IFS Wholesale Cash & Carry Certification

The IFS Standard for wholesalers and cash and carry markets is relevant for you if your company falls within one of these categories: 

• Cash & Carry markets
• Wholesalers
• Vegetable, fruit and egg packagers

What percentage do I need to pass the certificate?

In order to pass at the basic level, at least 75% is needed, at the higher level, at least 95%. The higher level is generally required in order to be accepted as a supplier to the retail trade.

How do I know the right category for my company?

The standard defines two areas for certification:

1. Wholesalers (traditional),
2. Cash & Carry (the wholesale customer puts together and collects the goods following the self service principle)

Both have the option “classic” (without product processing or treatment) or “plus” (with processing or treatment), and each has its own checklist.

• Wholesalers therefore select Category 1 and decide for the option “classic” or “plus”, depending on whether they carry out processing or treatment.

• Cash & Carry markets select Category 2 and also decide between the “classic” and “plus” options.
• For packaging companies, Category 1, “Wholesale plus” must be used.

IFS Food not only applies to food processing, like IFS Wholesale/ Cash and Carry, but also to food manufacturing. IFS Wholesale / Cash & Carry, on the other hand, and in contrast to IFS Food, allows group certification for sites of the same type, which can lead to cost benefits. The important aspects when deciding on which standard is right for you are the specific sales channels you use and also possible customer expectations.

IFS Wholesale / Cash & Carry follows the structure of IFS Food and is divided into six chapters of general requirements which can also be applied to wholesale activities. Food Defense is also included.

IFS Food not only applies to food processing, like IFS Wholesale/ Cash and Carry, but also to food manufacturing. IFS Wholesale / Cash & Carry, on the other hand, and in contrast to IFS Food, allows group certification for sites of the same type, which can lead to cost benefits. The important aspects when deciding on which standard is right for you are the specific sales channels you use and also possible customer expectations.

IFS Wholesale / Cash & Carry follows the structure of IFS Food and is divided into six chapters of general requirements which can also be applied to wholesale activities. Food Defense is also included.