Do you want to become a supplier to major retailers? The key is to accelerate your preparation for GFSI certifications

In Latin America, the food industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Major retailers in Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala are aggressively expanding their private label portfolios, driven by consumers demanding quality, safety, and competitive prices. This growth—which continues to advance at double-digit rates in essential categories—has significantly raised the requirements for manufacturers wishing to become strategic partners with these chains.

For small and medium-sized industries, the opportunity is immense: becoming a co-packer or private label supplier means access to stable volumes, long-term contracts, and the possibility of regional scaling. But it also implies meeting technical standards that are no longer negotiable.

Among these, one makes all the difference:
GFSI-recognized certifications (SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000).

Today, these certifications are the minimum requirement to participate in approval processes with leading retailers. Chains seek suppliers capable of demonstrating:

• Robust food safety and traceability systems.
• Standardized and auditable processes.
• Organizational culture oriented towards quality.
• Compliance with local and international regulations.

And here's a key piece of information:
In Latin America, the average time for a plant to achieve GFSI certification ranges from 8 to 14 months, depending on the maturity level of the food safety system, infrastructure, and the capacity of the internal team. Without specialized support, these timelines can extend up to 18 or even 24 months, delaying critical commercial opportunities.

At Alvarado M. Advisors, we help you achieve it faster and with greater certainty.

Our firm combines real experience in the food industry, in-depth knowledge of major retailers' requirements, and a proven methodology that accelerates preparation for GFSI certifications. We support organizations in Latin America to reduce their preparation times by up to 30–40%, thanks to a comprehensive approach that covers both technical and cultural aspects.

We support your team at every critical stage:

• Gap assessment against the GFSI standard and specific retailer requirements.
• Design, implementation, and optimization of food safety systems aligned with global best practices.
• Specialized training to strengthen technical and operational competencies.
• Support in internal audits and pre-audits, ensuring an optimal level of compliance.
• Change management and cultural strengthening, essential to sustain certification and avoid setbacks.

Our objective is clear and measurable:

To transform your plant into a reliable, competitive supplier ready to integrate into the value chains of the region's leading retailers and private labels, in the shortest possible time and with the highest level of preparation.