Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What is BRCGS certification and when do drinks producers need it?
BRCGS is a food safety certification that major UK retailers now require from suppliers. It's a significant undertaking—both in cost and effort—but essential for accessing certain distribution channels. **Why it matters:** - Major retailers **Aldi, Lidl, and Co-op** require BRCGS certification from suppliers - It's increasingly appearing on supplier applications from larger groups - **SALSA** certification can serve as a useful stepping stone before pursuing full BRCGS **The reality:** - Members report it's "a lot of work, and very intense" - It's an expensive commitment - One producer achieved an A grade on their first audit but noted the process was demanding - Hiring a **consultant** was described as "invaluable" for navigating the certification process **Caveats:** - SALSA sufficed for some producers' needs, so BRCGS may not be mandatory for all distribution routes—check your specific retailer requirements before committing to the full certification cost and complexity.
What are the key regulatory and logistical steps for importing fresh juice to the US?
Fresh juice import to the US differs significantly from alcoholic beverage import—the primary regulatory hurdle is FDA food safety law, particularly pasteurisation requirements, rather than the three-tier system that applies to alcohol. **Regulatory considerations:** - Ensure your product meets FDA pasteurisation standards for fresh juice - Fresh juice is governed by food safety regulations, not alcohol licensing frameworks **Logistics & distribution options:** - **Park Street** — members suggested investigating whether they have a dedicated fresh juice division alongside their alcohol warehousing operations; they have Miami-based warehousing which could serve as a US distribution hub, with the option to self-distribute through them **Resources:** - **FruitJuiceFocus.com** — recommended as a useful reference for understanding the fresh juice sector and regulatory landscape The key difference from alcohol import is that you're navigating food safety compliance rather than beverage licensing complexity.