The AH-DLL GROW Add-on Certification is a private add-on standard that operates in conjunction with GLOBALG.A.P. IFA and is specifically addressed to producers and producer groups supplying fruits and vegetables to Albert Heijn and/or Delhaize.
It is not a standalone scheme, but rather a complementary requirement aligned with the specifications of these retail chains. For businesses operating within their supply chain, AH-DLL GROW serves as a key tool for compliance, risk management, and strengthening credibility towards buyers.
What is AH-DLL GROW and how it relates to GLOBALG.A.P. IFA
AH-DLL GROW is an add-on standard based on the producer’s existing compliance with GLOBALG.A.P. IFA for fruits and vegetables. This means that a valid IFA certification is a prerequisite for participation in the scheme.
The AH-DLL GROW assessment is not conducted as a separate audit cycle but is combined with the IFA inspection. This facilitates planning and reduces duplication of audits within the supply chain. This approach has been developed to enhance supplier flexibility and to better serve retailer requirements in the fruit and vegetable sector.
Requirements covered at farm level
The standard focuses on risk management at farm level and places particular emphasis on aspects directly affecting food safety and product quality.
The main areas include:
In practice, this translates into requirements that impact daily farm or handling unit operations, internal procedures, record-keeping, cleanliness, input control, and the way product integrity is ensured.
AH-DLL GROW has been developed to meet the increasing expectations of both consumers and retail chains regarding food safety and quality.
Assessment structure and compliance points
The assessment is based on a specific checklist comprising 29 Control Points and Compliance Criteria, which are evaluated together with the IFA for fruits and vegetables.
The requirements are classified as:
For Major Must points, 100% compliance is required, making proper preparation prior to the audit particularly critical.
For producers and producer groups, compliance is not merely a formal process. It requires structured implementation, clear documentation, and internal verification that all critical points are fully addressed. Conducting a self-assessment prior to the audit significantly supports the early identification of gaps and non-conformities.
Inspection process and role of the certification body
The AH-DLL GROW inspection is carried out annually by an independent and approved certification body. It is important that the same certification body performing the GLOBALG.A.P. IFA inspection also conducts the AH-DLL GROW audit.
Upon successful evaluation, a Letter of Conformance is issued with a validity of one year. The results are also uploaded to the GLOBALG.A.P. database and are accessible only to authorized users.
An experienced certification body, such as QMSCERT, can support proper audit planning, verification of participation prerequisites, and coordinated assessment alongside GLOBALG.A.P. IFA.
Preparation for the audit and required documents
Proper preparation prior to the audit is essential.
The producer or producer group should have available:
The checklist is not only used by the auditor but also serves as a practical internal self-assessment tool. Through a structured internal review, documentation verification, and confirmation of operational readiness, potential gaps can be identified in advance, reducing the risk of non-conformities during the audit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contact QMSCERT
If you are a fruit and vegetable producer or a producer group supplying, or planning to supply, Albert Heijn or Delhaize, QMSCERT can support you in the AH-DLL GROW audit in combination with GLOBALG.A.P. IFA
| Audit Information & Expectations | Application Form |
|---|---|
| F-2711 | F-2712.OP1, F-2713.OP2 |