After a lengthy evaluation process, CoopeTarrazú obtained FSSC 22000 certification for its coffee roasting plant, located next to the El Marqués processing plant in Bajo San Juan.
This is a unique certification in the Los Santos region, establishing a framework for various food safety requirements based on best practices and hazard analysis at critical control points during production.
"This certification indicates that CoopeTarrazú has taken all necessary measures to reduce food safety risks, ensuring that the products and services we offer in our department are high-quality, healthy, and safe for human consumption," said Carlos Olivares, Finished Product Manager.
The first steps toward achieving this certification began in 2020 as an initiative of the department itself. Two years later, the process was accelerated to meet a request from a transnational client, achieving the standard in November 2023.
“Among the most significant changes at the plant are improvements in equipment and infrastructure with a focus on sanitary finishes, as well as staff awareness and training on food safety issues,” added Bill Martínez, Food Safety Manager at CoopeTarrazú.
New customers and markets
Another advantage of obtaining this certification is access to new markets and clients, both national and international. It also allows the Cooperative to establish new alliances or partnerships.
"We went from having something very artisanal to having an efficient, safe, and competitive plant, both nationally and internationally, with a finished product. This is not an option, but a must for the food industry," explains Olivares.
We are also experiencing a standardization of processes, generating reductions in production costs and meeting the demand for our coffee brands.
"We've doubled sales across all our brands over the last four years. This is a great opportunity to take control of the entire coffee value chain," Olivares concludes.
The CoopeTarrazú roasting plant has the capacity to process up to 600,000 kilograms per year.
