7 replies to this topic

[AANNFF]

We are a ready to eat snack bar factory with SQF L2.  We are looking to possibly distribute in the UK  but from what we can tell most stores only accept BRC.  Does anyone know if any of the following retailers accept SQF instead?

• ASDA
• Aldi
• Co-op
• Lidl
• Morrison's Co-Op
• Sainsbury's
• Tesco

[Giu]

I'm trying to find out the same thing - I'm Based in UK but would like to start selling to supermarkets.  the results I have had so far are mixed 

 

• Def need BRC 
• only need BRC if your making own brand products for the supermarkets 
• don't need BRC but is a good bargaining tool 
• IF they want your product, they don't worry about your accreditation as they will do their own audits. 

So i'm still left confused as whats best to do! 

 

Maybe you post will receive   some more clear answers 

[SQFconsultant]

Both BRC and SQF (along with the others) are GFSI certifications and both are global in nature.

 

There is no valid reason to require you as a manufacturer that is already SQF certified to also have to get BRC certified.

 

Or vis-a-versa.

[AANNFF]

It is certainly confusing and a difficult topic to research.

 

I know that SQF is a world wide recognized GFSI scheme but it seems like most UK grocery stores require BRC.  It looks like from ASDA's website, they only accept BRC.  Aldi looks like they accept anything.  The other ones listed I still can't tell after a day of research.  

[Charles.C]

Both BRC and SQF (along with the others) are GFSI certifications and both are global in nature.

 

There is no valid reason to require you as a manufacturer that is already SQF certified to also have to get BRC certified.

 

Or vis-a-versa.

 

Hi SQF Consultant,

 

Validity in this case is determined by the customer. 

 

IMO the fact that all these Standards are GFSI-certified/recognized does not automatically render them "equal". I believe it means the Standard is "compliant" with the list of required elements of the appropriate GFSI "module" (scheme?).

[Giu]

AANNFF I feel your pain- been trying to find out for two weeks ! you seam to at least find out about Asda - I cant find anyone to talk to at any supermarket - they all say write a letter asking- not even email!! 

[SQFconsultant]

Yes and maybe no Charles.

 

Our own food production facility is in the run-up to be certified under SQF and ten potential customers asked for BRC to which we said we are getting SQF certified and each one accepted that without a hitch.

 

For  our SQF clients there has never been a push-back from their existing or potential customers (large and small) when they chose to mainline SQF instead of any other GFSI requested standard.

 

With that said we do have growing interest in duel certifications for both SQF/BRC.

[Charles.C]

Hi SQF Consultant,

 

I interpreted the OP as specifically UK oriented.

 

This, i suggest, further introduces the factor of customer's Due Dilgence requirements.

 

I cannot recall SQF (or FSSC22000/IFS for that matter) ever issuing any "compatibility" claims in this respect but maybe ?