QIMA/WQS sponsors GFSI Conference
QIMA/WQS, a leading provider of supply chain compliance solutions, offers food-safety and audit solutions, from farm to fork, through GFSI-recognized certifications (PrmiusGFS, GLOBAL G.A.P, SQF and BRCGS), food certification schemes, sustainable protocols, inspections and training.
“At the moment, we are joining forces with all of our food business units in order to enhance and provide a full portfolio of services that encompass fresh produce inspections, food safety and sustainable certifications,” said Ana Paula Broto, global operations director of QIMA/WQS.
The company recently sponsored the GFSI Conference, which took place April 24-27 in Atlanta. The annual three-day conference brings together food-safety leaders and experts from around the world to reaffirm their strength and continuous collective drive to address industry challenges.
“This is the first year we have sponsored the GFSI Conference,” Broto said. “It provided a valuable platform to showcase our commitment to food safety, quality and sustainability.”
Broto represented QIMA/WQS at the conference, along with several other members of her team, including Liz Salinas, sales director for North America; Kim Sobotka, business development manager for manufacturing standards; and Andreia Magalhaes, a member of QIMA/WQS’s sister company in Portugal called Certis.
There were many beneficial aspects of the conference, Broto noted, including the networking opportunities, meeting potential clients and partners, and learning about the latest industry advancements.
“Attending the conference enabled us to stay up to date on the latest developments within the GFSI and the food industry as a whole, including important updates and insights on topics such as auditor competence, capability building, professional development and the GFSI’s Global Markets program.”
QIMA/WQS plans to have a presence at many upcoming conferences and trade shows as well, including Hortitec, IFPA’s Brazil Confernece & Expo, IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show and Asia Fruit Logistica.
Photo: Director of Sales for North America Liz Salinas; Andreia Magalhaes, Certis industry manager; Business Development Manager Kim Sobotka; and Global Operations Director Ana Paula Broto.
Maggie Giuffrida
About Maggie Hanna | 
Maggie Hanna received a bachelors of arts degree in journalism from the University of Arizona in 2010. After graduating, she went to work for Bauer Publishing — first as an intern for TWIST Magazine and later as an online editor for 4TNZ.com. In February of 2012, Maggie accepted the position of assistant editor at The Produce News. Over the years her role evolved to include hosting videos for PNTV and handling the company’s social media accounts. In February of 2022, Maggie took a step back from her full-time responsibilities at The Produce News to welcome her first child. She now works as a staff writer for the publication. Maggie and her husband, Grant, and son, Griffin, live in Phoenix, AZ.
