Supply Chain
From the field to the Plant!
The growth process at IA–MB–GF begins with developing long-term relationships with quality local producers.
Field managers work closely with our growers on field selection and preparation, planting, fertilization, growth control, pesticides, irrigation, and harvest schedules. Our high quality is due in part to the proximity of our facilities to local farming operations. More than 70% of our fields and contract crops are grown and harvested within 75 miles of our processing facilities, allowing constant control of maturity, moisture, weed control, and tenderness. In addition, it provides the convenience of making short-distance trips during the harvest season, which allows us to process our fruits and vegetables in the shortest possible time.
IA–MB–GF was one of the first processors in Peru to require producer audits, and it is our goal to have all Global Gap certified producers in the future.
We work to enhance growers’ commitment to food safety and ensure that only fresh and safe fruits and vegetables get delivered to IA-MB–GF during the harvest season.
TEAM
WORK
PROCESSING
Our quality assurance personnel monitor fruits and vegetables throughout the process, monitor critical control points, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure quality and food safety. Once the product arrives at our facilities, it is identified with a tracking code and placed in the corresponding pre-processing section.
Most cultures are placed in our main cooler and temporarily stored there until processing is requested. Our trained staff always feed the lines on a first-in, first-out pattern to maintain product integrity and maximum freshness. Our philosophy is to grow responsibly, to not overplant or hire beyond the capacity of facilities and staff.
Ingredients that are not regionally grown come from suppliers who undergo extensive reviews to become one of our approved suppliers. The combination of fruits, vegetables, and native ingredients to our region permits IA–MB–GF to be the supplier of a diverse product line offered to our customers worldwide.
SOURCING PRACTICES
Since not all fruits and vegetables are grown in our fields, IA–MB–GF sources certain products from approved growers to offer its customers a complete line of processed fruits and vegetables. Each supplier undergoes rigorous audits and controls to be an IA–MB–GF supplier.
Documentation and review of the process flow, third-party audits, and certifications ensure that only safe, high-quality products get delivered to IA–MB–GF. . Each batch received is assigned a unique identification number tracked through the process chain from supplier to end user. All incoming products undergo comprehensive microbiology and grading testing to ensure products meet IA–MB–GF
and supplier specifications. Once packaged, our samples are maintained and tested as part of a retained sample program.