Vilniaus Duona bakeries received a Michelin-equivalent rating – BRCGS AA certificates

Vilniaus Duona bakeries in Panevėžys and Vilnius received the highest food safety rating – AA level. In the field of food production, BRCGS is one of the most valued certificates, it shows that quality, safety, and cleanliness have been rigorously checked by independent auditors.

"For a manufacturing company to receive a BRCGS certificate is similar to a restaurant to receive a Michelin rating: it is a sign of quality, safety, cleanliness and bright leadership. Only a small number of companies are willing to undertake such a pre-test inspection. BRCGS is only granted to food businesses that adhere to extremely strict production standards and are able to ensure the highest quality and traceability throughout the supply chain.

I am proud of our Vilniaus Duona team, which for seven years in a row has proven that quality is not just a word for us – it is a daily action and responsibility to everyone to whom we supply our bread," said Artūras Kokoškinas, CEO of Vilniaus Duona.

Vilniaus Duona bakery has had and has been passing the BRCGS certificate rating since 2018.

A guarantee of the highest quality and safety for buyers

"Both of our bakeries earned the highest AA rating. This is a great recognition and a sign that we ensure the highest quality and safety of food products in them constantly and at all stages: from the purchase of raw materials to the delivery of the product to customers. When you choose BRCGS-certified bread, you choose safety, quality and responsibility, which have already been verified by independent external auditors," said Viktorija Lėgaudaitė-Lydekaitienė, Quality Manager of Vilniaus Duona, who is leading the certification project.

According to Viktorija, getting this certificate is only half the job – the most difficult thing is to consistently pass it all the time. Especially since it covers practically all stages of the bakery's activities: from the purchase of raw materials, production technologies, quality to marketing and sales.

Especially relevant for allergy buyers

"The BRCGS certificate is a clear sign to the buyer that I can trust this manufacturer: food safety risks are reduced to a minimum, information about the composition, allergens, and product validity is responsibly provided. The buyer can be sure that the best raw materials from the most reliable suppliers are used here, and strict control is ensured at every stage and every day," says Viktorija Lėgaudaitė-Lydekaitienė.

The BRCGS certification is especially important for people with food allergies – it provides for strict allergen management protocols. This means that certified manufacturers clearly identify, separate, and control allergens throughout the entire production process, from raw material receipt to the packaging line. For allergy sufferers, this is extremely important when choosing a product, as even the slightest cross-contamination can lead to serious health consequences for them.

Distinguishes the most reliable food producers

The manager emphasized that in order to receive this certificate, the company must meet the highest requirements of hygiene, good production practice, food safety, and quality requirements. This certificate is issued with a degree of reliability graduation – where AA is the highest rating.

"Certified companies can accurately trace the path of the product from raw material to packaging and, if necessary, promptly recall affected batches. The entire supply chain is constantly monitored. This means that the buyer chooses not only a delicious, but also a proven safe product. The certificate helps retail chains to select reliable food production partners," said A. Kokoškinas.

Global Benchmark for Food Safety and Quality

The certificate is valid for one year and when certifying with this standard, the company undertakes to have an unreported audit once every 3 years, so quality must be ensured continuously. In addition, the quality standard itself is updated every five years.

Thanked the whole team that worked

Viktorija thanks the whole team that worked on the project. "Thank you very much to the employees and managers of Vilnius and Panevėžys bakeries, quality department specialists, shift managers, technologists, technical department employees, new product development department, expedition employees and everyone who contributed. Thanks to all of you, we have once again proved that Vilniaus Duona is a top-league food producer. Thank you all!", thanked Viktorija Lėgaudaitė-Lydekaitienė, Quality Manager of Vilniaus Duona.

Within the Lantmännen Unibake Group, all bakeries in the group are certified by BRCGS.

In Lithuania, about 40 food production companies have the highest ratings of this certificate (AA/AA+). There are more than 250 bakeries of bread and cakes and breadcrumbs, biscuits and other baked goods in Lithuania alone.