In February 2020, Cashew Coast became the first cashew processor in Côte d'Ivoire to earn the prestigious BRCGS Food Safety certification. Five years on, it remains the only one to renew it, consistently maintaining an A grade every year.
For a company based in West Africa, this was more than a technical milestone; it was a statement. Achieving and upholding one of the world's most demanding food safety standards proved that excellence, discipline, and transparency could thrive where many thought it impossible.
But why was it such a big deal?
The BRCGS Food Safety certification — known initially as the British Retail Consortium Global Standard — was created in the late 1990s by a group of leading UK retailers who wanted to ensure that their suppliers followed the same strict rules on food safety, quality, and legal compliance. What began as a tool for British supermarkets has since evolved into one of the world’s most respected and widely adopted food safety standards, now recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
BRCGS sets out a comprehensive framework for how food should be produced, handled, and stored to guarantee its safety and consistency, regardless of where it comes from. It covers everything from hazard analysis and traceability systems to factory infrastructure, hygiene, process control, and staff training. Each certified site is rigorously audited — often without prior notice — and graded based on its performance, with A and AA representing the highest levels of compliance.
More than 22,000 sites across over 130 countries hold a BRCGS certificate today. Yet very few are in Africa — and even fewer are cashew processors. This makes Cashew Coast's certification a technical achievement and a symbol of leadership and reliability, proving that Côte d'Ivoire can meet and maintain the same world-class standards as any major food producer worldwide.
The BRCGS certification goes far beyond simple hygiene or product checks. It provides a comprehensive framework for managing food safety, quality, and legal compliance. Auditors assess:
Each factory or site is given a grade (AA+, AA, A, etc.) based on performance during unannounced or announced audits.
BRCGS is widely regarded as a grandee — the gold food safety certification standard. Achieving it is a mark of distinction; maintaining it year after year is a testament to discipline and excellence.
The BRCGS standard is recognised and respected by all major international retailers and food brands — from Tesco and Carrefour to Walmart and Unilever. This certification effectively opens doors to the world's most demanding markets, assuring buyers that Cashew Coast meets the same standards as leading global suppliers.
The audit process is among the toughest in the industry. Achieving and maintaining certification demands meticulous systems, thorough documentation, and a culture of continuous improvement. Every detail matters — from hygiene and equipment maintenance to management oversight and employee training.
BRCGS enforces full traceability from raw material to finished product, ensuring every cashew can be tracked back to its source. This aligns perfectly with Cashew Coast's farm-to-fork traceability model, powered by digital systems that record each journey stage, from the farmer's field to the final packaged nut.
Unlike certifications that are renewed automatically, BRCGS requires regular audits, corrective actions, and proof of ongoing compliance. This keeps standards high and processes dynamic, driving continuous refinement across every level of the company's operations.
Ultimately, BRCGS is about confidence — for buyers, retailers, and consumers alike. It demonstrates that Cashew Coast doesn't just comply with food safety laws; it leads with integrity, quality, and transparency. In a market where "made in Africa" is still too often met with scepticism, maintaining a BRCGS A grade for five consecutive years is a clear message: world-class standards are not confined by geography, but defined by commitment.
When Cashew Coast achieved full BRCGS certification in February 2020, covering the entire processing flow from raw cashew reception to kernel packaging, we broke the glass ceiling — proving that world-class food safety standards could be met right here in West Africa. This milestone was more than a company achievement; it was a statement to the entire industry that excellence, discipline, and global credibility were attainable locally.
For Cashew Coast, BRCGS certification validates the systems and processes that underpin our farm-to-fork traceability model, ensuring that every cashew can be traced from the farmer's field to the final packaged product. Maintaining an A grade for five consecutive years demonstrates that our standards are not just achieved once — they are sustained consistently, reflecting discipline, rigour, and an unwavering dedication to quality.
For our customers, BRCGS certification is more than an assurance — it's a guarantee. It means that every Cashew Coast product, from raw kernels to roasted snacks, meets the highest international safety and quality standards, verified through one of the world's most demanding certification systems.
It also means traceability and accountability at every step. Every cashew can be followed through our transparent supply chain — from the farmers who harvest the nuts to the hands that grade, roast, and package them. This gives our customers complete confidence in the integrity of what they buy, and the people behind it.
Just as importantly, BRCGS certification reinforces trust and reliability in long-term partnerships. Our clients know that they can depend on us for consistent quality and a shared commitment to continuous improvement, ethical sourcing, and responsible production.
As our CEO, Salma Seetaroo, puts it:
"BRCGS is more than compliance. It's proof that African excellence can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world."
BRCGS certification is more than a mark of technical achievement — it symbolises vision, leadership, and ambition. For Cashew Coast, it underscores our commitment to world-class food safety and the sustainable growth of Côte d'Ivoire's cashew industry.
By meeting the highest international standards, we prove that African businesses can compete globally without compromise, combining innovation, quality, and traceability with local impact. BRCGS reinforces our role as pioneers by empowering farmers, creating skilled employment, and setting benchmarks for ethical and sustainable production.
At the same time, it ensures that every partner and consumer can engage with confidence. Whether you are a retailer sourcing in bulk or a consumer enjoying a snack, BRCGS guarantees that every cashew from Cashew Coast represents integrity, safety, and excellence.
Ultimately, the certification reminds us that true sustainability and excellence are holistic — requiring rigorous processes, committed people, and a vision that extends from the farm to the global market. Cashew Coast is proud to lead the way, showing that world-class standards and African excellence can grow together.