Key Takeaways
- Where Food Comes From, Inc. has acquired the Upcycled Certified Program from the Upcycled Food Association.
- The Upcycled Food Association has certified 93 companies for over 480 products since launching the program in 2021.
- The nonprofit will continue supporting the industry while stepping back from verification activities.
Acquisition of Upcycled Certification
Where Food Comes From, Inc. (WFCF), a third-party verifier specializing in food production practices, announced its acquisition of the Upcycled Certified Program from the Upcycled Food Association (UFA). This program, launched in early 2021, became the first certification for the emerging upcycled food sector. To date, 93 companies have received Upcycled Certified status for more than 480 products, enabling the diversion of roughly 390,000 tons of food waste each year.
WFCF is a fitting custodian for the Upcycled certification, aligning with its commitment to vetting various food industry verification programs. The company already oversees certifications for organic and non-GMO foods, as well as humane animal treatment, and the addition of the Upcycled Program enhances its portfolio in this rapidly growing market sector.
As the UFA transitions away from verification, it aims to continue promoting the growth of the upcycled food industry. CEO Angie Crone expressed optimism about future collaborations that will support food waste reduction and empower upcycled food businesses to innovate and launch new products.
In summary, with the integration of the Upcycled Certified Program, WFCF strengthens its role in the sustainable food landscape, while the UFA focuses on fostering industry development. This strategic shift is expected to benefit both entities as they pursue their respective missions.
The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.