Cranswick’s latest BRC Grade A certification marks its 100th consecutive highest attainment in what is believed to be a landmark achievement in the food industry and certainly within the meat industry.
Last week Cranswick’s Valley Park site in Barnsley successfully retained its BRC Grade A certification. The BRC Global Standard for Food Safety is an industry benchmark of compliance.
What makes this particular result all the more significant is that it became Cranswick’s 100th BRC Grade A audit result; a record that stretches all the way back to 2005 covering multiple versions of the standard, and now includes reviews of several of the Group’s sites through unannounced audits, and is believed to be a unique achievement within the food industry.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has set food safety standards and industry benchmarks for the past 15 years. Since 2008 all Cranswick sites have maintained an outstanding record of Grade A awards, the highest benchmark, following rigorous auditing processes.
Andrew Caines, Group Technical Director for Cranswick, explained: “Since 2008 we have an unblemished record of Grade A outcomes. This week we have reached 100 consecutive audits with the highest standard and from talking to the audit body we believe no one else has achieved this long-standing record. It is certainly unique in the meat industry and possibly within the wider food industry.
“Whilst technically driven, this amazing track record could not have been achieved without the full support and commitment of our entire teams so it is an achievement that we can all feel proud that we and our teams played a part in delivering to the business.”
Andrew continued: “To date four of our sites achieved the Grade A standard via unannounced audits. It is our intention to have all Cranswick sites participating in the unannounced audit scheme by the end of the current financial year. These are challenging objectives but our track record shows that we can deliver this.”
Adam Couch, Chief Executive Officer at Cranswick, added: “This is a fantastic achievement for the Group. This long standing compliance performance highlights the commitment that Cranswick has to product safety, traceability and its investment in people and facilities."
John Robinson, Regional Director of SAI Global, UK and Ireland (audit body for the BRC), added: “Fantastic news on this great achievement. 100 consecutive A grade is extremely rare and demonstrates Cranswick’s commitment to providing safe, legal and quality products. Well done to all staff involved!”
Sites included in the unblemished Grade A record include:
Cranswick Country Foods (Preston, Hull)
Cranswick Country Foods (Watton, Norfolk)
Cranswick Country Foods (Riverside, Hull)
Cranswick Gourmet Sausage (Lazenbys, Hull)
Cranswick Convenience Foods (Valley Park, Barnsley)
Cranswick Convenience Foods (Delico, Milton Keynes)
Cranswick Convenience Foods (Sutton Fields, Hull)
Continental Fine Foods (Guiness Circle, Manchester)
The Sandwich Factory (Atherstone, Warwickshire)
Cranswick Gourmet Bacon (Sherburn-in-Elmet).
Cranswick Gourmet Pastry (Yorkshire Baker, Malton)