Due to improvements in global procurement practices, produce, once only available when in season, is now available year round. Consumers having been conditioned to this year round supply want retailers to provide a consistent supply of high quality produce and other foods of the highest food safety standard. The SQF Program provides retailers with an internationally recognized food safety and quality management system which can be applied across the food supply chain. The SQF encourages retailers to establish specifications, which increases communication building stronger relationships between the two. Adherence to retailer specifications and quality standards result in less product rejected at the retail warehouse. Incidence of poor quality, damage or spoilage is reduced. Tracking and tracing is more efficient throughout the supply chain including through all handling steps. By acquiring products from SQF Certified Suppliers throughout the world, retailers have confidence that their products meet the highest safety and quality standards regardless of the product's origin. This provides an added benefit for retailers selling private label products.
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