Samuel Adams

How ethical and sustainable is Samuel Adams? 

Samuel Adams is included in The Good Shopping Guide‘s Beer, Lager & Cider Ethical Ratings Table. Although Samuel Adams hasn’t yet upheld our ethical standards, we have faith that eventually the company will change for the better and conduct itself in a more morally upright manner. By requesting Ethical Accreditation, which includes a more thorough investigation and recommendations for ethical development, Samuel Adams may be able to boost customer trust.

More information on the issues that may be found in The Good Shopping Guide to Ethical Lager, Cider and Beer brands.  Then, in our Beer, Lager and Cider Ethical Ratings Table compare it to other brands.

What does Samuel Adams do?

Founded by Jim Koch in 1984 who brewed his first batch of Boston Larger in his kitchen, he had a belief that beer drinkers needed better options on the market. Samuel Adams helped start a craft beer revolution. The beer brand is owned by The Boston Beer Co. Read more on the Samuel Adams brand here. 

For which criteria does Samuel Adams perform poorly? 

Samuel Adams received a low rating for its Environmental Report and Organic products. The beer brand’s parent company, Boston Beer Co, has a short CSR section on its website but this is vague and includes no targets. Boston Beer Co also donated significant sums in recent U.S. election cycles. The brand has no organic products and also has no statement on Genetic Modification, so whilst it has no criticisms it is not ruled out, hence the middle rating.

In what areas does Samuel Adams score well for its ethics?

Samuel Adams receives a high score for Nuclear Power, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian products, Armaments and Political Donations. Samuel Adams has some products that are certified by The Vegetarian Society.

How can Samuel Adams improve its Ethical Rating?

Samuel Adams might apply for Ethical Accreditation for more detailed guidance on how to improve its CSR policies.

Samuel Adams may improve its rating and fulfil our fundamental ethical requirements by either releasing its own Environmental statement or improving on Boston Beer Co’s to include more specific targets and also cease all Political Donations.

The Ethical Rating of a brand is divided into three categories by The Good Shopping Guide: the Environment, People and Animals. Find out more about how we rate.

Why not check out The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation if you work for or with a beer, lager or cider brand that values its business ethics and sustainability?

Contact us to learn more about Ethical Accreditation, or complete our short form for an initial sustainability evaluation.