Produce World is Top of the Crops
Produce World IFP, based in Isleham, Ely, has become one of just a handful of food businesses in the UK and across Europe to achieve top marks following a British Retail Consortium (BRC) unannounced audit. The 31 businesses with A* status account for just 1% of all food businesses that use the BRC accreditation system. Produce World IFP joins the group’s organics specialist, Produce World RBO, in the top 1% – the latter was the very first produce site in the industry to achieve the coveted A* status two years ago.
Every food business in the UK wishing to supply products through retail is subject to the BRC audit process and must achieve a B grade or higher. However, it is up to the business whether it opts for an unannounced audit, which can take place anytime up to six months after its last announced audit. In opting for an unannounced audit a business commits to ensuring the maintenance of extremely high standards throughout the year, guaranteeing total conformity to the food safety standards set out by the BRC.
The audit on Produce World IFP was carried out in early September. The business specialises in the production and marketing of root vegetables, principally carrots and parsnips and is also regarded as an industry leader in the supply of fresh bunched beetroot and carrots, along with speciality carrot varieties such as Chantenay, Mignon, Autumn King, and Golden Beetroot.
Produce World is one of the largest expert growers and suppliers of high quality fresh vegetables inEurope. It is a privately owned business, founded by the Burgess family in 1898. Produce World Group companies include Produce World Solanum, Produce World IFP, Produce World RBO, Produce World Rustler, Produce World Marshalls, Agromark, and Growing Trust with Las Lomas (joint venture).
The company received the Waitrose Technical Excellence Award in June 2011, as well as the re:fresh Innovation of the Year and Packer of the Year awards in May 2011. Its Growing Trust CSR programme, established in 2007, pioritises Responsible Sourcing, along with Environmental Stewardship, Community Impact and Workplace Culture.
