Applus+ Certification guarantees quality and safety in the distribution of Familia Martínez Zabala products

The Customer   

With more than 2,200 hectares of vineyards and located in Spain’s most prominent wine-producing regions, La Rioja, Familia Martinez Zabala has gained a reputation as a leading wine group.   

In total this wine group has 6 wineries with international reach: Bodegas Faustino, Campillo, Portia, Marqués de Vitoria, Valcarlos and Condesa de Leganza. Committed to caring for its raw resources, the vineyard, land and the winemaking and ageing process, Familia Martínez Zabala dedicates much of its efforts to adhering to the best practices within the agri-food sector.

From left to right in the picture: Francisco Honrubia Grijaldo, CEO at Familia Martínez Zabala; Alicia Arroyo Guerrero, Chief of Operations for Agro-food; Mario Magallón Calvo, Agro-food Account Executive; Ismael Echazarreta, Chief of Operations at Familia Martínez Zabal.

The challenge

Familia Martínez Zabala's production and export volumes are booming. With a presence in more than 140 countries, this wine leader seeks to meet quality standards to ensure that the end consumer obtains safe, quality products.   

In line with this objective, large retailers have developed private evaluation systems for their suppliers in the agri-food sector. In this instance, two agri-food certification schemes could benefit Familia Martínez Zabala in the distribution of its products, allowing it to strengthen its international reach even further. 

IFS Certification (International Food Standards): a requirement widely demanded by major retail brands worldwide. This certification brings together quality and food safety protocols developed by European retail chains, including those in Germany (HDE), France (FCD) and Italy. Its aim is to ensure comparability and transparency throughout the supply chain, to reduce lead times and costs for suppliers and retailers.  

BRCGS Certification (British Retail Consortium Global Standard): a set of food safety and quality protocols developed by British retail chains (such as Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's). This certification is also in demand in the European Union and North America. 

The solution

Only an independent, authorized and accredited entity, such as Applus+ Certification, can audit agri-food companies that wish to obtain IFS and BRCGS certification.    

In this case, our expert commercial team advised each of the six wineries of the Familia Martínez Zabala group. The group's needs were analyzed so that our auditors could provide a service that would bring the maximum value when assessing adherence to IFS and BRCGS compliance.   

The result

Thanks to the ongoing commitment behind the management, quality department and its staff, Familia Martínez Zabal obtained IFS Food and BRCGS Food Certification. We are proud to form part of this great effort, which can provide the following benefits within organizations:

• Better communication between the stakeholders within the distribution chain.   
• Strengthened confidence with customers and consumers.   
• Aiding companies towards placing safe and high-quality products on the wine market.   
• Food legislation compliance.   

"IFS Food and BRCGS Food certifications can serve as a tool for continuous improvement within companies. In addition, this certification opens way for Familia Martinez Zabala to get in touch and connect with those clients that demand higher quality and safety standards than the mandatory norms set by official entities,” explains Mario Magallón Calvo, Certification specialist in the Food and Agriculture sector of Applus+ Certification.  

Learn more about how we can help agri-food companies and producers expand market access and improve credibility with customers and other stakeholders.