When you source private label coffee from a European factory, you are putting your brand on their product. Certifications are the mechanism by which you independently verify that a factory meets the standards your market requires. Do not accept a factory’s word that they are certified — ask for the certificate document.
IFS Food — The Retail Standard
IFS Food is the certification most demanded by European and international retailers. It covers the full production process — hygiene, traceability, allergen management, quality control, and continuous improvement. IFS is mandatory for suppliers to most major European supermarket chains and is increasingly required by retailers in the Gulf and USA.
BRC Global Standards
BRC (British Retail Consortium) Global Standards is the UK and international equivalent of IFS. It is widely recognised by UK, US, and Australian retailers. If your target market is the UK or a BRC-aligned retailer, confirm BRC certification specifically.
FDA Registration
Essential for any coffee destined for the US market. FDA registration is a legal requirement — without it, your product cannot legally enter the United States.
Organic Certification
If you intend to label your product as organic, both the factory and the green coffee supply chain must be certified organic. In Europe, the relevant certification is EU Organic. For the US market, USDA Organic certification is required separately.
Halal Certification
Sometimes required for a coffee brand targeting Muslim-majority markets — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The certifying body matters — Gulf buyers typically require certification from IFANCA, Halal Food Authority, or a GCC-approved equivalent.
Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance
Sustainability certifications that matter if your brand positioning includes ethical sourcing claims. Both require chain of custody certification — every step in the supply chain, including the roasting factory, must be certified.
What to Check on Any Certificate
- Is it current — check the expiry date
- Does it cover the specific facility producing your product
- Is it from an accredited certifying body — not a self-issued document
- Does the scope cover the product you are ordering
Feel free to download our catalogue or contact us.
New to Private Label Coffee?
If you are just starting out and want to understand the full process before contacting a manufacturer, we recommend the free beginner’s guide at MyOwnCoffeeBrand.com — it covers suppliers, packaging, real costs, and the most common mistakes new brands make.
Written by Khansaa Ruiz · Coffee Industry Consultant · Burdet Coffee · Madrid, Spain
