Conquering New Markets: The Role of Organic Certification in Your Business Expansion Process
In recent years, the demand for organic products has significantly increased, driven by concerns about health, the environment, and sustainability. According to data released on the Bio Brazil Fair website, six out of ten people associate organic food with health. Additionally, the sector grows about 20% per year, as stated by the executive director of Organis, Ming Liu.
In this context, certification has become a crucial factor in ensuring the quality and authenticity of organic products. More and more companies recognize the importance of obtaining certification seals to gain consumer trust and compete in the market.
The importance of organic product certification
The certification of organic products plays a fundamental role in ensuring quality and safety throughout the production and distribution chain. Through specific criteria established by competent regulatory organizations, essential aspects such as restricted use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, soil and natural resource preservation, animal welfare, and product traceability are addressed. These requirements are carefully crafted to ensure that organic foods are grown and processed sustainably, respecting the environment and consumer health.
"Certifying your products is a smart and essential strategy to stand out in the highly competitive organic product market and to earn the trust of discerning consumers. Certification is not just a legal obligation but an opportunity to demonstrate the company's commitment to health, the environment, and sustainability. With certification, the company can thrive in the organic product market and expand its business, conquering new markets and commercial partnerships," says Alexandre Harkaly, Director of Integration QIMA IBD.
The consumer's search for organic products: trends and motivations
Consumers seek certified organic products because they recognize that these seals represent a serious commitment to health, the environment, and sustainability. Even during the pandemic, the sale of organic products grew by more than 50% in retail, showing that awareness of the importance of a healthy and sustainable diet is rising. By choosing certified foods, consumers have the peace of mind of knowing they are purchasing products grown responsibly, without the use of harmful chemicals.
According to a study conducted by Organis, supported by QIMA IBD, the growth of organic consumption saw a leap in some Brazilian regions. The Southeastern and Midwestern regions showed an increase of 3% in organic consumption, with averages of 26% and 42% respectively in 2023. However, the highest growth was recorded in the Northeast region, which jumped from an average consumption of 32% in 2021 to 45% in 2023, becoming the region with the largest number of organic food consumers in the country.
To maintain the continuous growth of organic product consumption, it is crucial that the food reaching consumers meets the highest safety and quality standards. It is necessary to make the purchase of organic products a lasting habit, thereby driving the entire cycle of production, supply, demand, and consumption. In this sense, certification plays an essential role, encouraging responsible and sustainable production practices and ensuring the cycle of organic production and consumption keeps moving.
Organic Certification: increasing company visibility and credibility in the organic product market
Organic certification plays a crucial role in increasing company visibility and credibility in the organic product market. By obtaining certification, companies can clearly and transparently communicate that their products are cultivated and produced following the most stringent organic farming standards. Additionally, certification provides a competitive advantage, highlighting certified companies in an increasingly conscious market about the importance of sustainability and health in food.
Another important aspect is that organic certification reinforces companies' commitment to the quality of the foods they offer to consumers. By undergoing rigorous audits and inspections, certified companies demonstrate the care and dedication in producing excellent food. This strengthens customer confidence, who feel secure when choosing products that carry the seal.
Transitioning from conventional agriculture to organic production can pose a challenge for companies; however, it is a strategic and intelligent choice to adapt to market changes and ensure the long-term sustainability of businesses. By opting for organic production, companies open doors to new opportunities and gain the trust and preference of consumers who do not compromise on healthier and more sustainable options.
How to obtain certification for the organic product supply chain?
In Brazil, for a product to be labeled and sold as "organic," certification by audit, participatory certification, or linkage to a social control organization is mandatory. This obligation is imposed to ensure consumer safety and preserve the environment. Each product and segment has specific requirements that must be met for certification attainment.
QIMA IBD offers comprehensive certifications for a wide range of niches, enabling the certification of virtually any product as long as it meets the standards of the chosen certification. These certifications cover everything from production, processing, export, dispatch, import, to the consumer's table. Each certification follows a cycle comprising supervision, audit preparation, practical audit, post-audit analysis, and certification decision.
If a company wishes to commercialize its organic products in Brazil, it is necessary to obtain the "Orgânicos Brasil" certification, which attests to compliance with the standards established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA). However, if the company intends to export to other countries, it is crucial to follow the specific regulations of each destination nation.
To export to China, for example, it is necessary to comply with the requirements established by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ). Similarly, to export to the European Union, it is necessary to adhere to the regulations of the EU organic certification system. There are several internationally recognized organic certifications, such as USDA Organic (United States), JAS (Japan), ACO (Australia), among others, which are required by different countries to allow the import of organic products.
Each of these certifications is essential to meet the specific demands of different international markets. With inspection, audit, and certification services, QIMA IBD helps companies meet retailer requirements, expand to new markets, and establish lasting customer relationships.
On our site, you can find all certified products and approved inputs for organics, as well as contact our team of experts for personalized guidance and to identify the most suitable certifications for your needs. We are ready to help companies obtain the necessary credentials to conquer the most demanding international markets.
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