BRC signs agreement to bring standards to US market
Simeon Goldstein, packagingnews.co.uk, 21 August 2009
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is looking to bring its consumer good manufacturing standards to a global audience through a partnership with the US Retail Industry-Leaders Association (RILE).
A majority of UK and many European food suppliers already adhere to the BRC’s standards and the agreement provides an opportunity to crack the North American market.
Dr Geoff Spriegel, director of BRC Global Standards, said partnership was essential to developing a worldwide standard for consumer products. "The commitment by leading US retailers is a major boost for the scheme."
The BRC produces a wide range of standards for the sector covering areas such as storage, distribution and packaging.
The latest BRC packaging standard was published in 2007 and the BRC will consult next year to see if it needs updating.
The BRC-RILE agreement will lead to the development of a global communications strategy to raise awareness in North America, Europe and the Far East.
RILE executive vice president Casey Chroust said: "The partnership establishes a meaningful standard for retail suppliers that ultimately assures customers they can purchase with confidence."
