4 replies to this topic

[Satsuma]

For reference we are in Canada. We are looking to get some sort of GFSI recognized certification to increase our customer base to the larger chain stores.

 

It seems like CanadaGAP is the gold standard here, but it also seems like that might be more catered toward growers? 

 

Our operation is fairly simple. We receive pre-packaged product and ship them back out. We just want the simplest certificate for us to obtain. GAP has a 0% margin of error which concerns me. Cost is also a concern as a small and new company. 

 

At the moment our sales are just local. We are not really concerned with how highly other countries may view the certification.

 

Any recommendations?

 

Thanks!

Edited by Satsuma, 13 January 2022 - 06:48 PM.

[Charles.C]

For reference we are in Canada. We are looking to get some sort of GFSI recognized certification to increase our customer base to the larger chain stores.

 

It seems like CanadaGAP is the gold standard here, but it also seems like that might be more catered toward growers? 

 

Our operation is fairly simple. We receive pre-packaged product and ship them back out. We just want the simplest certificate for us to obtain. GAP has a 0% margin of error which concerns me. Cost is also a concern as a small and new company. 

 

At the moment our sales are just local. We are not really concerned with how highly other countries may view the certification.

 

Any recommendations?

 

Thanks!

Hi Satsuma,

 

The typical answer is that, despite yr professed unconcern, the choice is frequently, ultimately, determined by your customer's requirements. A case of "force majeure".

[john.kukoly]

That is definitely one guiding principle. Many customers have "preferences" although they may state otherwise in public. Another option - most benchmarked programs have public directories of the sites certified to their programs, some decently searchable. Have a look at the databases for the programs under consideration, and contact one or two that you know will be similar to yourself, get their opinion, and advice. Most companies are quite willing. 

[Scampi]

CanadaGap is for farming/ pack house operations

 

Do some research of one vs the other------then you can call CBs directly and ask questions before you settle on a scheme, it really is a best for your business decision---they all have pros and cons

 

Depending on what province you are in, there may be some funding available to assist with this process

 

I've run CanadaGap programs, and not sure what you mean by 0% rate----all GFSIs operate under a sliding scale of non conformances, not just one mistake and your done

 

Since you're not selling outside your provincial borders (i gather) you may just want to become HACCP certified-----that will help with your customer base, and allow you to A) save some $$ and B) get really good at that before spending big bucks on SQF etc (because it is expensive, no matter what)

Edited by Scampi, 24 January 2022 - 03:14 PM.

[bornyesterday]

Get a firm understanding of supplier requirements, top-level appetite for a QM system and, if possible, where the competition is in their quality management journey.  Without full management buy-in, your path will be filled with frustration and angst.