Relationship between food industries maturity and quality certification

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the PDP (Product Development Process) maturity level in the food industry to identify the compatibility status of their quality certification and their maturity level.Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographical review was conducted about product development, maturity process, and Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI). An adapted method from CMMI was used, which allows evaluating the level of maturity, through a semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were applied in five companies of this industry and then, an analysis of the information obtained in each company was carried out and compared, aiming to understand the sector maturity.Findings: After conducting the interviews in each company, the median of each group of questions was calculated, according to the methodology described. Data collected from this sector show consistency between certification time and maturity level. Research limitations/implications: Due to the low number of respondents, this data cannot be generalized to this sector, being considered only an indication of the situation of the food industry located in Curitiba region. Practical implications: This study shows the relationship between the maturity level of food industry and ISO 9001 quality certification. The study shows that for the company to obtain an ISO certification, it must have been at least maturity level 2, highlighting, as well, the main deficiencies of this sector. Originality/value: The original value is to show the relationship between the maturity level of food industry and ISO 9001 quality certification.