SALSA Go

Applications

This opportunity is appropriate for smaller and early-stage food and drink producers across all product categories. 

This funded opportunity is time-limited and shall not extend beyond 12 months from the start date given. During this time businesses will be supported towards making a confident, audit-ready application to SALSA.  

SALSA Approval is only granted to suppliers who can demonstrate to an auditor that they are able to produce safe and legal food and are committed to continually meeting the requirements of the SALSA standard. 

The programme will deliver expert support and guidance; however, a big part of the success will be dependent on the response from the business itself, a successful application leading to accreditation is not automatic. 

Applications are being continuously received for this programme and places are limited. 

Funding

Scotland Food & Drink will fund SALSA to work closely with you up to the point you are able to make a confident audit ready application. 

To participate a small contribution is required. 

• For Scotland Food & Drink member organisations the one-off cost is £400 +VAT. 
• Businesses that are not members of Scotland Food & Drink will be required to make a one-off contribution £700 +VAT.  

For Scotland Food & Drink members your contribution is circa 25% of the actual cost of the support that will be provided by SALSA. 

• When your business is “audit ready” you will have to meet the annual cost of SALSA registration and audit. This is typically £715 + VAT depending on the scale and complexity of the business. 

Once you are successfully certified by SALSA there could be some internal business costs to ensure you maintain the Certification. SALSA will give advice on the likely implications of this for the business, but on-going support and costs are not funded by Scotland Food & Drink. 

Process

The first stage will be for SALSA to carry out a prequalification assessment, a self-assessment and then ultimately a Mentor Gap Analysis, which will identify current business strengths and weaknesses matched against SALSA requirements. If suitability to work toward Certification is confirmed we will ask you formally, to commit to the programme. 

Only then will you be asked for your contribution. 

The programme includes the following; 

• Prequalification - this will ensure your eligibility for the programme. 
• Induction welcome pack and “Monthly Motivation” newsletters 
• Access to the SALSA Schemes online resources and telephone helpline 
• Introductory assessment. A Self-Assessment Questionnaire will be completed by you and submitted to SALSA for joint review, by telephone interview. 

• 2 Days SALSA Mentoring with a product technical specialist. Delivered on-site where possible, or remotely by prior agreement. 
• A bespoke Action Plan for implementing the SALSA Standard and tailored guidance on how to comply. 
• Closing review by telephone interview with SALSA. 

Application Process 

It is anticipated that there will be significant demand for participation in this SALSA opportunity. The purpose of the following questionnaire is to help select which businesses are best placed to benefit. 

The information disclosed in the form will be used for the selection of businesses. There is no restriction, all micro and SMEs can apply however Scotland Food & Drink members will pay a reduced rate. 

To be considered for participation we would ask you to give details that relate to the part of the business you feel need to achieve SALSA accreditation, rather than the whole of the group if the organisation forms part of a group.