Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Food Quality and Transparency

The food industry is facing a growing demand for transparency, as buyers have access to more data and are increasingly interested in understanding the origin and quality of the products they purchase. Simultaneously, companies operating in this space are grappling with mounting logistics and sourcing challenges, as well as global political instability, making it increasingly difficult to manage their supply chains efficiently. This is particularly evident in industries like olive oil, where a lack of clear information, unpredictable weather patterns, and rising market demand are driving the need for a new approach to everything from technologies and packaging formats to quality control.

Empowering Consumers through Trusted Certifications

Defining Quality in the Modern Retail Landscape

In today's retail environment, the concept of "quality" is perceived as a holistic notion that encompasses all aspects of a product, from sourcing to end-customer perception. Quality parameters can be used to define the organoleptic and chemical-physical characteristics of ingredients, the nutritional benefits of the finished product, the packaging features, the operational expertise, and the safety and training of the personnel working across the supply chain. To maintain customer trust, ensure product safety, and stay competitive in a fast-moving market, food companies must adopt robust quality-management systems.

Navigating the Certification Landscape

While many consumers associate certifications such as Organic, Non-GMO, and Gluten-Free with food safety and quality, several lesser-known certifications are equally essential in achieving these goals. Especially for businesses operating internationally, voluntary quality certifications enforced by independent, third-party agencies can provide customers with further confidence in the quality and reliability of their products. These initiatives, which attest that a specific process, product, service, or management system satisfies a particular standard or set of rules, are divided into two primary categories: system certifications and product certifications.

System Certifications: Driving Continuous Improvement

System certifications are designed to drive continuous improvement in production processes and represent a form of indirect insurance for producers and suppliers. These certifications are often displayed on company websites and used in B2B communications, but they are rarely seen on the final product. System certifications cover a wide range of areas, including process management (ISO 9001), the environment (ISO 14001), occupational safety and health (OHSAS 18001), and data and information (ISO 27001). Another key system certification is the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative), an internationally recognized, voluntary standard used by agri-food companies that contains the core directions needed for optimal control in production.

Product Certifications: Communicating Quality and Authenticity

The second group of certifications is product certifications, which communicate clear messages to customers about the quality and authenticity of the products they are purchasing. These certifications come with recognizable seals and logos often displayed on packaging, such as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), Organic, and Non-GMO. Another important product certification, ISO 22005, concerns supply chain traceability. These seals allow brands and retailers to demonstrate their commitment to responsible and ethical sourcing and specific production processes, often requiring annual audits and providing a framework to consistently meet regulatory and customer expectations while promoting continuous improvement.

Responsible Practices in the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Industry

When it comes to producing and marketing Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the commitment to transparency and quality must go beyond mere legal requirements. As a QA Manager with ten years of direct experience sourcing from various countries and operating internationally, I firmly believe that investing in system and product certifications is crucial to ensuring safe, transparent, and responsible sourcing and production practices. Third-party certifications help food companies meet and exceed their clients' expectations, allowing them to continually expand their knowledge and position their teams as experts and leaders in the agri-food sector.By maintaining transparency throughout their processes, companies like Certified Origins can monitor and ensure the quality of their private-label products while continuing to build on their cooperative legacy. They actively collaborate with their supply chain to enhance quality-assurance practices, ensuring that everyone handling their products follows the same high standards and promoting a culture of quality and mutual accountability.