Eightacre, grocery wholesaler in the residual stock sector, has gained ISO 9001:2000 standard recognition.

The successful transition from ISO 9002:1994, which was first attained by the company in 1995, accredits the Essex-based company for its high standards in quality management, technology and practice.

Marketing director Phil Yard said: "We are delighted to be recognised in this way as we have always taken pride in our totally transparent business practice. Our partners feel happy and reassured that our systems mirror theirs."

The main areas affected by the standard changes are: the focus on customer satisfaction with better product understanding, quality management systems reflecting business processes and the collection and measurement of data in order to improve products, methodology and quality systems.

Eightacre specialise in surplus stock management, buying residual product from various sectors including food and drink and chilled products. The goods are then sold on to regional wholesalers, small distributors and market traders in the UK and Europe. The company turned over £40 million in 2003.

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