KBI Member Code of Ethics

Kombucha Brewers International (KBI) – Code of Ethics

This code of ethics was proposed at the KKON 19 Standard of Identity session. Please review all of the items listed and then share your feedback here (must be logged in).

“As KBI Members, we have a responsibility to the kombucha industry and, in particular, to our customers, consumers, personnel and the association. We hereby agree to:

• Maintain the highest standards of business conduct by using only legal and ethical means in all business activity.
• Actively promote and encourage the highest level of integrity within the kombucha industry.  Be fair, equitable and respectful to employees, associates, suppliers, competitors, customers, the public, and all business or professional relationships. Refrain from discriminatory practices in dealing with our employees, suppliers and customers.
• Observe all applicable state, federal, foreign or international laws and regulations pertaining to the manufacturing, labeling, handling, importing, distributing, promoting and selling of kombucha and related products.
• Provide a safe working environment.
• Restrict employment to those ages/job positions mandated either by the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act, or state or local minimum employment ages; and, in the case of overseas facilities, to International Labor Organization standards.
• Avoid knowingly dealing with those who use any forced labor or exploitative working conditions.
• Respect the rights of others concerning their intellectual property and, if any innocent breach occurs, promptly address and rectify any such breach.
• Comply with all laws concerning antitrust and agreements with competitors to: fix prices or other sales terms; divide or assign sales territories, customers or product lines; or coordinate bids and agreements with customers to fix their resale prices, and all laws that prohibit restraints of trade, predatory economic activities and unfair or unethical business practices.
• Never pay any bribe, kickback or other corrupt payment in any form for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or obtaining any other favorable action, nor offer or extend any gift or entertainment that is illegal, known to be in violation of the rules of the recipient’s organization, or likely to result in a feeling of expectation or obligation on the part of the recipient.
• Comply in good faith with contractual obligations.
• Never comment on a competitor’s product without a good faith basis or need for such statements. Never make false statements about competitors.
• Support the Association by taking an active role in KBI activities. Cooperate in every reasonable and proper way with other Association Members and work with them toward the advancement of the kombucha industry.
• Represent KBI, its positions, policies and fellow Members in a positive, constructive and professional manner.
• Act in a manner consistent with, and make every effort to uphold this code of ethics. If a member considers that it is no longer able to comply with this Code of Ethics, that member must resign from the Association.

This Code of Ethics does not set forth all aspects of good conduct and ethical behavior. Acceptance of, and adherence to this Code is a condition of membership.”