By Kim Sobotka, Director of Business Development, ASI Food Safety

With food safety as prominent as it is in today’s world, selecting a supplier to work with seems to be much more of a thought out process versus how it was 25 years ago.  It may be tempting to focus on the price and location of a supplier to save money in the short run, but as we have seen in company plants over and over, you get what you pay for. Results may not be right away. You may end up re-paying for better products due to the reduced shelf life or quality of the cheaper product, therefore paying twice.

The biggest focus that we suggest is to stick with suppliers that are stringent on following best practices not only with quality, but safety too. This will reduce the chances for recalls and be a better bang for your buck. 

Here is a list to help guide you down the right selection path, when it comes to choosing your next supplier:

  1. Get an opinion: When it comes to just about anything we buy these days, we are looking for reviews on how the product or company performs, outlasts the competition and the overall ease of customer service. These points are just as important when choosing a partner in your industry. How committed is the company? Are they reliable? And then of course consider cost as a tie breaker between two similar ranking suppliers.
  2. Be the auditor: Before the contact is signed and even after, consider auditing a supplier every step of the way. No one likes surprises and by auditing their processes, you are going to see where they excel and what they lack. Do the pros outweigh the cons? If so, you may have the right supplier for the job. If it is after you are conducting business with them already, you will know exactly where the “weak” trends lie and how to manage or overcompensate for this weakness. These can also be discussed with the supplier. An open line of communication goes a long way for a successful business relationship.
  3. Look at their internal audits: How do they think they run? Do they see themselves as a smooth running business without flaws or in need of any improvement? Do they understand their own processes? You need to find out if they understand where they need improvements when it comes to their outgoing shipment accuracy right down to their documentation.
  4. Have high standards: You have the choice to work with suppliers that work at a certain standard. If you want to work with people that are certified, stick to your plan and hold those standards.This may reduce number of suppliers you have to choose from, but in the long run, it will make your facility shine.
  5. Mutual agreements and true partnership: The best partners know what to expect from each other and hold high standards for one another. This communication, good, bad or indifferent must be laid out from the beginning and mutual trust formed. With a safe, high quality end product in mind, along with happy consumers, a profitable and successful business relationship could last for years to come.

Kim is a registered Safe Quality Food (SQF) system implementation professional and has successfully guided over 230 facilities to SQF certification. She currently works for ASI Food Safety as director of business development. You can contact her at khawk@asifood.com

This blog originally appeared in GFSS News October 19, 2016.