BRCGS Plant-Based Certificate

The popularity of plant-based food products and plant-based meat alternatives is growing rapidly. In response to increased exposure of the negative impacts of industrial farming methods on the environment and animal welfare, as well as the effects of a meat-based diet on overall health, consumers are choosing more plant-based foods every day.

According to SPINS retail data from April 2021, sales of plant-based meat alternatives in the US grew by 27 percent over the previous year alone, amounting to what is now a $7 billion market. Meat producers and vegan food companies alike are launching plant-based meats, investing in plant-based start-ups, and collaborating with other companies to create new brands. Food service companies have introduced plant-based entrees to drive sales and nearly all of the world’s biggest food producers have added plant-based products to their portfolio.

BRCGS Plant-Based Certification Value

Many consumers who choose plant-based meat alternatives want to know that they are indeed meatless, that they have not been cross-contaminated with animal products during the manufacturing process, and that they do not contain potential allergens. BRCGS Plant-Based Food Certification tells your customers that your plant-based food products are of the highest quality and ensures transparency on all types of food substances addressed through the BRCGS Plant-Based Global Standard.

In many cases, voluntarily provided food information is confusing and uses terms that are not universally recognized. The BRCGS Plant-Based Global Standard seeks to strike a balance between mandatory and voluntary information, increasing consumer confidence in plant-based products and in their buying decisions. Developed by industry experts with input from retailers, manufacturers, and food service organizations, the requirements are rigorous and detailed, yet easy to understand.

Principles of the Plant-Based Global Standard

The BRCGS standard goes farther than others, such as The Vegan Society and VegeCert, by using a management system approach that reduces risk and creates greater brand confidence. Merely reviewing a list of ingredients is not enough. Evaluating end-to-end processes onsite confirms that companies are effectively managing the entire production process.

BRCGS Plant-Based Certification ensures the absence of animal inputs in plant-based products through the manufacturing, processing, and packaging of the following:

• Manufacturers’ brands of processed foods

• Processed foods that will be rebranded prior to retail sale (customer brands)

• Ingredients for use by food service, catering, and food manufacturing companies

• Pet foods (under GFSI benchmarked schemes only)

• Natural health products

Through BRCGS’s strict auditing and assurance processes, under the guidance of experienced QIMA team members, you can prove your organization’s commitment to plant-based production and sourcing by earning certification under the BRCGS Plant-Based Global Standard.

Why Do You Need BRCGS Plant-Based Certification?

• Add value to your products, access new markets, and increase business opportunities by complying with a globally recognized standard that validates your plant-based products.

• Reduce your exposure to risks impacting brand reputation associated with failure to meet consumer expectations regarding the absence of animal inputs.

• Improve your plant-based position by correcting identified non-conformities.

• Continuously improve the efficiency of your production processes and management systems while increasing the availability of truly plant-based products.

• Plant-Based Certification complements GFSI-benchmarked Standards, further affirming your product quality.

Why Choose QIMA for BRCGS Plant-Based Certification?

Efficient communication and service

• Agile and responsive technical support at all stages.

• Transparent certification process and compliance with deadlines.

• Proven service quality, with NPS satisfaction metric of 72 points.

Cost and time optimization

• Integrated audits that minimize the number of visits and costs.

• Simplified processes that reduce impacts on operation.

• Strategic and efficient allocation of auditors.

Industry leadership

• Pioneering company with over 30 years of experience in food safety, organic certification, and sustainability.

• Complete certification ecosystem, from field to table.

• Advanced technology for compliance monitoring.

Want to get started? Download the BRCGS Quick Start Guide and contact us today!