Case Study: GMP Certification for an Olive Farm and Processing Facility in Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
Introduction
In the food and agriculture industry, maintaining hygiene, safety, and product quality is paramount. This is especially true for olive oil production, where farming, processing, and packaging conditions directly impact the product’s safety, shelf-life, and compliance with international regulations.
This case study highlights how MaxiCert successfully guided a leading olive farm and processing unit based in Sakaka, Al Jouf region of Saudi Arabia, in achieving Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification, enhancing both its operational reliability and market credibility.
Client Overview (Confidential)
The client is a large-scale olive farm with integrated oil extraction and processing operations. Located in the fertile region of Sakaka, the facility plays a vital role in local agricultural development and exports premium-grade olive oil. With ambitions to scale globally, the company sought GMP certification to align with international food safety standards and improve operational discipline.
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Observations from the Initial Gap Analysis
MaxiCert conducted a thorough Gap Analysis across all operational areas — farm, factory, and staff housing. Key findings included:
Farming Operations
- Use of chemical fertilizers without periodic soil/water testing
- Lack of fencing to prevent trespassing
- Manual weed control and uneven roadways
- Unsafe placement of fuel tanks near generators
Factory Processes
- Irregular hygiene and cleaning routines in pressing, malaxation, and separation processes
- Improper storage tank cleaning and sediment settlement
- Inadequate temperature control in processing and storage
- Manual filling of containers and unmonitored personal hygiene practices
- Insufficient pest control, fire hazard readiness, and waste management
Workforce & Camp Conditions
- Lack of PPE and health & safety awareness
- No formal training in fire safety, hygiene, or first aid
- Unhygienic worker washing areas and insufficient garbage disposal arrangements
These observations indicated a significant need for process restructuring, documentation, and infrastructure upgrades to meet GMP requirements.
Our Approach
MaxiCert adopted a structured, hands-on approach tailored to agricultural and processing operations:
Customized SOP Development
We developed comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each process — from fruit harvesting to oil packaging — ensuring all practices aligned with GMP principles.
Infrastructure Improvement Guidance
Recommendations were made for:
- Installing fences, water filters, calibrated temperature monitors, and fire extinguishers
- Reorganizing fuel and generator zones
- Introducing CIP (Cleaning in Place) protocols for machinery
Training & Awareness
Training sessions were conducted for operational staff and supervisors on:
- GMP principles
- Hygiene protocols
- Emergency preparedness (fire drills, first aid)
- Proper use of PPE
Record-Keeping and Monitoring Systems
We implemented basic logs for:
- Water and temperature testing
- Equipment maintenance
- Cleaning schedules
- Pest control routines
Certification Preparation
A pre-audit readiness assessment was conducted to ensure full compliance with GMP requirements before the final audit.
Outcome
Following the implementation phase, the facility underwent an external GMP audit and successfully received GMP certification. The outcome was transformational for the business:
- Increased credibility for export and retail markets
- Alignment with global best practices in food processing
- Improved hygiene, safety, and traceability across operations
- A repeatable, documented system for continual improvement
Client Impact
With GMP certification in place, the olive farm now enjoys:
- Stronger relationships with buyers and distributors
- Higher product confidence from consumers
- A foundation for future certifications (ISO 22000, HACCP, etc.)
MaxiCert continues to provide ongoing compliance support to the client as part of its post-certification service.
Conclusion
This case study showcases MaxiCert’s deep expertise in guiding Agriculture-based industries toward globally recognized certifications. From field to bottle, every step was aligned with GMP principles — building a safer, more reliable, and competitive olive oil production system in Saudi Arabia.
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FAQ
What is GMP certification and why is it important for food/agriculture businesses?
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) is a system that ensures products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. It helps minimize risks such as contamination, mix-ups, and errors in food production.
How long does it take to get GMP certified?
The process usually takes 2 to 4 months, depending on the facility’s size, current practices, and readiness. This includes gap analysis, implementation, training, and external audit.
Can small farms or local producers get GMP certified?
Yes. GMP certification can be tailored for small, mid-sized, or large producers. The focus is on hygiene, safety, and process control — all achievable with the right guidance and commitment.
Does GMP help with export and retail approvals?
Absolutely. GMP certification is often a prerequisite for international trade, retail partnerships, and government contracts — especially in the food and agriculture sectors.
