We operate highly integrated supply chains working with large-scale growers and smallholders to provide training, quality seeds and other inputs, coupled with the highest standards of quality and microbiological control at our processing plants in origin and in destination markets, thereby reducing food safety risks.
It is essential that we keep on top of the rapidly changing regulatory frameworks across our multiple markets. We adopt granular vigilance to keep in step with the standards and requirements of governments and various legislative bodies.
Processing
Blacia Group oversees the management of over 8 large processing and manufacturing facilities worldwide. Our unwavering commitment to safety, health, quality, and sustainability is paramount in delivering superior products to our extensive base of over 150 customers. We continuously invest in enhancing our facilities, upgrading equipment, and implementing cutting-edge technologies, including laboratory testing equipment, metal detectors, screens, X-rays, and color sorting mechanisms.
Our diverse product portfolio encompasses a wide array of processed items, including dehydrated products such as onion and garlic available in flakes, granules, and powder forms, IQF fruits, raw spices, pulses, grains, and spices. Additionally, our Packaged Foods Business in India specializes in manufacturing packaged spices. Embracing a proactive approach to quality assurance, we have implemented the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, which meticulously addresses physical, chemical, and biological hazards throughout our operations to prevent issues rather than merely relying on post-production inspection. Moreover, our focus on obtaining FSSC 22000 or BRC certification underscores our dedication to upholding the highest standards in food processing.
In 2021, we introduced a comprehensive global quality and food safety management system across the Blacia Group, ensuring adherence to rigorous quality procedures and policies consistently. Collaborating closely with our customers, we strive to not only meet but exceed their expectations, fostering strong and lasting partnerships built on trust and excellence.
Read about our operational improvements, investments and innovation, in the Manufactured Capital section of our Annual Report.
Improving Quality and Traceability in Emerging Market Supply Chains
As well as helping smallholder farmers to improve their yields we advise on how to improve their quality and how to reduce post-harvest losses. This is critical because good quality means they can command a premium, while preventing wastage means they improve their incomes. In addition to training farmers in Good Agricultural Practices, we invest in farmer resource centres, warehouses, drying floors to prevent soil contamination and solar dryers.
Smallholders live in some of the most remote parts of the world where often roads are nothing more than dirt tracks. Collecting a sack of Garlic or Onion from every farmer is highly inefficient. So we work with farmers to help them form groups or cooperatives where they bring their crop to a central warehouse. Here the crop is weighed and stamped, ready for collection by Blacia. These processes are supported by a number of integrated proprietary technology platforms, which help us to support the farmer and deliver value to our customers.
Balancing Pesticide Use With Natural Methods of Pest Control
On our own plantations, and with our large-scale farmers, we develop biodiversity action plans to maintain and monitor the environmental balance between pests and a healthy crop. Products are routinely tested for residues to ensure food safety standards are met. Through our sustainability programmes and our Supplier Code, we educate smallholders on the same factors. We are also strong advocates of maximising the methods supplied by nature to help reduce pesticide use – Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
About Sustainability
We recognise the importance of collaboration to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and make true impact across our sector. If you are keen to collaborate or have an idea to discuss, please contact our team.
Our Purpose:
Our Purpose is to ‘Re-imagine Global Agriculture and Food Systems, and our Vision is to be the most differentiated and valuable global food and agri-business.
A global network of farmers who grow cash crops are living at subsistence levels, while natural resources, such as soil and forest are being degraded or lost. Meanwhile around a third of all food produced is wasted and the world’s population will increase by two billion by 2050.
We aim to address the challenges involved in meeting the needs of a growing global population, while achieving positive impact for farming communities, our planet and all our stakeholders. We measure our success by how well we achieve and maintain three key outcomes
We Grow & Source
Through our own growing operations and partnerships with both large- and small-scale producers, our global sourcing capabilities enable us to reliably source and deliver high-quality products to customers around the world.
We Transport & Distribute
Our expertise in supply chain management, logistics and distribution allows us to handle, store, transport and distribute food, feed and fibre, efficiently and cost-effectively. Using digitally-integrated capabilities, we provide market access to farmers and deliver supplies customers can rely on.
We Trade & Manage Risk
Our unique position as an independent trader allows us to trade with both local players and global majors in origin and destination markets, giving us a strong cost advantage and offering us flexibility to respond to shifting trade flows. Our world-class trading team and best-in-class risk management, systems and processes allows us to manage risks for our customers in real-time.
