‘I believe we are the only wine company which has been given this certificate in India,’ claims Neeraj Verma, CEO of the Bangalore based winery. A copy of the certificate has also been attached. The certificate awarded on December 22, 2010 is valid for three years-till December 21, 2013 and is subject to regular check ups annually or more frequently if desired by the URS.
The purpose of the standard is to ensure that any organization working within the food chain establishes management systems that ensure food is safe. Whilst many of the clauses of the standard draw on those of ISO 9001 regarding the control of the system, the controls relate to the management system concerning food safety, not food quality.
Grover Vineyards had undergone a major quality problem a couple of years ago. After infusion of capital and processes, the winery set up has been totally refurbished and modernized, resulting in the possibility of getting the certificate. An on-site audit is carried out before this certificate can be issued.
The scope of activities of this certification covers production of wine, but it is not clear whether it would address issues like the type of grapes used or the blends and the specification of the label or if the imported wine is allowed to be mixed with the domestic wine. A clarification has been sought from the producer and the comments- not received so far, will be published as soon as received.
For details on how to get the certificate, click
http://www.urs.co.uk |