Assurance starts in the supply chain

What lies beneath

Supplier selection is more than price or delivery time. It requires insight into:

• Food safety certifications such as BRCGS, IFS, and FSSC 22000
• Performance in quality, sustainability, and traceability
• Risks related to origin, transport, documentation, and behaviour
• The ability of suppliers to meet your standards

Without structure, supplier evaluation remains subjective. With the right system, it becomes evidence based, consistent, and strategic.

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Leadership means taking responsibility across the chain

In a world of global supply chains and increasing regulatory pressure, trust alone is not enough. Leadership means setting clear requirements, verifying compliance, collaborating effectively, and making decisions that go beyond financial considerations. Organisations that invest in structured supplier evaluation and auditing strengthen their resilience and improve product safety.

Three levels of development

Compliance | Supplier approval

Applying a structured process for supplier evaluation and approval. New suppliers are assessed based on certifications, food safety criteria, and contractual agreements. The focus is on basic control and demonstrable compliance with legislation and quality requirements.

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Compliance+ | Supplier risk management and auditing

Extending beyond approval with risk based supplier assessments. This includes evaluating reliability, origin, sustainability, compliance, and performance. Supplier audits are conducted or supported, and control measures are aligned with the supplier’s risk profile.

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Strategic | Supply chain risk management

Looking beyond individual suppliers to assess risks across the entire supply chain. This includes geopolitical risks, raw material availability, ESG topics, and social audits. The goal is to increase resilience, reduce vulnerabilities, and strengthen relationships with partners who contribute strategically to quality and continuity.

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What it delivers

A strong supplier selection and management approach provides:

• Greater control over food safety and product quality
• Fewer surprises during audits or recalls
• Improved traceability and documentation
• Insight into supply chain risks and improvement opportunities
• Stronger collaboration and a more strategic procurement approach

Reliable suppliers are not a given. They are selected, managed, and continuously improved.

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Where do you stand?

Do you already use risk based supplier assessments? Are audits carried out and followed up consistently? And are your suppliers truly prepared to meet your requirements? Mérieux NutriSciences | Expert Partners helps you build structure in supplier selection, evaluation, and supply chain management tailored to your level and ambitions.