modern trend or attractive PR that comes at a high price. For customers, it has a tangible impact in the form of high-quality services and added value. If you live an environmentally conscious lifestyle and think about the impact of your behavior, B Corp certification provides you with a map of who shares the same values as you. Showing who you can collaborate with in peace, without the need for strict control and complicated reporting of responsible behavior, which for instance is required of large companies under European regulations.

B Corp essentially confirms values and story of the brand, as it is demonstrated by global companies such as Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, or the Jamie Oliver Group. They don’t just sell products. They build trust. They show that business can be successful while also being considerate toward people and the environment.

Zátiší has been writing a story of excellent food and outstanding service, built on respect for farmers, suppliers, and ingredients for a long time. That is why Zátiší works with an increasing number of local suppliers, and chefs are creating menus primarily from seasonal ingredients. Theyselecting ethical farming practices and environmentally friendly methods of producing ingredients. They also design menus so that guests can discover new flavours and gastronomic experiences, while not unnecessarily increasing their carbon footprint. Waste minimisation starts already at the farm level, through the selection of ingredients, where, for example, imperfectly shaped vegetables are transformed into a delicious salad, fermented vegetables, or a base for sauces. Zero-waste principles are applied across Zátiší restaurants, corporate and school canteens, catering services, and food delivery. This also includes measuring the carbon footprint and transparently communicating the impact of individual steps. An integral part of this approach is involvement in the circular economy, whether through modern catering concepts, partnerships with organisations such as Zachraň jídlo, the Nesnězeno app, or cooperation with charitable organisations. Education also plays an important role, particularly in teaching children about healthy lifestyle, reducing food waste and sustainable behaviour in everyday life. Equally important are service quality, a fair approach to people, and long-term responsibility towards customers and partners.

In terms of its size and scope, Zátiší Group is currently the only gastronomic group in Central and Eastern Europe with B Corp certification. This combination of high culinary quality, transparency, and responsible approach shows the direction in which modern gastronomy will evolve in the upcoming years. Because the future of gastronomy is not only about what we eat, but above all about people, the origin and the quality of ingredients. By obtaining B Corp certification, Zátiší Group once again confirms why it has been a leader in gastronomy for 35 years.