CMi to focus on Kent event

CMi is bringing its technical team and local representatives to Fruit Focus in July.

The leading international food safety and assurance company will be on hand throughout the event to discuss all issues surrounding fresh produce.

CMi certifies the Assured Produce Scheme and operates throughout the food supply chain, with offices in 17 countries.

Its influence extends to more than 50 countries worldwide.

The schemes assured by CMi also include EUREPGAP, LEAF Marque and Tesco Nature’s Choice.

Grace O’Dwyer, commercial manager for global produce at CMi, said: “With the increasingly demanding range of assurance schemes now in existence, it’s a challenge for the industry to address its requirements. Tough pricing is another issue as the industry becomes more global and competitive and we can’t forget the growing importance of upping the environmental standard throughout this sector and the issue of worker welfare.”

All growers, distributors and packhouses now need to be certified to a recognised national or international standard such as EUREPGAP, BRC and IFS, she adds, which is vital in providing food safety assurance to consumers.

”Typically, CMi helps suppliers establish quality systems which both support compliance with specific standards and act as a foundation for a range of different industry standards,” she said.

“This is increasingly important as standards evolve in response to emerging issues and suppliers need to find efficiencies and flexibility in meeting differing and more demanding retailer requirements.”

Fruit Focus will take place in East Malling, Kent, on July 25.

The firm will be located at stand number 23.