Freshcare producers certified under the Food Safety & Quality v4.2 standard (FSQ4.2) have received approval to supply Costco Wholesale in the U.S. and Canada. This development eliminates the necessity for multiple certification programs on the farm. Freshcare CEO, Jane Siebum, highlighted the importance of this approval from Costco, acknowledging it as a recognition of the high standards maintained by Australian producers.
Siebum emphasized Freshcare's objective to have its programs recognized by numerous retailers and customers to minimize the costs and resources associated with audits and assurance implementation for Australian businesses. The recognition by Costco is seen as a step towards achieving this goal, positioning Freshcare as a comprehensive resource for Australian producers and supply chain businesses.
Dale Williams, Owner and Manager of Euri Gold Mango Farms in Bowen, Northern Queensland, regarded the acceptance of Freshcare by an international retailer as significant progress. Williams stressed the importance of having an Australian quality assurance program recognized internationally to facilitate access to global markets, particularly for emerging markets like mangoes in the U.S. The process to gain acceptance for FSQ4.2 by Costco commenced in September 2023, with the Freshcare team working closely with the retailer to secure recognition for certified participants aiming to enter its export markets. The approval for FSQ4.2 participants to supply Costco is effective immediately, encompassing all certified crop types. Freshcare, a not-for-profit, industry-owned organization, operates without government or levy funding, reinvesting all income from participation fees into its operations and governance.
Source: freshcare.com.au