Pouliquen, a fresh produce wholesaler certified to IFS Food since 2019: what it (really) changes for your shallot and onion supply

In the shallot and onion trade, quality is not just about “a good-looking product”. It also lives in what you don’t always see: traceability, risk control, hygiene, consistency of checks, and the ability to react quickly… In short, everything that secures your day-to-day supply, in France and for export.
That is exactly the role of the IFS Food certification, which Pouliquen has renewed year after year since first achieving it in 2019.
In this article, we take stock of what this certification guarantees and why it matters to you – wholesalers, importers/exporters, retail (GMS) professionals and foodservice.

IFS Food: a recognised standard, particularly demanding for packing

IFS Food (International Featured Standards) is a European reference framework recognised by the GFSI, which assesses the quality and safety of processes and products, particularly where primary packaging may present a risk of contamination.
In other words: for a company like ours, which sorts and packs shallots and onions, IFS Food is structured evidence – audit after audit – that processes are under control.

A certification built over time: started in 2017, certified since 2019

At Pouliquen, this isn’t new. We began preparing for certification as early as 2017, obtained it for the first time in 2019, and have renewed it every year since. (We already talked about it here)
That continuity matters: a certification is never “a given”. It is tested at each audit – and, above all, between audits – through the rigour of everyday practices, checks and documented evidence.

“Food safety culture” : : when quality becomes a shared reflex

It would be easy to think IFS Food concerns “only” the Quality department. In reality, the standard encourages companies to build a genuine food safety culture: policy, objectives, training, team involvement and performance measurement…

At Pouliquen, this culture translates very concretely into:

regular training sessions in small groups,
ongoing exchanges and reminders throughout the year,
and awareness-raising on key topics such as traceability, food fraud, or food defence (protection of sites and products).

The idea is simple: everyone – from operations to sales – understands their role in securing your supply. To drive this, Loïc Gautier, our Quality Manager, acts as lead and supervisor.

IFS FOOD-certified shallot and onion trader: how does our certification benefit our customers?

Working with an IFS Food-certified shallot and onion wholesaler, like Pouliquen, means:

1) Rock-solid traceability

Traceability is not just another “quality” buzzword. It is the ability to quickly trace a batch back to its origin and document its journey accurately. If a question arises (inspection, customer request, alert), you get clear, verifiable answers – fast. With an IFS Food-certified supplier, you can operate with confidence in all circumstances.

2) Lower risk of non-conformities, greater consistency

Produce always retains an element of unpredictability, but processes must be controlled. With IFS Food, checks, hygiene, procedures and deviation management are structured and audited, limiting risks. This certification attests to precise and consistent execution in sorting and packing our shallots and onions – and consistent compliance with your requirements.

3) A common language with retail and international markets

IFS Food is a shared reference framework: we speak the same “quality language” with partners, in France and for export. For you, it is simpler: clearer expectations, smoother exchanges and often fewer specific second-party audits to repeat. In short: less tension, more commercial efficiency.

4) A requirement sustained over time

Being certified once is one step. Renewing your IFS Food certification year after year, as Pouliquen does, proves that quality is not a one-off effort, but a daily discipline. Being recognised as an IFS FOOD-certified shallot and onion trader is a sign of reliability: practices that are followed over time, even during busy periods. For you, our customers, it is a guarantee that you are working with a consistent and committed partner.

Pouliquen: a trusted partner for your shallot and onion supply, across Europe and beyond

Being a fresh produce wholesaler certified to IFS Food means providing factual reassurance: audited processes, monitored traceability, a trained and engaged team, and continuous improvement that does not depend on the season.
If you are looking for a supplier able to secure your shallot and onion needs – in volume, consistency and reliability – let’s discuss your specifications, formats and markets. We can offer a solution tailored to your needs.

Contact-us.