Intertek expands food quality and safety services in Italy with acquisition of Food International Trust, FIT-Italia

January 11, 2016

Intertek Group plc (“Intertek”) a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide, announces that it has acquired Food International Trust (“FIT-Italia”), an Italian company specialising in providing assurance services to the retail and agricultural sectors through food quality and safety assessments.
 
FIT-Italia was the first company in Italy to be accredited to deliver the International Food Standard (IFS) Food Store programme, an initiative developed by food retailers to help retailers through the provision of globally accepted inspection standards. Consequently this provides a uniform evaluation system to ensure comparability and transparency amongst food retailers and assures end consumers that global best practices have been met on food products. This capability coupled with Intertek’s existing assurance and risk management services means that food operators and retailers now have access to a full service portfolio that includes supplier management services, auditing, certification, laboratory testing, point of sales inspections, labelling validation, training, regulatory consulting, product risk assessment and shelf life studies.
 
FIT-Italia provides a wide range of assurance, testing and certification services, and was the first Italian organisation to receive accreditation to ISO17020 as an inspection body for the food sector, additionally the laboratory has received ISO17025 accreditation for food and microbiology testing. The company was founded in 2007 and employs 15 personnel across two facilities located in Bergamo and Fermo, each has access to additional freelance inspectors and food auditors across Italy. Integrating FIT-Italia’s distinct capabilities with Intertek’s international competence in the food services sector offers both local and global customers a compelling proposition to help meet their efficiency and compliance needs whilst minimising brand risk, gaining competitive advantage and demonstrating due diligence in food safety.
 
Stefan Butz, Chief Executive Industry, COO Europe and China at Intertek said, “It’s a great pleasure to welcome FIT to Intertek, and an important enhancement to Intertek’s food service capabilities. With FIT’s expertise in food retail we are able to benefit our clients across Europe, strengthening our diverse range of services and expanding into new global markets.”

According to Byron Peasland, Intertek’s Managing Director for South Europe, “Food is the second largest sector in the Italian economy and with the acquisition of FIT-Italia we are able to provide our clients with a comprehensive range of food assurance, testing, inspection and certification services to meet their growing requirements.”

Gianni Di Falco, FIT-Italia Administrator added "There are many synergies between FIT-Italia and Intertek, that will not only strengthen our position as a quality solutions provider but continue to support the food sector  by delivery excellent customer service.”


Contact
Sara Peressini
Marketing Manager Italy, Intertek
Tel: +39 0432 653411
Email: sara.peressini@intertek.com
 

About Intertek
Intertek is a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide.  From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value to customers’ products, processes and assets. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 38,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’ success in a global marketplace. Intertek helps its customers to meet end users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide.

Visit www.intertek.com


About FIT-Italia
Founded in 2007, Food International Trust – Italia (FIT-Italia) is a trusted market leader specialising in the verification of quality management and safety systems for the food sector. Accredited ISO17020 for the inspection of structures, procedures and products of companies operating in the food sector, FIT-Italia was the first Italian company accredited to deliver the IFS Food Store standard and one of the six in the world. FIT-Italia’s deep knowledge and expertise has provided them with a unique position in the Italian market providing inspection and testing to support the needs of the retailers and supply chain ensuring conformity.

Visit www.fit-italia.it