New collaboration enhances one-stop-shop approach, says Intertek

Intertek said the move, which is a direct response to an increase in food regulations worldwide, will enable it to offer global food manufacturers food safety and audit services under one roof, while also enabling the company to bundle these services together with environmental, health and social responsibility audits.

Dr Jochen Zoller, President of Intertek’s Food Services, told FoodProductionDaily.com that its acquisition of RQA will enable Intertek to offer its food manufacturing clients in North America a pool of food supplier auditors that are certified under the global food safety initiative, simultaneously ensuring that food imports into North America and exports from the region meet the global standard.

Supplier audit​

Sarah Ogilvie, Investor Relations Manager at Intertek Group in London​added that the auditing of suppliers and of supply-chains is key for and sought-after by major retail food brands.

“They want to have checks in place and peace-of-mind when sourcing and supplying in new and global markets that the quality and safety of products is meeting their own, as well as industry or regulatory standards,"​ she said.

Food testing​

Last month, Intertek acquired a Poland-based food testing laboratory, EKO-LAB, claiming increased demand for expert food testing in Eastern Europe.

The international safety services provider said at the time that EKO-LAB was another valuable asset for the company that was in-line with its strategy of increasing its support to existing and new customers and extending its geographic footprint.

Quality control​

Ogilvie said that the Polish lab would be able to support Intertek’s clients worldwide with reliable laboratory testing and expertise in the region:

"Globally we work for companies such as Carrefour, Auchan, Metro and Nestle in food. Many of the major food companies are seeing ​Poland​ as having huge potential in ​Central Europe​ in terms of food production and retailing, and a lot of foreign retailers are increasing their presence there. ​

"For these retailers and brands, food quality controlling is an important part of any expansion in new or growing markets. The lab will serve Central and Eastern countries as a centre of testing competence in the region,"​ added Ogilvie.

Intertek also recently acquired Germany-based laboratory, Applica, to provide, according to the group, chemical analysis testing for clients’ product lines related to honey, fruits and vegetables.