IFS BRCGS certification renewal is now confirmed for Hola Food, following an unannounced audit that reflects our ongoing commitment to food safety.
What This IFS BRCGS Certification Renewal Means
The meat processing center, belonging to the Copese Food Group, obtains the A+ rating for BRCGS and the “Superior Level” rating for IFS
Hola Food, a meat processing plant belonging to the Grupo Alimentario Copese holding company, has recently renewed its International Featured Standards (IFS) and British Retail Consortium Global Standard (BRCGS) certifications. These internationally recognized standards certify compliance with the strictest requirements for food safety, process management, hygiene, risk control, and continuous improvement.
This time, Hola Food has achieved an A+ rating from BRCGS and a “Superior Level” rating from IFS, representing compliance with over 95% of the requirements. “Obtaining these ratings through an unannounced audit demonstrates that our commitment to quality and food safety is our standard operating procedure,” emphasizes Marta Hebrero, the company’s Quality Control and Food Safety Director. The renewal of these certifications, first achieved in 2021, reflects the ongoing efforts of the entire team to maintain the highest standards.
In addition to these certifications, Hola Food holds the Welfair™ Animal Welfare certification (for the sale of whole carcasses and cuts) and the ISO 50001 standard, which recognizes its energy management system and its commitment to efficiency and sustainability. All these accreditations allow the company to offer the highest guarantees, ensuring fresh meat is produced under strict quality protocols.
Hola Food’s food safety programme is detailed further on our Food Quality and Safety page, and buyers sourcing wholesale pork cuts under these certifications can see our full product range or request a quote directly. The IFS certification standard sets out the requirements referenced above.
What IFS BRCGS Certification Renewal Means for Buyers
For B2B buyers sourcing wholesale pork, the IFS BRCGS certification renewal provides independent assurance that our facility continues to meet the highest standards for food safety, hygiene, traceability and process management. The A+ BRCGS rating and Superior Level IFS rating are the top grades available under each standard, and achieving them through an unannounced audit demonstrates that our quality systems are embedded in daily operations rather than prepared only for scheduled inspections.
Buyers supplying major European retail chains will recognise that both IFS and BRCGS are listed on the Global Food Safety Initiative benchmarking list, making them accepted qualifications for supplier approval across most large retailers. This means that sourcing from Hola Food simplifies the compliance process for distributors and processors who need to demonstrate an approved supply chain to their own customers.
The Unannounced Audit Process
An unannounced audit means the certification body arrives at our facility without prior notice, typically within a defined window but on an unspecified date. The auditor inspects production areas, reviews documentation, interviews staff and checks corrective action records from previous audits. Any non-conformance must be addressed within a fixed timeframe, and failure to resolve critical issues can result in certification suspension. Our Quality Control and Food Safety Director, Marta Hebrero, notes that this unannounced approach reflects the company philosophy that food safety is standard operating procedure rather than a special preparation.
This IFS BRCGS certification renewal is the latest milestone in a series of quality achievements detailed on our news page, and buyers can browse our wholesale pork cuts to see the full range produced under these certifications. The BRCGS Global Standard details the food safety benchmarks our facility is audited against each year.
Frequently Asked Questions About IFS BRCGS Certification Renewal
How often must an IFS BRCGS certification renewal take place?
An IFS BRCGS certification renewal occurs annually through unannounced audits conducted by accredited certification bodies. Hola Food undergoes these audits every year to maintain its IFS Superior Level and BRCGS A+ rating, ensuring continuous compliance with evolving food safety regulations across all production lines.
What does an IFS Superior Level rating mean for buyers?
An IFS Superior Level rating confirms that a meat processing facility exceeds the baseline requirements for food safety management. For wholesale pork buyers, this means every shipment from Hola Food meets the highest traceability, hygiene and quality control standards recognized across European and international markets.
Does the BRCGS A+ rating cover all Hola Food products?
Yes. The BRCGS A+ rating applies to the entire production scope at Hola Food, covering all wholesale pork cuts from carcass breakdown through packaging. Every Duroc and Iberian pork product leaving the facility carries the same certified quality guarantee that international retailers and distributors require.