Uganda: United Pearl Exporters strengthens HACCP compliance

Within the framework of the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, COLEAD provided targeted technical assistance to United Pearl Exporters Ltd (UPEL), a Ugandan exporter of fresh fruit and vegetables (chillies, okra, bananas, green beans…) to the European Union and the United Kingdom.

After participating in a COLEAD collective training on HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) in 2024, UPEL received post-training support to improve its food safety systems and progress towards certification.

Tangible progress
The support enabled:

• A comprehensive evaluation of food safety practices at the Kampala packhouse.
• The establishment of a HACCP team integrating agronomists, supervisors and management.
• Practical coaching to identify Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Prerequisite Programmes (PRPs), map production flows, and develop a Codex-compliant HACCP plan.

Long-term impact
As a result, UPEL now has a robust, documented HACCP plan and trained staff to drive continuous improvement. The company is therefore better prepared to achieve certification and access high-value export markets.

“COLEAD’s support was timely and transformative. We now feel confident to present our food safety guarantees to our buyers,” said Kariisa Deus, UPEL’s Director.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.