Responsible Manufacturer Benchmark - Berle Farm

By CommonShare

Berle Farm, a woman-owned agricultural business founded in 1989 by Beatrice Berle, stands as a beacon of sustainability and quality in the dairy industry. Specializing in artisanal cheeses, yogurt, and other farm products, Berle Farm prioritizes health from the soil up, viewing farming as a holistic system that includes soil health, grasses, grains, and animals. The farm's relentless commitment to sustainability is evident in its practices, from producing its own fertilizer and saving seeds to harnessing solar energy for electricity and hot water. This dedication to land conservation and sustainable farming has not only shaped the business's ethos but also garnered recognition for its innovative approach.

With a multi-generational history rooted in providing good food to the community, Berle Farm has established itself as a trusted supplier of high-quality dairy products in New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts. The farm's dedication to excellence is reflected in its team of skilled individuals, including owner Beatrice Berle and Cheesemaker Vi Huu Wood, who bring intelligence, artistry, and commitment to their craft. Berle Farm's commitment to community and local economy is evident in its partnerships with retail stores and restaurants, catering to a customer base that values sustainable, locally sourced products.

As Berle Farm celebrates 30 years under the same management, its focus on soil and animal health remains unwavering, ensuring the best flavor and quality in its products. The farm's rich history is characterized by consistency, strong values, and a continuous pursuit of innovation in preserving flavor and nutrition. Moving forward, Berle Farm's strategic direction emphasizes a continued commitment to sustainable farming practices, land preservation, and providing the community with delicious, nutrient-rich food. With a proud history and a bright future ahead, Berle Farm continues to set the standard for quality and sustainability in the dairy industry.

Overall Rating

1.0

Under-Performing

Traceability

An increasingly important factor in global supply chains, traceability assesses the manufacturer's capability to track products and materials from origin to delivery. The Sustainable Manufacturers Benchmark® explores this through the lens of tiered supplier verification, culminating in end-to-end traceability with real-time monitoring and complete transparency.

Digitized Products

The digital landscape has transformed B2B interactions. This facet assesses the extent to which manufacturers have digitized their product offerings. The spectrum ranges from manufacturers without any online product catalog to those boasting advanced B2B e-commerce platforms, providing clients with order customization, real-time tracking, and an integrated view of the supply chain.

Preferred Materials

This aspect gauges the extent to which manufacturers incorporate sustainable, circular, and regenerative materials in their supply chain. It assesses whether companies merely use standard materials or whether they actively prioritize sustainable and preferred materials in their product range, even going so far as to offer digital verification of material certificates.

Facility Verification and Services

This dimension evaluates the openness and commitment of manufacturers regarding their facility's conditions and services. It covers a spectrum, from providing no facility details at all to showcasing comprehensive third-party audits, ensuring transparency in worker welfare and showcasing a clear commitment to maintaining top-tier facility services.

Readiness to Contract

Before entering a partnership, it's pivotal to understand a manufacturer's business legitimacy. The Sustainable Manufacturers Benchmark® checks for the presence and verification of essential documents, ranging from basic business licenses to comprehensive documentation, client testimonials, and even third-party attestations that verify a manufacturer's reliability and readiness to contract.

Berle Farm

United States

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How our Responsible Manufacturer Benchmark® Works?

By CommonShare

The Responsible Manufacturer Benchmark is a comprehensive framework designed to evaluate and rate manufacturers based on their commitment to sustainability, digital integration, readiness for contracting, material sourcing, and facility standards. It provides a clear, standardized metric for assessing manufacturers in a B2B environment, helping businesses make informed decisions aligned with their sustainability objectives. The benchmark covers crucial areas like end-to-end traceability, the digital verification of supply tiers, utilization of preferred materials, and verified social audits for facilities. By incorporating both depth and granularity across its criteria, the benchmark not only promotes transparency but also encourages continuous improvement in responsible manufacturing practices.