For its high level of quality and safety, Endangered Species Chocolate was recently named the winner of the 2019 Food Quality & Safety Award in the small business category.
The award honours the dedication and achievement of organisations making significant contributions to uphold the highest food standards supported by quantifiable results. This year, a panel of industry judges concluded that Endangered Species Chocolate and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, which won in the large-business category, demonstrated impressive efforts in their technology, certifications, training, regulatory compliance, and risk reduction.
“Certifications are a constant challenge in assuring food quality and safety, especially for smaller producers with limited resources,” said Brent Robinson, director of operations at Endangered Species Chocolate. But that hasn’t kept the Indianapolis, Ind., company from achieving both high food standards and exceptional corporate citizenship that involves donating 10% of net profits to support conservation programs for species, habitat, and humanity.
“One of our biggest challenges is the supply chain complexities. This involves everything from potential risks and their mitigation, resulting in brand protection while meeting the ever-changing consumer needs. That’s probably our biggest hurdle,” Robinson said.
Shelby Troyer, the quality programs manager at the chocolate manufacturer, says sustaining quality standards also can be a struggle.
Troyer commented: “In the food industry, the biggest struggle that a lot of companies are seeing is sustainment,” she said. “You can obtain certifications, but the issue is sustainment long term, keeping those programs alive every day.” Troyer said Endangered Species Chocolate is able to do that.
