Maintaining the highest standards of quality and food safety has become a key requirement for competing in European markets. In this context, Europlátano has renewed its IFS Food certification for 2026 at its plants in Tenerife South and Palomares, achieving the Higher Level—the top qualification granted by this international standard. This accomplishment positions Europlátano as the only company in the banana sector with this recognition in the Canary Islands.

The IFS Food (International Featured Standards) certification is one of the most demanding standards in the agri-food sector at the European level. Developed by distributor associations from countries such as France, Germany, and Italy, it serves as a benchmark for guaranteeing food safety, traceability, and control of production processes throughout the supply chain.

This certification is well-regarded and has a significant impact across the European Union, as it establishes a common standard for food safety during all operational processes and provides a uniform evaluation method. One fundamental principle of IFS Food, which aligns with Europlátano's work philosophy, is continuous improvement. Each audit presents a new challenge; meeting just the minimum requirements is insufficient. Organisations must demonstrate ongoing evolution in their management systems, production processes, and quality culture.

In the 2026 audit, Europlátano achieved scores of 95.79% at the Palomares plant and 97.78% at the Tenerife South plant. Although these figures show a slight decrease compared to the previous year, both facilities have maintained their Higher-Level rating, reflecting the effectiveness of the procedures implemented.

Beyond regulatory compliance, the IFS Food certification is cross-cutting, assessing essential internal aspects such as management responsibility, quality and food safety management systems, human and material resource management, production process planning and execution, measurement systems, and continuous improvement, as well as Food Defence protocols.

This comprehensive approach allows Europlátano to optimise production efficiency and strengthen its ability to respond to potential incidents, ensuring that its products reach the market with full guarantees regarding food safety. Well-defined, audited crisis protocols also add value to both customers and consumers.

From a commercial perspective, renewing the IFS Food certification enhances trust and transparency in customer relationships, facilitates access to new markets, and helps meet the requirements of the most demanding distributors. In summary, it serves as a strategic tool that solidifies Europlátano's commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.