Fozzy Group has implemented and is successfully operating a dedicated Quality Control Service in its retail chains. This consists of a special Quality Department engaged in systematic cooperation with suppliers, in compliance with the company's internal procedures and development standards.
Through this department, the quality control systems that previously existed in the Fozzy Group's retail chains have acquired a more systematic and uncompromising character. Thus, the group is doing its utmost to provide its customers with quality assured products that best meet their expectations.
Quality control traditionally begins at a manufacturer's factory. All suppliers undergo regular inspections by Fozzy Group experts, during which companies are assessed in terms of production quality and the compliance of their quality control systems to the group's requirements.
Production inspections focus on the following: the quality of raw materials used to manufacture products; the correspondence of production technologies to international and national standards; and the observation of temperature conditions and other goods storage requirements prior to shipping from factory.
The way in which manufacturers process complaints is also important – they have to be able to quickly identify problems in order to take prompt action to further improve their quality management systems.
The next stage in quality control is the organized system of internal logistics of Fozzy Group. All products are supplied to stores through distribution centers or by means of direct delivery to stores. Each of the group's cross-docking warehouses has its own temperature regime, as required for certain groups of products, such as frozen and refrigerated foods, refrigerated fresh fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The Quality Control Department internally audits each of these warehouses. In addition, each distribution center has its own quality control service, with detailed instructions and requirements for receiving, storing and further transporting goods.
As soon as a truck with products reaches a warehouse, the goods undergo quality and quantity checks. The group has developed a number of requirements that the delivered products have to meet, including the presence of all necessary documentation; proper labeling; correct packaging; the correspondence of production times indicated on bulk and individual packages to the dates specified in their documentation; and the maintenance of the required temperature regime during the delivery of goods.
The fastest possible delivery of products to buyers is a priority, so the group has introduced a system for reducing time costs. While the products are in the group's distribution centers, a special program monitors product turnover.
The Quality Department also has a laboratory that carries out regular inspections of product quality, mainly of the group's own brands. The laboratory also performs tests to verify consumers' complaints and check other food products. Whenever products have to be checked for the presence of microbiological organisms, vegetable oils or GMOs, they are tested in other certified laboratories.