New York, New York – June 22, 2016 – Gourmet Factory, manufacturer of Capatriti and Lakonia Extra Virgin Olive Oils, has qualified for the highly coveted U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Quality Monitoring Program (QMP) seal. Immediately upon earning the seal, the company and its sales force began an aggressive outreach to buyers along with a targeted trade marketing campaign.
“In such a price conscious category, it is imperative to educate consumers on the product,” stated Andy Marsano, National Sales Director, Gourmet Factory. “Gaining the USDA QMP seal provides an extra level of assurance for our buyers and their customers and is the first step in the education process. The seal confirms our product is monitored for purity, quality and taste.”
The USDA Quality Monitoring Program verifies the purity and quality of the extra virgin olive oil through product testing and review of production processes. Gourmet Factory was required to meet meticulous program criteria in order to qualify for the seal. Upon entering the Quality Monitoring Program for extra virgin olive oil, the Gourmet Factory agreed to allow the USDA to conduct unannounced visits to review and inspect quality assurance records, test product samples and verify labels on an ongoing basis.
USDA’s product verification for extra virgin olive oil included chemical testing and flavor analysis. The USDA also reviewed the performance of the company’s production processes, quality assurance measures and record-keeping system. Under the program, USDA will continue to monitor the Gourmet Factory, conducting unannounced plant visits to verify quality assurance measures and test the extra virgin olive oils.
Capatriti and Lakonia EVOO products approved by the USDA QMP are now available in stores. Looking to continue with label transparency, again making it easier for consumers to know the products they are purchasing, the company is working on NON-GMO verification.
In support of earning the seal for Capatriti EVOO, their consumer brand, Gourmet Factory has created and distributed their first FSI which appeared in newspapers on June 12th. Additionally, the product has been featured in the nationally syndicated broadcast programs The Lifestyle List and Daytime TV.
About Gourmet Factory
Gourmet Factory is a family owned, New York based manufacturer of edible oils. The company is among the first in the country, and industry, to qualify for the stringent USDA Quality Monitoring Program seal for its extra virgin olive oils. For more than 45 years, the Gourmet Factory has provided the finest quality products in the retail and foodservice markets for American consumers’ palate. Products are marketed under various brand and private label names.
