UK-based chocolate manufacturer Plamil is in celebratory mood after gaining  BRCGS AA+ Certification, regarded as the highest grade awarded under the gold standard for food safety and quality, reports Neill Barston.

The Folkestone firm is due to engage with this year’s World Confectionery Conference on 10th September, with its MD Adrian Ling among our speakers, has continued to expand its area of focus. (You can register directly for this year’s event via this direct link to our dedicated website here.)

With its roots in the origins of the British vegan market, it has expanded out into wider retailing, serving businesses across the broader food market, including continuing its own brand range of Fairtrade certified chocolate, as well as producing a growing range of private label manufacturing. 

As the company explained, its latest achievement recognises the company’s commitment to the highest standards of food safety, quality, traceability and operational excellence. The unannounced audit programme is regarded as one of the most rigorous assessments in the food industry, requiring businesses to consistently demonstrate best-practice standards at all times.

Furthermore, as its managing director asserted, the company’s accreditation reflects the dedication of its award winning team and provides customers with added confidence that products are manufactured within a thoroughly audited environment, helping to reduce supply chain risk and support quality and compliance objectives.

Commenting on the announcement, Adrian Ling praised the achievement and highlighted its significance for brands and manufacturers seeking a reliable chocolate production partner.

He said: “For brands and manufacturers, this is much more than a certificate. It is evidence of a factory operating at the highest levels of food safety, quality, traceability and operational excellence,” said Ling.

“In an increasingly complex supply chain environment, partnering with a chocolate manufacturer that has achieved the top BRCGS AA+ rating provides confidence, reduces risk and helps safeguard brand reputation. Customers can be assured their products are being produced in a world-class facility that has been independently verified to meet the industry’s most demanding standards.”

This certification marks another milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence. This has included devising a number of new lines in recent years, including its Coffee Bar series, and a new Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa behind a new 70% dark chocolate offering from the company.

• This year’s World Confectionery Conference is in London on 10th September, and features keynote contributions from Caobisco European industry trade association, Cargill, Ferrero, as well as insights from Euromonitor International, alongside a full day’s programme representing the complete value chain of the confectionery and snacking sector. For full details and registration visit confectioneryconference.com