Affirming the highest supply chain standards with AEO Certification

High standards in the chocolate production line

Family-owned Colombian chocolate company, Luker Chocolate, has achieved Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification — demonstrating the company’s total commitment to the security, safety and responsibility of its supply chain.

AEO Certification is only awarded after a stringent on and offsite audit, which has looked across Luker Chocolate’s entire operation, with practices and protocols validated by officials from the Authorized Economic Operator team.

Standards have been assessed from the manufacturing process all the way through to Luker Chocolate’s national and international supply chains to encompass physical, sanitary, technological and phytosanitary security. Certification has also demanded that Luker Chocolate’s supply chain partners meet the same strict benchmarks.

AEO certification meets the highest global standards — recognized by the Organization of American States — and is on a par with internationally accepted regimes such as the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) in the United States and AEO – Community Economic Operators in Europe.

Luker Chocolate’s certification also plays its part in strengthening Colombia’s economic and physical security. With officials now able to rapidly identify responsible companies who are AEO compliant, vital security resources can be focused on less responsible and potentially riskier operations and operators.

John Duque Restrepo, VP Supply Chain said, “We work hard to ensure the highest international standards in our supply chain. This certification is the latest milestone in this journey, assuring our customers of the safety and integrity of our supply chain. I am very proud of the work we have done as a team to achieve this certification.”

Camilo Romero, CEO of Luker Chocolate said, “For over a century, Luker Chocolate has stood by its commitment to excellence — both in terms of the chocolate we produce and the ways in which we create it. Our AEO certification re-affirms this commitment — proving that the security and safety of the supply chain, employees, partners and customers is our highest priority and revolutionises global standards.”