The Belgian Chocolate Group obtains BRC A star certificate

The Belgian Chocolate Group, producer and exporter of the brand ‘The Belgian’ is the first Belgian chocolate company to obtain the A star level of the international BRC food standard.

The company obtains the British Retail Consortium A star level and the International Food Standard Higher Level. These are the highest possible standards to obtain in both systems. As this audit took place unannounced by Vinçotte/ISACert-Belgium, they were granted an additional star. They are the first chocolate company in Belgium to be granted this star after auditing.

The increasing importance of international food standards for export companies is a well known issue to Marc Pauwels, CEO of the Belgian Chocolate Group, “Over the few past years, Belgian chocolate has become more popular abroad. The quality standards have been increasing continuously. Mistakes are immediately punished.” According to figures provided by the Belgian National Bank, the export of Belgian chocolate has increased by 7% from January till September 2010 in comparison to the same period in 2009.  In 2009 the export of Belgian chocolate represented €1,7 billion.