Who are we?

IFPS is the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) and is comprised of national produce associations from around the globe.

The long-term objective of the federation is to improve the supply chain efficiency of the fresh produce industry through developing, implementing and managing harmonised international standards.

IFPS, previously known as The International Federation for Produce Coding (IFPC), is a coalition of fruit and vegetable associations from the around the globe that joined together in 2001 as equal partners to pursue the task of introducing a global standard for the use of international Price Look-Up (PLU) numbers.

Principles and Bases for Food Safety Policies

The principles and bases for Food Safety Policies are put forward as the basis on which SHAFFE and IFPS members can jointly and separately engage retailers and interested parties (e.g., consumer groups), particularly those in the EU, to discourage them from implementing commercial “food safety standards” that go beyond legal requirements. Beside some general principles, others are grouped into Food Safety/Consumer Assurance Principles, Trade Principles, and Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) Principles.

Food poisoning outbreaks associated with the consumption of fresh produce are extremely rare. Good agricultural practices, hygiene preparations and packaging minimise the potential for contamination. The fresh produce industry has stringent standards in place to ensure that consumers can enjoy healthy, good quality fresh produce. Fresh produce is an essential part of a healthy diet, and retailers and others can all play their part in maintaining consumer confidence.

Full document.

Objectives IFPS

The long term objective of the federation is to improve the supply chain efficiency of the fresh produce industry through developing, implementing and managing harmonised international standards.

Board of Directors

The current Board of Directors consists of:

Gry Sorensen, Norges Frukt-og Gronnsaksgrossisters Forbund (Norway) – Chair

Rebecca Lee, Canadian Horticultural Council - Vice Chair

Ed Treacy, Produce Marketing Association (US)

Jane Proctor, Canadian Produce Marketing Association

Richard Schouten, Fresh Produce Center (Netherlands)

Nigel Jenney, Fresh Produce Consortium (UK)

Dr. Hans Maurer, United Fresh New Zealand

Charif Christian Carvajal, ASOEX (Chile)

Tom Stenzel (Interim Board Member), United Fresh Produce Association (US)

Members of IFPS

The following national produce associations are IFPS members:

Asociacion de Exportadores de Frutas de Chile (ASOEX)
Canadian Horticultural Council
Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Fresh Produce Consortium (UK)
Frug I Com (Foundation Platform Fresh Chain Information, The Netherlands)
Norges Frukt-og Gronnsaksgrossisters Forbund (Norway)
Produce Marketing Association (US)
Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand
United Fresh (New Zealand)
United Fresh Produce Association (US)

Associate Members:

GS1 Global
Sinclair Systems (US)

Members are recognized on the member of logo.

IFPS Structure Now

IFPS was incorporated in 2006, under the Companies Act 1985 [in England and Wales], with the registered office in the UK, and the Secretariat office in the US. The registered office is managed by our colleagues at The Fresh Produce Consortium, whilst the Secretariat is hosted by PMA.

The General Assembly is controlling the Board of Directors. IFPS has established four Board Committees, the specialist of our members, for the different issues.

Food Safety Committee
Product Identification Committee
Chain Information Management Committee
Communications Committee