When teams start exploring food safety certifications, the same question always comes up: “Do we actually need BRC V9—or is it just ‘nice to have’?”
I’ve worked with manufacturers, packaging companies, logistics providers, and private-label suppliers at different stages of their food safety journey. And the decision isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes BRC is legally irrelevant—but commercially unavoidable. Other times, it becomes a strategic advantage rather than a compliance box.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear answer—whether certification is an obligation, a competitive requirement, or something to plan for later.
If you’re supplying major UK retailers or private-label brands, BRC isn’t just recommended—it’s expected. Retail chains rely on BRC certification as proof that a manufacturer consistently manages food safety, quality, and legal compliance.
Even if your product is excellent, these buyers won’t rely on trust alone—they need evidence.
Signs BRC V9 is required:
You’re listed as a private-label or retail-brand supplier
You’re asked to complete a supplier approval questionnaire
Customers specifically reference BRCGS Food in onboarding requirements
Pro Tip: Before committing to certification, confirm whether customers expect announced or unannounced audits. It avoids surprises later.
Common mistake: Some companies start certification because “everyone else is doing it,” only to later learn their customers require a different scope (e.g., Storage & Distribution instead of Food Manufacturing).
Food & Beverage Manufacturers — Primary Audience for BRC V9
If you’re manufacturing food intended for retail shelves, you’re squarely in BRC’s target group. The standard gives structure to operations, documentation, food safety controls, and product testing.
And here’s something I’ve seen repeatedly: Even mature ISO 22000 or HACCP-certified companies find that BRC expectations feel more operational and less theoretical.
BRC V9 helps manufacturers:
Reduce variability
Tighten supplier approval
Improve traceability
Prepare confidently for retailer audits
Pro Tip: A gap-analysis before implementation helps you understand timeline, cost, and priority actions—without guessing.
Processing & Packing Facilities — When Value-Add Activities Trigger Certification
Some businesses assume they don’t need BRC because they “don’t manufacture”—they simply pack, label, slice, assemble, or rework products.
But if your activity changes the condition, identity, labeling, or presentation of food, retailers may classify you as a processor.
A simple example: A nut importer repacking raw nuts into private-label retail bags—previously operating without certification—was required to obtain BRC before signing a single contract. Not because the product changed, but because the risk and accountability shifted.
Storage, Logistics & Distribution Operations — When BRCGS Storage & Distribution Applies
If your business stores, distributes, consolidates, or transports food for retail networks, BRCGS Storage & Distribution may apply—even if you never physically touch the product.
Retailers expect the same level of control from logistics partners as they do from manufacturers.
Signs certification is beneficial:
You store or transport perishable, temperature-controlled, or high-risk foods
You manage mixed SKUs for retailers or food brands
Customers conduct frequent supplier audits to assess hygiene and traceability
Common mistake: Choosing the wrong scope. There are separate BRC standards for Food, Packaging, and Storage & Distribution—each has a different audit approach.
Packaging Manufacturers & Material Suppliers — Meeting Retail-Level Expectations
If you design, produce, or print packaging used for food, BRC Packaging & Materials is often expected—especially for suppliers who support national chains, private-label programs, or high-volume retail lines.
For these companies, certification isn’t just about compliance—it’s a competitive differentiator.
Pro Tip: Use certification as part of your marketing and tender documents. It signals reliability and reduces customer onboarding friction.
Private-label suppliers sometimes underestimate how much scrutiny comes with producing branded goods. Retailers need the assurance that every decision aligns with their brand risk tolerance—not just regulatory compliance.
Having BRC V9 certification tells retailers:
Your processes are consistent
Food safety is systematic
Legal, authenticity, and labeling risks are controlled
For contract manufacturers, certification often unlocks access to higher-value customers and longer-term agreements.
Companies Preparing for Export — Certification as a Competitive Advantage
If you’re aiming to sell into the UK or European markets, BRC certification reduces the need to prove your food safety management system repeatedly.
Distributors, buyers, and regulators already recognize the standard.
I’ve seen medium-sized brands expand faster simply because BRC certification made them immediately acceptable to international customers—without long negotiation cycles.
Small & Medium-Sized Businesses — When BRC Is Still Worth It
SMEs sometimes assume BRC is “for the big guys.” And yes, implementation requires investment. But many smaller companies use certification as a way to professionalize operations, reduce rejected shipments, and improve consistency.
You don’t need to be a multinational to benefit from structure.
Pro Tip: A phased implementation plan helps SMEs build capacity realistically without overwhelming the team.
FAQs — Who Needs BRC V9 Certification?
Do startups need BRC before launching? Not always. But if you plan to supply retailers, build requirements into your roadmap early.
We sell locally. Is BRC necessary? Maybe not—but it becomes valuable if you plan to scale, expand geographically, or supply private-label customers.
Is ISO 22000 or HACCP certification enough instead of BRC? For most retail supply chains—no. Retailers often consider them complementary, not interchangeable.
Conclusion — Deciding Whether BRC V9 Makes Sense for You
Whether BRC certification is required depends on your market, customers, and long-term strategy. For some organizations, it’s a non-negotiable entry requirement. For others, it’s a strategic move to build credibility, win new contracts, and strengthen operational consistency.
After guiding many businesses through the decision phase, one thing is clear: Choosing certification proactively—not reactively—always leads to better outcomes.
Melissa Lavaro is a seasoned ISO consultant and an enthusiastic advocate for quality management standards. With a rich experience in conducting audits and providing consultancy services, Melissa specializes in helping organizations implement and adapt to ISO standards. Her passion for quality management is evident in her hands-on approach and deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks. Melissa’s expertise and energetic commitment make her a sought-after consultant, dedicated to elevating organizational compliance and performance through practical, insightful guidance.
