Latest news with #HELIXProgramme
Business News Wales
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Ice Cream Producer Secures Food Safety Certification with HELIX Programme Support
A Carmarthenshire-based ice cream and frozen dessert company has secured globally recognised food safety certification following technical support delivered through the Welsh Government's HELIX Programme, previously named Project HELIX. Mario's Ice Cream, which was named food producer of the year at the Wales Food and Drink Awards 2024, has successfully secured BRCGS Start intermediate level certification. This food safety certification, which is designed for small to medium-sized businesses, will enable the company to target a greater range of customers who require the standard. Having expanded into a second factory unit in 2023, Mario's decided to begin the process of securing BRCGS Start intermediate level certification to drive further business growth. They approached ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University in early 2024 for technical assistance through the Welsh Government funded HELIX Programme. ZERO2FIVE initially conducted a gap analysis of Mario's food safety management systems to identify the processes and paperwork that needed to be put in place to comply with BRCGS Start. An action plan was then put in place to mentor the Mario's team to implement the required changes. ZERO2FIVE supported Mario's to update a range of procedures, including traceability and recalls, site security risk assessments, new product development and good manufacturing practices. As part of the support, ZERO2FIVE also delivered a bespoke food safety culture workshop and mentoring on how to develop a food safety culture plan. Mario's successfully passed their BRCGS Start Intermediate audit in February 2025 and as a result of the support, they have safeguarded 18 jobs within the company. Riccardo Dallavalle, Director of Operations, Mario's Ice Cream, said: 'The support from ZERO2FIVE has been vital in enabling Mario's to secure BRCGS Start certification and as a result drive further business growth. We hope to take the next step to the full BRCGS Global Standard in the next few years and with the solid foundations from BRCGS Start intermediate level in place, we are well on our way.' Professor David Lloyd, Director of ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, said: 'Third party food safety certification like BRCGS and SALSA is a requirement for manufacturers to win new business with many national retailers, wholesalers and foodservice companies. If your company is looking to secure one of these standards then please get in touch with us at ZERO2FIVE to discuss the Welsh Government funded support that may be available.' The HELIX Programme is delivered by four organisations across Wales and provides a range of funded technical and innovation support to Welsh food and drink companies. To find out more about the funded support available from ZERO2FIVE through the HELIX Programme, visit:
Business News Wales
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Ingredient Manufacturer Secures New Customers Thanks to Technical Support
A Cardiff-based ingredient manufacturer has secured new wholesale customers thanks to technical support delivered through the Welsh Government's HELIX Programme. Aromada, which produces a range of mirror glazes, jams and jellies that are supplied to the baking industry, secured SALSA food safety certification following support from ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Founded by Samir Bougaci and Motaz Dadou in 2019, Aromada combines the pair's experience in ingredient manufacture and luxury patisserie. Motaz previously worked in development for a European ingredient manufacturer whilst Samir is a trained baker who also owns a Cardiff-based celebration cake company. To grow their business, Samir and Motaz decided that they would need to secure SALSA certification. SALSA is one of the most widely recognised food safety certification schemes in the UK and it enables smaller manufacturers to demonstrate that they are operating to industry-recognised food safety standards. As neither Samir nor Motaz had experience of SALSA certification, they approached the food safety experts at ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre for support through the HELIX Programme. The Welsh Government funded programme provides funded technical support to Welsh food and drink companies. Working closely with a ZERO2FIVE technologist, Aromada were mentored to develop their food safety management procedures and paperwork in line with the requirements of SALSA. This included areas such as cleaning, pest control, traceability, incident management, labelling and product shelf-life. ZERO2FIVE also delivered a range of bespoke training on subjects including the HACCP approach to food safety, allergen management and supplier approval. Aromada successfully passed their SALSA audit in January 2025 and securing this certification has opened up much bigger wholesale markets for the company, both in Wales and across the UK. The company has already secured an order from BAKO Wales, a co-operative that supplies bakery ingredients across Wales. Samir Bougaci, Director, Aromada, said: 'We're incredibly grateful to ZERO2FIVE for their invaluable support throughout our journey. Their guidance with our hygiene paperwork and their expert assistance were key in helping us achieve our SALSA certification. Their team was always approachable, knowledgeable, and truly committed to our success – we genuinely couldn't have done it without them.' Professor David Lloyd, Director of ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, said: 'Food safety certification schemes like SALSA are important to many manufacturers as they are often required to become a supplier of national and regional retailers, wholesalers and foodservice providers. If you're interested in securing certification for your company, then I encourage you to get in touch to find out more about the funded support which we can offer.'
