The TAG System has been designed to:
Help buyers make informed produce purchases
Assist buyers in purchasing the quality of produce to meet their needs
Assist suppliers of quality product to be rewarded for their produce
It is a simple system, which requires suppliers to make a label claim on all the produce they market. The label claim is a guarantee to the buyer that the produce meets one of three standards. The system is self policing in that the buyer has a guarantee of quality standard; if this is not met, the buyer has a claim.
Where there is a dispute as to the label claim, there is provision for an authorised, independent quality assessor to decide whether the produce meets the label claim. IF not, the buyer can reject the goods.
The TAG system set a minimum standard (TAG 3) below which no produce can be marketed, to ensure that dumping of substandard product is eliminated.
Disclaimer
No warranty or representation whatsoever regarding the produce is given or made by or on behalf of Turners & Growers Fresh Ltd (TGFL) or Market Gardeners LTD (MGL). Without limiting the generality of this clause, TGFL and MGL do not warrant or represent:
a) that the produce is of the particular standard, quality or grade represented by the TAG or label;
b) that the information on any TAG, label or container of produce is accurate.
New Zealand's two leading companies (Turners & Growers Fresh and MG Marketing) have collaborated to develop the TAG system and ensure its smooth introduction. Please contact their sales staff for further information.
How the System Works
The system comprises of two parts:
1. Grade Standards (TAG STANDARDS)
A simple three grade standard system has been developed as follows:
TAG1 - this is the first grade for top quality produce
TAG2 - this is the secondary grade for good quality produce
TAG3 - this is the minimum grade for acceptable quality produce
The Quality Standard sheets describe in detail the requirements, grade allowances and defect allowances for each product.
For more details about TAG standards, click here
2. Labelling
A key component of the TAG Quality System is the labelling of produce.
- Labels must include the supplier's name, physical address and a description of product by type and variety.
- All produce must be labelled with the correct grade standard TAG1, TAG2, or TAG3 as determined by the quality standard specifications.
- Suppliers who do not label their produce to these requirements will be subject to rejection of the produce.
- At Turners & Growers, produce which has no TAG label will be subjected to a non compliance penalty of an additional $1.00 per package.
Wholesaler's Role
To introduce the system (after devising, funding, developing, communicating and consulting on the concept).
To refuse any produce unless each container carries one of the three label claims.
To assist in the system's introduction.
Supplier's Role
- To become familiar with the system and the specifications of all produce types to be marketed.
- To organise packaging, labels and quality assurance systems.
- To make label claims on every container of produce that is marketed.
Buyer's Role
- To become familiar with the system and the specifications of all produce types to be bought.
- To ensure that claims are made when produce appears to be out of grade.