QIMA, a Hong Kong-based provider of quality control and supply chain compliance solutions, acquired World Quality Services (WQS), a Charlotte, N.C.-based provider of food certification, audit and training services.

Approved by GFSI-recognized schemes, including GLOBAL G.A.P., SQF, PrimusGFS, BRC and IFS), government bodies and major retailers, WQS provides third-party certification, auditing and inspection services across the whole food chain, from farm to retail. It also operates Train-to-Comply, a learning platform designed to educate businesses online and on-site about food compliance.

“WQS customers can immediately benefit from QIMA’s expanded services, notably our capabilities in ethical supply chain audits and food inspections in 85 countries,” says Sebastien Breteau, QIMA’s founder and CEO. “As food safety and traceability have made their way to the top of the agenda for consumers and supply chains alike, WQS’ services and leadership in schemes like animal welfare certification perfectly complement our offering to the food industry; we’re delighted to bring onboard a team that will be a key contributor of our future growth.”

“We’re excited to join the QIMA group and build this new chapter for WQS,” says Valmir Rodrigues, WQS’s founder and CEO. “We were looking for the right partner to join a global platform and expand our services to the food industry.”

This transaction will reinforce QIMA’s presence in North and Latin America.