Technical & Quality
All suppliers are regularly audited and approved to meet recognised industry standards and codes of practice, and can demonstrate their reliability to supply products that are safe, legal and of a consistent quality to meet our customers’ exacting specifications.
‘Quality’ covers both the intrinsic safety of products and the look, aroma and the taste. Our well-established procedures ensure that all products comply with the technical definition of quality, meeting the Food Safety Act (1990) and other relevant UK and EU legislation, as well as satisfying consumers’ demands for quality on their plate.
The experience and expertise of our Technical Managers supports our producers and distributors worldwide to deliver exactly what our customers want, when they want it:
- Checking all products on arrival in the UK to continuously monitor and analyse quality indicators, providing feedback for improvements to meet customer needs and expectations.
- Controlling every aspect of new product development (NPD) at every stage from initial concept to launch, including forward monitoring of production and distribution.
- Attending first and subsequent production runs accompanied by or on behalf of customers, and supporting announced Audits as required.
- Ensuring all packaging and product labelling meets the requirement of UK and EU food labelling and associated regulations.
LDH are committed to ethical sourcing of products and require our suppliers to comply with local laws governing labour, employment, and health and safety.
We nurture relationships with our long-term suppliers, some of whom have been involved with us for more than 30 years.
Development of new buying areas is on-going in an unpredictable world and we ensure that alternatives are available as the global marketplace becomes increasingly competitive.
Our process includes every aspect of product development, production and provision including:
- New Supplier Approval
- Existing Supplier Monitoring and Assurance
- Update and Review of Sedex and Ethical Audits
- Management of Specifications
- Packaging Review and Approval
- Monitoring, Investigating and Trending Complaints
- Product Quality Assurance
- Management of New Product Development
- Traceability of all stock distributed in the UK (via SAP)
Recognition and Awards
2014 Great Taste ★
Finest Orzo Pasta
2014 Great Taste ★
Extra Special Mezzi Paccheri
2014 The Grocer Food & Drink Awards
Extra Special Mezzi Paccheri Pasta
October 2013 IGP award
The prestigious IGP recognition for geographic protection for Bronze Die pasta from Gragnano
2013 Great Taste ★
Finest Hot Smoked Mackerel in Sunflower Oil
2013 Great Taste ★
Finest Cook’s 85% Ghanaian Chocolate
2013 Great Taste ★
Cook Italian Penne Pasta
2013 Great Taste ★
Great Stuff Animal Shapes Pasta
2013 UK Technical Supplier Conference
TFMS Award
2012 Great Taste ★★
Mackerel Fillets in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2012 Great Taste ★
Cook Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2011 The Grocer Food & Drink Awards
Finest Tomato and Mascarpone Pasta Sauce
2011 Great Taste ★★
Finest Albacore Tuna Steak in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2011 Great Taste ★
Finest Free Range Egg Fettuccine
2011 Great Taste ★
Cook Italian Linguine Pasta
2011 Grocer Award Silver
Finest Tomato and Mascarpone Pasta Sauce