Taipec Achieves Highest BRCGS AA Grade. The Benchmark for Bubble Tea.

Taipec are delighted to announce it has achieved the highest grade possible to be awarded through BRCGS certification, the coveted AA grade. This marks the final step up from the Grade A awarded in 2023.

In the realm of food production and distribution, ensuring the highest standards of safety, traceability, legality, and authenticity is absolutely paramount for business and consumer confidence. In achieving AA Grade, this accomplishment underscores Taipec's unwavering commitment to excellence, and our never-ending quest for increased safety through the entire food supply chain.

What is BRCGS?

BRCGS is the leading certification, recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative by the Consumer Goods Forum, driving global standards for quality, safety, and operational criteria in the food industry. The BRCGS Agents and Brokers Certification is specifically designed for companies involved in the purchasing, importation, and distribution of products. It ensures that products meet the highest standards of safety and legality throughout the supply chain.

For further information you can see our dedicated page on BRCGS and why it is so important that you only buy from BRCGS-certified suppliers. This goes far and beyond what even ISO 22000 and SALSA have to offer — no other UK bubble tea supplier comes close to our level of certification.

What Does BRCGS Grade AA Mean?

Achieving Grade AA in the BRCGS Agents and Brokers Certification is no small feat. Over the course of 2 days during early May 2024, a UKAS-Accredited Auditor pored over every detail of our company. Every procedure, policy, and form was carefully inspected and the Auditor checked for conformance to our stated procedures and that it complied to the BRCGS Standard.

The maximum Grade therefore signifies that Taipec has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in implementing rigorous food safety management systems and processes. This includes comprehensive traceability measures, robust documentation, and stringent quality controls at every stage of the supply chain.

Addition to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

For two years running, Taipec also demonstrated to UKAS-Accredited Auditors its compliance to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 with a perfect audit of zero non-conformances. Even with a perfect record, we never rest on our laurels and continue to make improvements to our processes where possible. Our dedicated in-house compliance team reviews all feedback (positive or negative) and we review where changes can be made to improve the quality of our service.

Commitment to Food Safety and Traceability

At the core of Taipec's mission is a steadfast commitment to food safety. The attainment of Grade AA certification reaffirms this commitment by validating Taipec's adherence to the strictest food safety protocols. From sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product to consumers, Taipec prioritizes safety at every step. This dedication not only ensures the integrity of its products but also safeguards the health and well-being of consumers.

Traceability is a cornerstone of modern food production, enabling companies to track the journey of products from farm to fork. Taipec recognizes the importance of traceability in ensuring transparency and accountability within the supply chain. By achieving Grade AA certification, Taipec demonstrates its ability to trace and verify the origins of all products, thereby enhancing trust and confidence among consumers and stakeholders.

Legal Compliance and Authenticity

With Grade AA certification, Taipec validates its adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. This includes measures to prevent food fraud and counterfeit products, ensuring that consumers receive genuine, high-quality goods. Taipec's commitment to legality and authenticity sets it apart as a trusted partner in the food industry. It also means that any claims made by us are validated, and inspected into great detail. Customers can be satisfied that any claims on products are validated and verified to great detail.

Why BRCGS Standards Stand Out

While various standards exist in the food industry, BRCGS holds a unique position of respect and credibility. Unlike some other standards, BRCGS is recognised globally, even where other standards are more ubiquitous. Due to its GFSI-recognition, BRCGS is endorsed by major retailers, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies.

By comparison, SALSA and ISO 22000 can only be seen as stepping stones in the right direction.

The Future for Taipec

BRCGS standards are also dynamic, evolving in response to emerging threats and industry developments. This is why they publish Position Statements where reasonable doubt in the global market begins to creep in.  This adaptability ensures that certified companies stay ahead of the curve, addressing new challenges and opportunities as they arise. By adhering to BRCGS standards, only the best companies like Taipec demonstrate their commitment to excellence and their ability to meet the ever-changing demands of the food industry.

We know that business and trends are ever-evolving. New threats in authenticity and safety can come from anywhere. This is true even in the largest retailers like Tesco.

Even with the maximum BRCGS AA Grade, this is why Taipec will never stop its quest for improvements.