At HPA, delivering high-quality products isn’t just about the hops we grow, it’s also about how we process them. We adhere to various quality and food safety certification systems across our sites. These structured frameworks help us consistently deliver on our promise to deliver the highest possible quality hops, giving brewers confidence in every carton we sell.
Hop Central was recently Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 certified. This significant milestone provides a framework for auditing and certifying HPA’s food safety management systems. It is based on the international standard ISO 22000 and incorporates additional requirements specific to businesses that process or manufacture natural ingredients. This certification demonstrates HPA’s ability to manage food safety risks, prevent food fraud, and comply with industry standards.
We chose to pursue FSSC 22000 certification for Hop Central, instead of ISO 22000, because of the additional requirements recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). This adds another layer of trust and assurance for our customers whilst integrating seamlessly with our existing ISO quality management system.
FSSC 22000 certification confirms that Hop Central follows globally recognised best practice to produce the highest quality hop pellets, in a consistent and compliant manner. It also ensures that our processes are not only effective today but are continuously monitored and future proofed.
Our farms, along with our head office, are International Standard Organisation (ISO) 9001 and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) CXC 1-1969 certified. ISO 9001 sets the benchmark for quality management systems, helping us streamline processes and ensure consistent product quality. While HACCP CXC 1-1969 is a globally recognised food safety system that identifies and mitigates potential hazards in production. Together, they form a strong foundation for managing quality and safety throughout our supply chain.
Structured certifications like FSSC, ISO and HACCP aren’t just boxes for HPA to tick, they reflect our deep commitment to regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement of our practices. They support a culture of accountability and excellence, ensuring that each part of our process, from propagation to pellet, meets internationally recognised standards.
At HPA, we’re proud to be part of a global brewing community that values quality and consistency. Our certifications reflect the seriousness with which we take our role in that ecosystem, ensuring that the hops you rely on are grown, handled, and processed with the same care that you have for your beers.
