For many small food manufacturers in India, moving sales (off a small retailer’s shelf) onto a container vessel or into a consumer’s kitchen can often feel impossible. Not having the right pre-requisites, failing an audit, and not being consistent in quality can all limit growth even if you have great products. This is the principal benefit of BRCGS food safety certification. BRCGS food safety certification is acknowledged globally and gives you the highest standards of food safety and quality standards for your food.
From Local Struggles to Global Growth with BRCGS Food Safety Certification
Take the story of a small family-owned food manufacturer in Madhya Pradesh. They produced high-quality snacks but struggled to scale beyond local markets. Frequent customer complaints, inconsistent packaging, and the inability to meet export standards were blocking growth.
Challenges Faced Before Certification
- Difficulty meeting FSSAI standards consistently.
- Export opportunities are denied due to a lack of global certification.
- Limited consumer trust and repeat business.
Why BRCGS Was Chosen
- Provides a clear structure for food safety and quality.
- Helps train staff, work towards audit readiness, and document.
Step-by-Step BRCGS Food Safety Certification Process for Indian (and more) Food Businesses
The accreditation process was well organized and doable:
- Step 1 – Internal Audit & Gap Audit:
Annapurna Foods completed a self-assessment to find gaps in hygiene, documentation, or employee training.
- Step 2 – Employee Training & Process Improvements
Employees were trained on food safety practices, GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices), and some HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles. Package improvements were made if needed, and cleaning schedules were improved.
- Step 3 – Pre-Audit and Documentation audit
There was a Pre-Audit in which minor nonconformities were identified. These were all addressed before the Certification Audit.
- Step 4 – Certification Audit
The audit results confirmed compliance with all BRCGS standards. Annapurna Foods successfully achieved its certification to BRCGS standards, which is accepted by retailers and exporters globally.
How Food Safety Certification in India (BRCGS) Transforms Business Results
When small- to medium-sized food businesses secure BRCGS food safety certification for their products in India, they can create benefits in these two important areas:
1. Access to Markets and Exporting
Certified products ensure international food safety standards are being met, which makes accessing foreign markets easier. Manufacturers who have never exported now have potential retail buyers in the UAE, Europe, and beyond. Certification is also verification and reassurance for the retailer, creating improved access to revenue-generating supply contracts.
2. Trust with Consumers and Brand Credibility
The BRCGS certification logo will assure quality and safety to consumers. Consumers in their domestic market are more comfortable purchasing certified products after seeing the BRCGS certification logo. These kinds of sales will turn into repeat orders, and returning consumers foster brand loyalty. In a competitive market, the BRCGS certification logos can be used as a point of difference between your products and the competition that are not certified.
3. Improvements to Performance and Operational Gains
The BRCGS certification drives real improvements in production, hygiene, and documentation standards. Operators benefit from measurable efficiencies in operations such as:
- Less waste product and rejection (15-20% less waste)
- Improved production flow
- Greater staff ownership of quality requirements
- Faster audits and inspections
4. Reduction of Risks and Increased Compliance Confidence
BRCGS businesses typically have fewer infractions with compliance agencies (i.e., FSSAI), significantly reducing the potential risks associated with fines, recalls, or loss of access to market or consumers, resulting in safer, more stable conditions for business.
5. Opportunity for Business Development and Improved Reputation
Through certification, food manufacturers, including small producers, will grow and scale their businesses with the certainty that they can now compete with BRCGS. Certification will typically also lead to new commercial opportunities for institutional contracts for B2B Supply Chains or retail chains that require a universal safety standard. Over time, food manufacturers will notice their name becomes synonymous with trusted, safe, reputable, and valued product quality.
Lessons and Tips for Achieving BRCGS Food Safety Certification in India
Step 1: Conduct a Gap Analysis
Before starting the certification process, you will have done a thorough evaluation of your manufacturing facility, processes, and documentation, which identifies gaps in hygiene, process controls, or documentation before your audit. A Gap Analysis will also be useful to you in developing a prioritized improvement list. Doing a Gap Analysis can minimize overall delays when the audit starts, heck, even potential improvements or corrections you’ll have thought of as you went through your checklist of gaps!
Step 2: Staff Training
A successful certification process begins with your staff being in the know and compliant with food safety practices, and with their training in food safety practices. Food safety training beyond your certification process should be ongoing for staff, including GMP, HACCP principles, and handling procedures. Staff engagement and education an essential elements of food safety practices and compliance.
Step 3: Record-Keeping
Be sure to keep documentation of all inputs into your production process, from receiving raw materials to packaging. Keeping detailed logs, checklists, and documented corrective action will be very useful in auditing and will demonstrate your diligence regarding food safety.
Step 4: Schedule Pre-Audits
Before the BRCGS audit, schedule an internal or third-party pre-audit. These audits will help to identify potential non-conformities early, so there is a chance to take corrective action within the process time frame – without starting over on a review or audit coming up before the timeline to be certified.
Conclusion
Legal4sure provides an avenue for food companies in India to obtain BRCGS food safety certification. We will help you along the path from gap analysis to audit-readiness to assist with compliance, operational efficiency, marketplace credibility, and secure your certification now for you to confidently grow your business to a global standard for food safety with Legal4sure.
FAQ
Q1: What is BRCGS certification in India?
Ans: BRCGS certification in India is a globally recognized standard that ensures food businesses meet strict safety, quality, and operational requirements.
Q2: Who should get BRCGS food safety certification?
Ans: Food manufacturers, processors, and exporters aiming for international market access and higher consumer trust should obtain BRCGS certification.
Q3: How long does BRCGS certification take?
Ans: The certification process typically takes 2–6 months, depending on the business size and readiness for audits.
