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.

We are excited to announce that the 24/7 cash and carry store Holland Bazaar will stock Taipec's Bubble Tea products, to assist with our customers in North London, starting 2nd May 2023, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday.

Holland Bazaar logo

 

As the first cash & carry to open all hours in the UK, Holland Bazaar ensures that customers have unrestricted access to a vast array of goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, ambient goods in shelf-ready packaging, dry and frozen foods, dairy products, catering essentials, and now… Taipec's bubble tea ingredients!

We all understand that the Early May Bank Holiday can bring unpredictability of business (hopefully you oversell!) so having the option to visit a cash-and-carry warehouse to pick up last-minute emergency supplies will be crucial to ensure continuity of business.

Cash and Carry Bubble Tea Supplies

The following products will be stocked by Holland Bazaar ready for Early May Bank Holiday 2024:

Further products may be added based on demand.

Where to find Bubble Tea Wholesale London

Taipec's bubble tea ingredients can be found in Holland Bazaar's Edmonton branch, which is conveniently located just off the North Circular between Edmonton and Tottenham. If coming from outside London the nearest motorway is M25 Junction 25.

 

This year, National Bubble Tea Day falls on the 30th of April. This occasion is a great opportunity to promote your store and attract new customers. That’s why we’ve put together some ideas for you on how to capitalize on this annual celebration of Bubble Tea!

 

Why National Bubble Tea Day is important for your store

 

National Bubble Tea Day is a chance for us to celebrate the worldwide phenomenon that is Boba Tea. Starting in 2018, National Bubble Tea Day is gaining more traction each year, and bubble tea store owners are starting to pay more attention and celebrate the holiday in interesting and unique ways. See our previous blog post for a bit more on the history of National Bubble Tea Day. 

 

As summer approaches, demand for bubble tea is starting to increase. April marks the beginning of a crucial period of the year for bubble tea store owners. Conveniently placed in the week prior to the early May bank holiday, National Bubble Tea Day is a great opportunity to gain some new customers and kick off the summer bubble tea period in the best possible way.

 

So, here are some ideas that could be easily implemented to make your store stand out.

 

Seasonal Specials

 

Introducing a special drink to mark the occasion is a great point of attraction for your store. We have identified three new trending drinks that could be interesting yet easy additions to your menu.

 

  • Jumbo Boba Milk Tea

 

This is one of the biggest emerging trends in bubble tea right now. Using grass jelly, stores are making “jumbo” boba pearls to add as toppings to drinks. Using our Grass Jelly powder and basic spherical ice moulds, you can easily make your own and add this exciting new innovation to your bubble tea menu.

 

  • Bubble Tea Slushies

 

The “Boba Slush” category is brand new but has been turning heads since it was first introduced. Using fresh fruit and ice, the bubble slush has a unique and exciting frosty texture that is sure to be an instant hit. 

 

 

DIY or “at home” bubble tea kits are growing rapidly in popularity. This could be an opportunity to convert some of your customers onto these new DIY kits, or for you to try them out for the first time in your store.

 

Giving customers the ability to experience the joy of making and drinking bubble tea, in the comfort of their own home, is the perfect way for you and your consumers to celebrate National Bubble Tea Day!

 

Special Offers / Discounts

 

A tried and tested method to attract more customers is offering a special promotion or offer for the day. We have seen stores having lots of success with offers such as “Free Toppings for the day” or “Buy one get one free” deals.

 

Or, why not use the occasion as an opportunity to introduce new local customers to your store’s offerings? By introducing a bubble tea tasting or free bubble tea trial, you can encourage new people, who may have been hesitant before, to try your delicious boba treats, all whilst increasing footfall into your store.

 

Social Media Marketing

 

One of the most effective ways of catching the attention of customers is having a strong brand presence online. Tools such as Instagram and TikTok are proving invaluable for bubble tea stores around the UK to show off their unique menus and offers and attract new customers to their stores.

 

Check out our TikTok for inspiration!

 

This bubble tea holiday is now in its sixth year and is growing in popularity and recognition, so make the most of the opportunity by posting about your store and sharing your celebrations using the hashtag #NationalBubbleTeaDay!

In an exciting milestone for Taipec and the bubble tea industry at large, we are thrilled to announce that we have achieved BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards) certification — the first bubble tea supplier in Europe to achieve GFSI certification. This certification underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standards of quality, safety, and excellence in our products. But what exactly is BRCGS certification, and why does it matter in the world of bubble tea?

What is BRCGS Certification?

BRCGS is a globally recognised certification in food management systems recognised by GFSI. The certification is designed to ensure that companies consistently meet the highest safety, quality, and operational standards within their respective industries. Whether it's food, consumer goods, packaging, or other sectors, BRCGS certification serves as a testament to a company's dedication to excellence.

Obtaining BRCGS certification involves rigorous assessments, comprehensive internal and third-party audits, and adherence to stringent criteria set out by BRCGS. The Standard is used by major wholesalers and retailers as a part of their requirements to approve their own suppliers, along with sustainability and ethical compliance, both of which we achieved through ISO 14001 and SEDEX.

These criteria cover a wide array of factors, including product quality, safety management systems, facility cleanliness, operational processes, and overall management commitment to maintaining the highest standards. Achieving this certification is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement in every facet of our business.

The Significance of BRCGS in the Bubble Tea Industry

The bubble tea industry has experienced explosive growth in recent years, captivating taste buds around the world with its unique flavours and textures. However, this rapid expansion has also brought about some unfavourable players to the market and a need for increased scrutiny and standardised practices that ensure product safety, quality, legality and authenticity.

Our BRCGS certification is a game-changer for the bubble tea industry, and here's why it matters:

  1. Enhanced Consumer Confidence: As enthusiasts of bubble tea ourselves, we understand the importance of knowing that the beverages we consume are safe and of the highest quality. BRCGS certification provides consumers with the assurance that our products meet globally recognized standards, fostering trust and confidence in our brand.
  2. Stringent Quality Control: Achieving BRCGS certification demands a comprehensive evaluation of our processes, from sourcing ingredients to the final preparation of our bubble tea offerings. This meticulous scrutiny ensures that we consistently maintain top-notch quality across our entire product range.
  3. Innovation and Development: BRCGS certification encourages continuous improvement and innovation. It motivates us to explore new techniques, ingredients, and technologies that can elevate the bubble tea experience even further, while still adhering to the highest safety and quality standards.
  4. Global Competitiveness: In an increasingly interconnected world, having BRCGS certification puts us on a global stage, showcasing our dedication to meeting and exceeding international industry standards. This not only strengthens our position in the market but also helps raise the overall quality benchmark for the bubble tea industry.
  5. Supply Chain Confidence: BRCGS certification extends beyond our own operations, encompassing our entire supply chain. This ensures that every step of the process, from sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product, is conducted with the same level of commitment to quality and safety.
  6. Sustainability Focus: The BRCGS certification process also includes aspects of sustainability and responsible business practices. This aligns with our values and allows us to contribute to a more sustainable future for the bubble tea industry and the planet as a whole.

The Future of Bubble Tea: Quality, Safety, and Beyond

While achieving BRCGS certification is undoubtedly a significant achievement for us, it is not the end of our journey—it's just the beginning. We remain steadfast in our mission to push the boundaries of innovation, continuously improve our processes, and provide bubble tea enthusiasts with an experience that is not only delicious but also safe and of the highest quality.

As we celebrate this achievement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers, partners, and team members who have supported us throughout this journey. With BRCGS certification, we are poised to lead the charge in setting new industry standards and shaping the future of bubble tea—one cup at a time.

As you embark on your bubble tea journey, trust Taipec for all your supply needs. Contact us to experience the quality, safety, and innovation that come with BRCGS certification. Let's shape the future of bubble tea together!