The Quality Manager of Vilniaus Duona shared her insights at the RETAIL Trade Festival

At the VŽ trade festival RETAIL held in Vilnius on Wednesday, it was discussed what the retail sector looks like after the US presidential elections, the future of trading systems, quality without compromise and other topics. Insights on quality management were shared by our quality expert Viktorija Legaudaitė-Lydekaitienė.

She participated in the discussion together with Ugnė Kačinskaitė-Ulickienė, Skirmantė Sokolovskienė and Valdas Laukagalis.

Quality without compromise

Quality without compromise – is it possible?

The quality manager answers – YES.

"It is not only possible, but also mandatory. Because when it comes to food, there simply cannot be any safety compromises here. Unsafe food can lead to serious health problems, such as poisoning, infections, allergic reactions, or long-term illnesses. We must ensure that products are of high quality, properly labelled, properly packaged and safe. Not to mention that they would be healthy and tasty," she emphasizes.

As a healthy diet becomes more and more relevant, we have bread baked goods without added sugar, without yeast or whole grain parts in our assortment. We provide consumers with detailed information about the nutritional value, fiber or protein content of baked goods.

Ongoing process

According to her, quality assurance in the food industry is not a one-time event, but a continuous process.

"This requires both great responsibility and innovation. It must constantly monitor the needs of consumers and the market. Consumers' attitude to food quality has changed dramatically – and it continues to change," says the quality manager.

Changing consumer needs

Viktorija points out that in the past, the quality of food was evaluated simply: price, taste, shelf life and whether it is on the shelves.

"Today, as consumers, we want to know the origin of the product, we are looking for innovative foods, we choose organic products with less sugar, more protein, etc. Environmental protection is also becoming important," says the quality management expert.

The bakery has been awarded a quality certificate

Vilniaus Duona's attention to quality is also demonstrated by the highest food safety certificate BRC.

"It's like a Michelin star for a restaurant or a beach Blue Flag. It marks impeccable attention to safety and quality," shares Viktorija Lėgaudaitė-Lydekaitienė, Quality Manager of Vilniaus Duona, who led the certification project.

Read about the RETAIL trade festival in Verslo žinios.

Photo: VŽ Vladimiras Ivanovas