As discussed in our previous article, IFS Progress is the first step toward achieving IFS Food Certification, an internationally recognized benchmark for food safety and quality. If you are unfamiliar with the program, we recommend learning about its purpose and maturity model before exploring the implementation process.
Organizations worldwide are adopting IFS Progress to strengthen their food safety systems and enhance their competitiveness. While beginning this journey may seem challenging, the program’s structured maturity levels make implementation both practical and achievable.
Most organizations start at the Basic Level, gradually improving their management systems over time. This staged approach provides flexibility while encouraging continuous improvement.
The following roadmap outlines the typical implementation process. Depending on your organization’s maturity and business context, the exact sequence may vary.
Step 1 – Define Your Scope
IFS Progress applies to several sectors within the food supply chain, including food production, logistics, and other related activities.
The first step is identifying the scope that reflects your organization’s operations.
Some businesses perform multiple activities—for example, food processing and transportation—which may require broader implementation efforts.
Clearly defining the scope ensures that food safety practices are aligned with operational realities and applicable program requirements.
Step 2 – Implement the Program Requirements
Once the scope has been established, the organization should begin implementing the management practices required by the program.
These commonly include:
- Documented information control
- Food safety risk management
- Traceability systems
- Hygiene practices
- Food safety controls
- Operational procedures
The extent of implementation depends on both the organization’s current maturity and the level it intends to achieve (Basic, Intermediate, or IFS Food Certification).
Organizations with an already mature Food Safety Management System (FSMS) may require few or no significant changes before undergoing an assessment.
Successful implementation also requires active leadership involvement and employee training, since IFS Progress evaluates not only documented procedures but also how they are applied in daily operations.
Gap Analysis – A Highly Recommended Practice
Although not mandatory, conducting a Gap Analysis before the assessment can significantly simplify implementation.
An internal assessment helps organizations determine:
- Which requirements are already fulfilled
- Which improvements are still necessary
- Which maturity level is realistically achievable
Depending on organizational maturity, the Gap Analysis may be performed either before or after initial implementation activities.
Organizations that are new to management systems often benefit from conducting the assessment first, using the results as an implementation roadmap.
More mature organizations frequently use Gap Analysis to validate existing practices and identify opportunities for refinement before the external assessment.
In many cases, organizations discover that operational practices are effective but lack formal documentation or standardized implementation.
Step 3 – Select a Certification Body and Complete the Assessment
The assessment must be performed by a certification body authorized to conduct IFS Progress assessments.
During the evaluation, auditors review the organization’s Food Safety Management System by examining:
- Documented information
- Operational records
- Facilities
- Production processes
- Employee practices
- Interviews with personnel
- Food safety controls
- Additional operational evidence
Based on the assessment results, the organization receives recognition corresponding to its level of compliance with the IFS Progress requirements.
Achieving Recognition and Driving Continuous Improvement
The purpose of IFS Progress extends beyond obtaining recognition.
The program measures organizational maturity and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement.
Organizations may achieve one of three maturity levels:
- Basic Level – Approximately 45% compliance with IFS Food requirements
- Intermediate Level – Approximately 70% compliance
- IFS Food Certification – Full compliance with IFS Food requirements
After achieving recognition, organizations should continue improving their Food Safety Management System.
Many companies use IFS Progress as preparation for full IFS Food Certification or other internationally recognized food safety standards such as ISO 22000.
Unlike traditional ISO certifications, IFS Progress is primarily recognized as a structured development program that demonstrates operational maturity and continuous improvement rather than full certification.
Its objective is not simply to approve or reject organizations but to encourage continuous progress until they are ready to achieve more advanced certification.
IFS Progress – The First Step Toward Food Safety Excellence
Even organizations with limited experience in food safety management can successfully participate in IFS Progress.
The program provides an accessible framework for demonstrating commitment to food safety while building the knowledge, processes, and organizational culture necessary for long-term success.
The opportunity to progress through increasingly demanding maturity levels also strengthens market credibility and highlights an organization’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Ultimately, achieving IFS Progress recognition represents far more than completing an assessment.
It marks the beginning of a structured journey toward operational excellence, stronger food safety practices, and sustainable business growth.
