Three south Wales food companies have secured important food safety certification thanks to the support of technical affiliates part-funded by a Welsh Government backed project.
Juvela, Joe’s Ice Cream and Prima Foods have all achieved SALSA or BRCGS food safety certification with the help of affiliates who were mentored by ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University, one of three food centres that deliver the Welsh Government funded Project HELIX.
Both SALSA and BRCGS food safety certification are important to many manufacturers as they demonstrate that they are operating to industry-recognised food safety standards, enabling them to supply their products to national and regional retailers.
A key area of Project HELIX assistance is the HELIX Knowledge Transfer Programme, which embeds part-funded affiliates within Welsh manufacturers for at least a year with full support from ZERO2FIVE. The programme helps companies grow their technical or commercial capability whilst also offering training and mentoring to the affiliates.
At their Pontypool bakery, Juvela craft specialised gluten free foods for individuals diagnosed with coeliac disease. In late 2023, Juvela recruited a technical affiliate and after just a few months of support, the company became SALSA certificated in March 2024 as well as successfully maintaining their AOECS gluten free certification.
Simon Dawson, Technical Manager, Juvela, said: “SALSA is brand new to Juvela, so training and support for our team were essential to make the process as pain-free as possible. The work of the affiliate and the support from ZERO2FIVE has been paramount in this.
“Having the new standards in place has allowed us to push for additional customer business in retail, food service and business-to-business, and we are now in the process of extending our site and product range.”
Swansea-based Joe’s Ice Cream recruited a technical affiliate to help them maintain their SALSA certification and also to support with the development of a new healthier ice cream product.
Joe’s successfully passed their SALSA audit in December 2023 and continuing to be certificated has been a key requirement for the company to supply their products to major retailers. As a result, Joe’s safeguarded jobs within their production and delivery teams.
Lucy Hughes, Director, Joe’s Ice Cream, said: “Successfully maintaining our SALSA certification has expanded our market reach and enhanced our supplier credibility. We would recommend partnering with ZERO2FIVE, particularly for their deep knowledge in food safety, quality management and regulatory compliance.”
Finally, Llanelli-based Prima Foods, a manufacturer of suet, dumpling and ready meal components, passed their BRCGS audit in late 2023 with the support of a technical affiliate from ZERO2FIVE.
Maintaining BRCGS certification has been vital to Prima Foods as it means they can continue to supply their existing retail, foodservice and manufacturing customers, as well seek new business. As a result, Prima safeguarded 20 jobs within the company and also retained sales of over £8.25 million.
Peter Rice, Managing Director, Prima Foods, said: “Project HELIX has given us the confidence to invest in and grow our business, knowing that we’ve got the technical back up of the experts at ZERO2FIVE. The mentoring they offer to the affiliate acts as a gateway to expertise and knowledge that we don’t have in house.”
To find out more about funded Project HELIX support available to Welsh food and drink companies through ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, visit: www.zero2five.org.uk
