22 Jul 2008

Food, like all other traded goods today, passes through a multitude of channels before it ends up on the very tables of the consumers who enjoy it. As a direct result, the very acknowledgement and essential understanding of all procedures, best practices, policies, and standards that took each piece of food from the farm itself to the fork it now rests on can be both challenging and overwhelming to capture for producers, suppliers, distributors, importers, and retailers alike.

In a continuing effort to keep clients abreast with the latest and most innovative food technologies and services available today, Intertek, the leading international provider of food quality and safety services, has recently acquired the prestigious and highly analytical Center of Excellence known as Applica GmbH (Applica) in Bremen, Germany. Applica has established itself in the industry as an eminent and accredited provider of applied chemical analysis for honey, fruits, vegetable foods, pharmaceutical products, and more.

As honey, commonly known as nature’s very own sweetener, continues to gain prevalent exposure for its usefulness as both an antimicrobial agent as well as antioxidant for health-conscious consumers across the globe, demand for testing to ensure the purity of the product itself increases dramatically. The testing of honey, though highly complex and complicated in nature, can be precisely executed quite quickly utilizing Applica’s unique expertise and proficiency in bee and honey products.

Applica’s analytical and innovative methods for identifying the quality and authenticity of a variety of foods, their state-of-the-art measuring and analysing instruments, and their ability to offer exceptional quality control and analytical method development services to local pharmaceutical drug producers time and time again, make them an essential match for Intertek.

Dr. Jochen Zoller, President of Intertek’s Food Services, said “Intertek is pleased to acquire the expertise of Applica to expand the services scope we can collectively offer clients across the globe today and tomorrow. This event was in direct response to clients’ ever-changing testing and analytical needs as they continue to seek out value-added solutions for their product, product lines, and overall brand.”

Dr. Kurt-Peter Raezke, Owner, General Manager & Head of Laboratory Research & Development for Applica, stated “Applica is thrilled to join the Intertek team in providing a full suite of food related services to clients globally with special focus on extensive analytical testing that is now required and, in most cases, demanded for both sustainability and success in this constantly evolving industry.”

Intertek has an expanding international network of expert food-dedicated facilities and are currently auditing in over 60 different countries across the globe to not only extend support to the entire food industry, but also partner with clients through every step of their business process – enabling their overall success in the marketplace.

About Intertek

Intertek is the leading international provider of quality and safety services to a wide range of global and local industries. Partnership with Intertek brings increased value to customers' products and processes, ultimately supporting their success in the global market place. Intertek has the experience, expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its extensive network of laboratories and offices, with over 20,000 people in more than 100 countries around the world.

About Applica GmbH

On the national and international market, Applica GmbH has established itself as a well- known player within the field of applied chemical analysis. Innovative methods and state-of-the-art measuring and analysing instruments are coupled with a highly specialized know how at Applica. Clients know that Applica combines analytical and legal competence with accredited quality, thus creating confidence and reliability.