Mariani Nut Company Receives DFA Of California Pinnacle Plant Of The Year Award
October 15, 2014 | 2 min to read
WINTERS, Calif. – High scores received from multiple unannounced food safety-focused audits and the ongoing practice of implementing food safety improvements throughout the year reflects the Mariani Nut Company’s commitment to providing almond and walnut products consumers can trust.
Earlier this summer, Mariani became the 2014 recipient of the DFA of California Pinnacle Plant of the Year Award. This award is based on, “Mariani’s commitment to continuous improvement as represented by ongoing facility enhancements, their drive to become a global food safety certified facility and ranking as a top-scoring facility during surprise food safety audits,” said Jeremiah Szabo, DFA’s director of operations.
DFA has served the dried fruit and nut industry for more than 100 years. The organization works with packers, processors and exporters to ensure products and facilities meet the highest standards of food safety and quality. Mariani was accepted as a member of DFA in 1977.
DFA’s food safety team conducted nearly 300 food safety audits of various types on DFA member facilities in the past year. Mariani received audit scores above 1900, which is categorized as “Exceptional,” for each audit period.
When presenting the award, Jeremiah Szabo continues that Mariani Nut Company, “acts as an exemplary role model for others to follow.”
Mariani’s director of operations, Gus Mariani, credits “the strong commitment exhibited by the company’s employees at all levels, that results in this recognition and a company culture dedicated to ensuring product safety.”
In addition, Mariani Nut Company has received an A rating, and the company’s first annual recertification from the highly-respected British Retail Consortium (BRC) meeting global food safety standards. In 2013 the company received their first BRC certification, also with the valued A rating. Mariani recognizes the importance of being a global food safety certified facility and the BRC food safety program has become the global standard for technical protocol for food suppliers
Mariani is proud to share this information with retailers and food manufacturers; customers can be assured of the integrity of the products supplied by Mariani.
Mariani Nut Company is one of the world’s largest growers and suppliers of premium almonds and walnuts from California. Established in 1972, the family-owned company supplies major retail chains, foodservice companies and industrial customers such as confectionary, cereal and ice cream makers with nuts from Mariani-owned orchards and from other growers. Mariani nuts are distributed throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. For more information, go to www.marianinut.com.
Source: Mariani Nut Company