Choosing a beverage manufacturer involves far more than comparing prices and production capacity.
When your name appears on the label, your reputation depends on the quality standards maintained inside the factory.
That is why food safety certifications matter.
Among the most recognised standards in the drinks industry are BRCGS Food Safety and IFS Food Certification. Both are internationally respected and both demonstrate that a manufacturer operates to strict standards.
But what do they actually mean, and which should you prioritise?
Why certifications matter more than ever
When you partner with a beverage manufacturer, you are putting your brand’s reputation in their hands. The quality of their production facility, the rigour of their quality management processes, and their approach to food safety will all directly affect your product and ultimately, your customers’ trust in you.
This is why food safety certifications exist. They provide an independently verified, internationally recognised signal that a manufacturer operates to a defined standard of quality and safety. For brand owners, retailers, and procurement leads, they remove a great deal of guesswork.
Two of the most widely respected certifications in the UK and European food and beverage industry are BRCGS Food Safety (commonly referred to as BRC) and IFS Food (International Featured Standards). Both are globally recognised. Both are rigorous. But they are not identical, and understanding the difference will help you ask better questions when evaluating a manufacturing partner.
What is BRC (BRCGS Food Safety)?
BRCGS stands for Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards. The BRC Food Safety Standard was originally developed in the United Kingdom and is now one of the most widely adopted food safety standards in the world, recognised by retailers and brand owners across the UK, Europe, North America, and beyond.
The standard covers:
- Food safety management systems
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
- Quality management systems
- Factory environment, hygiene, and housekeeping
- Product control and traceability
- Process control and foreign body risk
- Personnel training and competence
What does BRC Grade A mean?
Manufacturers are graded following an audit: AA, A, B, C, D, or E. Grade A is the second-highest rating available (AA being the highest) and represents an audit in which only minor, non-critical non-conformances were identified.
In practice, BRC Grade A is the baseline expectation set by most major UK retailers, foodservice chains, and premium brand owners. It signals that a facility is operating at a high level, with robust systems in place and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement.
An unannounced BRC audit where the manufacturer has no advance notice of the inspection date carries even greater weight, demonstrating that standards are consistently maintained rather than prepared for.
What is IFS Food Certification?
IFS Food (International Featured Standards Food) was developed in Germany and France, and is particularly prevalent in Continental European retail and food service supply chains. Like BRC, it is a GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) benchmarked standard, which means both are globally equivalent in terms of the rigour they demand.
IFS Food covers similar ground to BRC:
- Senior management responsibility and food safety culture
- Quality management systems
- Resource management and personnel
- Planning and production processes
- Measurements, analyses, and improvements
How is IFS scored?
IFS uses a percentage scoring system. A score above 95% achieves Higher Level status, while scores between 75% and 95% achieve Foundation Level. Scores below 75% result in no certification. The percentage system makes IFS slightly more granular in how performance is communicated to clients.
BRC vs IFS: How do they compare?
| Feature | BRCGS Food Safety | IFS Food |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Germany / France |
| GFSI Benchmarked | Yes | Yes |
| Grading System | AA, A, B, C, D, E | Percentage score (Foundation / Higher) |
| Primary Markets | UK, North America, global | Europe (esp. Germany, France, Italy) |
| Audit Frequency | Annual (announced or unannounced) | Annual |
| Unannounced Option | Yes — carries extra credibility | Yes — optional programme available |
Which certification should you look for?
The honest answer: both are excellent. The right one for your brand depends on where you plan to sell.
If you are selling primarily into UK and North American retail or foodservice, BRC Grade A (or higher) is the benchmark you should insist upon. Most major UK supermarket buyers and hospitality procurement teams will require it.
If you are selling into European retail chains particularly German, French, or Italian supermarkets IFS Higher Level is often preferred or required by buyers in those markets.
For brands with international ambitions, working with a manufacturer that holds both certifications (or equivalent GFSI-benchmarked standards) gives you the greatest flexibility.
Which Certification Is Best?
The answer depends largely on your target market.
Selling Mainly in the UK?
BRC Grade A or above is generally expected by supermarkets, hospitality groups and major retailers.
Expanding into Europe?
IFS Higher Level certification is often preferred by buyers in Germany, France and Italy.
Planning International Growth?
Working with a manufacturer that holds BRC Grade A and equivalent IFS standards provides maximum flexibility.
Questions Every Brand Owner Should Ask
When evaluating a manufacturing partner, ask:
- Which certifications do you hold?
- What grade or score was achieved in your latest audit?
- Was the audit announced or unannounced?
- When was the certificate issued?
- Can you provide evidence of certification?
A reputable manufacturer should answer these questions openly and transparently.
What this means in practice
When evaluating a potential manufacturing partner, do not simply ask whether they are certified. Ask:
- Which standard are they certified to BRC, IFS, or both?
- What grade or score did they achieve in their most recent audit?
- Was their most recent audit announced or unannounced?
- How recently was the certificate issued?
- Can they provide a copy of the audit report or certificate?
A reputable manufacturer will answer all of these questions openly and provide documentation without hesitation. Reluctance to share this information is itself a signal worth noting.
Beyond the certificate: what else to look for?
Certification is the floor, not the ceiling. A BRC Grade A certificate tells you that a facility met the required standard on audit day. It does not tell you about the culture of the team, their responsiveness to client concerns, or their commitment to continuous improvement between audits.
Alongside formal certification, look for:
- Sedex membership — demonstrating commitment to ethical supply chain practices
- SALSA approval — particularly relevant for smaller-scale or artisan producers
- A transparent approach to sharing audit results and quality data
- Evidence of investment in facility improvements and staff training
- Staff training programmes
- Strong communication and quality culture
The best manufacturing partners treat certification not as a box-ticking exercise but as a foundation for genuine quality culture throughout the business.
Choosing the Right Partner
Both BRC Grade A and IFS Food certification are respected standards.
Neither is inherently better.
What matters most is working with a manufacturer that combines recognised accreditation with genuine expertise, transparency and a commitment to continuous improvement.
At Alfresco Drinks, all production partners operate with BRC Grade A or equivalent IFS certification as a minimum standard, ensuring quality and consistency at every stage of production.
Looking for a Trusted Beverage Manufacturing Partner?
Get in touch with the Alfresco Drinks team to discuss your next project and discover how quality standards support every product that leaves the production line.
