For years, achieving full GFSI certification has felt like an intimidating and distant destination for many South African wineries. The process can seem daunting, expensive, and a massive distraction from the craft you love. But what if you could start your journey today, safeguarding your business and unlocking new markets without a huge, all-at-once investment?
This is a strategic, stepped approach designed for wineries ready to progress from local standards like
SANS 10330 toward international recognition. Instead of viewing certification as a final, intimidating hurdle, think of it as a clear pathway. The FSSC Development Program is your first step—a low-risk, non-accredited framework tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to systematically improve food safety systems. It’s explicitly marketed as a smarter investment than local standards for growing businesses.
By embracing this progressive approach, you directly address the immediate demands of the market's most influential players. Major South African retailers, including Pick n Pay and Woolworths, operate supplier development programs that align with this model, creating a direct and quantifiable market for your products. This is more than just compliance; it's a strategic move to secure your winery's future.
This approach positions you to capitalize on long-term growth driven by international trade agreements, which favour internationally recognized schemes.
By choosing this pathway, you avoid the critical risk of being left behind while competitors build relationships and capture the market. You aren't just getting certified; you're becoming a trusted partner from the very beginning of your journey.
Don't let the all-or-nothing approach to certification hold you back.
Start with a foundation that offers immediate value and a clear, manageable path to full GFSI certification. This is your opportunity to strengthen your brand, expand your market, and ensure your legacy endures for generations.
Ready to build your strategic pathway? Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll discuss your winery's unique goals and show you how to start your journey today.