Australia has a rich history of over 200 years of viticulture and winemaking, with distinguished sites and some of the oldest vines on the planet.
But with competition from large wine-producing countries and a growing emphasis on good business practices, there is increasing pressure on wineries to advance and differentiate their practices and products.
ISO certification is a feasible option for wineries looking to stand out from the crowd with reputable and trusted compliance and streamlined operations that provide a solid foundation for ongoing improvement.
The importance of ISO certification for wineries
Compliance with internationally recognised standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 sets wineries up with the systems needed to ensure every bottle is of the highest quality.
ISO certification is like getting a gold star for a business – it shows that they are serious, stable and committed to quality. As a result, consumers tend to prefer companies that have gone the extra mile and achieved compliance.
Done well, compliance leads to a myriad of benefits for wineries, including:
- Greater efficiency and productivity;
- Enhanced regulatory compliance;
- Improved risk management;
- Increased credibility and brand reputation;
- Established feedback and evaluation systems;
- Framework for ongoing improvement and growth;
- Access to global markets.
ISO certification in wineries: Key ISO standards to consider
Quality management with ISO 9001 compliance
ISO 9001 compliance is a valuable and effective way for wineries to demonstrate their commitment to quality management.
By adhering to the ISO 9001 standard, wineries can excel in areas such as:
- Quality control: ISO 9001 sets requirements for a quality management system, ensuring consistent, high-quality standards.
- Customer satisfaction: Certification demonstrates a winery’s commitment to providing quality products and services that meet customer expectations, which enhances customer confidence in products.
- Continuous improvement: Companies must continually improve their processes and systems, leading to increased efficiency and improved product quality.
- Competitive advantage: Certification can help wineries differentiate themselves from competitors and attract new customers who value quality.
ISO 14001 for environmental management
ISO 14001 is the go-to standard for organisations around the world looking to establish Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
This is particularly important for large sectors like the wine industry, which can leave a significant environmental footprint if not managed with sustainability in mind.
With ISO 14001 compliance, wineries can improve their reputation, profitability and long-term sustainability by showing through credible compliance that their operations are environmentally responsible. As consumers increasingly adapt their purchase decisions to focus on sustainability, with one in two Australians actively looking for greener products or services, compliance is becoming increasingly important to remain competitive in the market.
Certification also keeps proactive risk management at the forefront and ensures systems are agile for greater resilience in the face of environmental incidents.
Case study: Taylors Wines
Taylors Wines in South Australia has become the first independent Australian winery to join the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.
The family-owned company aims to cut 50% of its scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement’s objective of limiting climate change to 1.5°C. This target will help Taylors Wines become net-zero by 2050.
The winery has held ISO 14001 certification at its Clare Valley vineyard for over a decade, which helps it identify and control environmental impacts and improve management processes.
Taylors Wines CEO, Mitchell Taylor, emphasises the importance of every winery considering its environmental impact and taking action to ensure the industry’s sustainability.
Read more in this article from Eco Voice.
Get in touch to discuss the compliance needs of your winery
At Integrated Compliance Solutions, we help companies get certified to a range of ISO standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 27001.
Available Australia-wide since 2009, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you achieve your winery’s compliance goals. Get in touch to discuss your needs.