Kenyan chocolate leader Dairyland achieves prestigious FSSC 22000 global food safetycertification

KENYA – Glacier Products Limited (GPL), the company behind the iconic Dairyland chocolate and ice cream brands, has officially earned the globally recognised FSSC 22000 certification for its advanced chocolate manufacturing facility in Kikuyu, Kiambu County.

This landmark achievement positions Dairyland among an elite group of world-class chocolate producers trusted by leading retailers and consumers across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

The coveted certificate was presented by Mr. Kioko, SGS Kenya Certification Manager and Country Director, during an inspiring ceremony held on the closing day of World Quality Week 2025, under the powerful theme “Think Differently.”

Recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), FSSC 22000 is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and comprehensive food safety management standards in the world a benchmark that opens doors to the most demanding international markets.

A Remarkable Six-Month Journey to Global Excellence

Speaking at the event, Ms. Molly Abede, Head of Quality Assurance at GPL, shared the extraordinary story behind this achievement.

The state-of-the-art Kikuyu plant successfully transitioned from basic HACCP compliance to full FSSC 22000 certification in just under six months, a timeline that typically takes most manufacturers one to two years.

She explained that the ambitious journey began in December 2024 when senior leadership made the strategic decision to pursue the highest global food safety standard.

A thorough gap assessment followed in February 2025, paving the way for intensive staff training, a complete overhaul of documentation and processes, multiple internal audits supported by expert consultants, and finally a rigorous two-stage certification audit conducted by SGS in July 2025.

“Consumer safety has always been our north star,” Ms. Abede emphasized.

“Every year, at least 600 million people worldwide suffer from foodborne illnesses, and 420,000 lose their lives. We are determined that no one anywhere else in the world should ever fall ill because they chose to enjoy a Dairyland chocolate.”

She attributed the remarkable speed and success to unparalleled cross-functional collaboration.

From procurement sourcing only the finest imported cocoa and premium raw materials, production teams perfecting every process on the shop floor, warehousing implementing cutting-edge traceability systems that track every ingredient from origin to the final bar.

Logistics invested in temperature-controlled trucks equipped with real-time monitoring gadgets that report conditions even as the vehicles cross borders into Uganda or Tanzania.

Maintenance kept every machine running perfectly, no breakdowns, no surprises, even when the auditors arrived.

Unwavering Leadership Commitment from the Boardroom

According to Molly, directors and board members personally attended every monthly progress review and management meeting, often extending discussions for hours to ensure absolute perfection.

Director Situl Shah even stepped in to represent top management during a related audit at the ice-cream plant when needed.

“In most companies, the board focuses only on revenue,” Ms. Abede observed. “At GPL, our board asks first about food safety and quality, because they know it is the true measure of long-term success.”

Managing Director Mr. Deepak Shah reflected on the company’s inspiring 30-year evolution, from a modest operation with just 30–40 employees, limited resources, and minimal technical know-how, to a thriving Pan-African brand built on passion and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence.

“Thirty years ago, we had little capital and even less sophisticated machinery, but we had passion and one burning ambition: to build a world-class Kenyan company rooted in excellence in everything we do,” he said.

“This FSSC 22000 certification is not the finish line. It is our licence to innovate faster, grow bolder, expand into new markets, and continue earning the unwavering trust of millions of consumers across the continent and beyond.”

In his closing remarks, Mr. Kioko of SGS commended GPL’s exceptional maturity, visible passion, and top-tier leadership commitment, describing the audit as “one of the smoothest and most impressive” his team had ever conducted in the region.

With the FSSC 22000 certification now proudly displayed at its Kikuyu plant, Glacier Products Limited has solidified its position as a global premier chocolate manufacturer.

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