NSF International merges with Agroquality and opens Ecuadorian office
The firm said having an office in Ecuador helps provide services due to its convenient location in South America, which facilitates assistance to surrounding countries.
NSF International said it was now better placed to help companies meet global and local demands to certify more products according to NSF/ANSI standards, provide auditing services and create training programs for food safety.
The team in the area of Samborondón, in Guayas will provide services to the food processing, agriculture and aquaculture industry.
They will be former Agroquality staff members supported by NSF International’s global network.
NSF has other offices in Latin America, including in Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, Brazil and Mexico.
What to expect from NSF
NSF International offers food safety consulting services including HACCP, GMP Good Manufacturing Practice, GAP Good Agricultural Practices, GFSI Global Food Safety Initiative, that includes BRC, IFS, SQF, FSSC 22000, BAP Best Aquaculture Practices, evaluation, risk analysis and traceability through the supply chain.
Among consultancy services, NSF Ecuador also offers industrial security and environmental services according to Ecuadorian legislation.
Tom Chestnut, SVP, food safety and quality at NSF International, welcomed the Agroquality group to the food safety and quality business.
“The addition of the Ecuador location to the NSF International Global Food Division enables us to provide global auditing, certification, training and consulting services to the Latin American food industry for our multinational retail customers and complements our current operations in other parts of the world.”
About Agroquality
Agroquality, now known as NSF International, will become part of NSF International’s Global Food Division, reporting to Sonia Acuña-Rubio, Latin American managing director at NSF International.
Amy Robles, the general manager of Agroquality, will now be general manager for the NSF International office in Ecuador.
Agroquality began in 2006 by providing added value to Trust Control International clients that needed GLOBALG.A.P. certification. In 2010 it added training to its services, accredited by SETEC (State Institution).
Existing Agroquality clients will have access to NSF International’s services, helping food businesses to protect customers and brands.
Robles said Agroquality had already forged a strong working relationship with NSF International.
“The opportunity to have access to the technical expertise of NSF International’s global food services will benefit Ecuadorian businesses since it will be in the country.
“We are extremely excited to be part of NSF International as its global leadership in food safety and quality will benefit our existing and new clients.”
