OUR EXPERTISE

OFCO the seafood specialist with common sense, offering the most valuable Consulting and Inspection services in Vietnam.

"Our expert advice help our customers obtain the optimal deal, while our inspections secure every purchase."

INSPECTION SERVICES

More than just providing Inspection services, our objective is to support our customers on their seafood purchase from Vietnam using international norms as guide and applying common sense to make objective inspection reports to help our clients to make informed and well-advised decisions.

inspection services

CONSULTING SERVICES

OFCO brings its in-depth expertise and knowledge of the seafood Vietnamese market, to give the best advises and information to our clients. The full power of OFCO is to combine its Consulting services in all its Inspection Services.

consulting

"While norms are necessary, they don’t guarantee a good product"

OFCO, THE SEAFOOD SPECIALIST WITH COMMON SENSE

You need a seafood specialist - Not only a norms specialist

In the complex and regulated world of seafood, you need more than just a specialist in norms. While the industry is governed by strict international standards, and their correct application forms the basis of any inspection, this alone is not sufficient. Common sense is equally crucial. Applying norms and standards without a genuine understanding and without the use of common sense can lead to unreliable results and even compromise quality.

Obsession with standards can even be detrimental to quality.

At OFCO, we take pride in our deep expertise in the seafood industry. Our independence strengthens our commitment to providing objective inspections, helping our clients make informed and well-advised decisions. While we use international norms as a guide, our real strength lies in the application of common sense to our inspections.

Quality is subjective. Some norms, often considered objective, can be less precise and objective than the subjective observation of fillets by an expert.

Health authorities often resort to values that can be measured scientifically and objectively for convenience, even if these values don’t necessarily correlate with quality. In the end, professionals comply either to avoid complications or to use these authority-endorsed values as marketing tools. The Nutri-Score, adopted in several European countries, could be a prime example. It’s highly ‘marketable’ and easy to measure, but the questioning of its effectiveness by several nutritional experts doesn’t seem to pose a problem. The moisture levels in pangasius fillets are strictly controlled on documents in some countries, although no strictly correlated with quality.

Indeed, achieving quality with Pangasius is challenging without a professional approach.

These inadequate norms, far from objective, often prove to be counterproductive.

While norms are necessary, they don’t guarantee a good product.

The smell, texture, treatment, packaging, overall appearance of the product, and the specific characteristics of each species are crucial factors in determining whether a product is good or not. These specifications are subjective and cannot be solely measured by rigid norms or confined by official international standards.

SEAFOOD INSPECTIONS ARE OUR EXPERTISE, BUT THESE ARE NOT OUR ONLY SERVICES.

OFCO made a strong debut in 2007 as trader and agent. However, Jean-Charles Diener made the strategic decision to gradually phase out agency and trading services in 2008. By 2011, OFCO had completely ceased these services to concentrate on what we excel at: inspection and consulting services.

Why this shift?

At OFCO, we hold our integrity in high regard. We firmly believe in the principle that ‘we cannot be judge and party at the same time’ It’s our conviction that fair and impartial inspection of a consignment’s quality is impossible if we are involved in the purchase.

To prevent conflicts of interest, OFCO does not negotiate on behalf of buyers nor do we interfere with purchase prices. Nevertheless, our services encompass the beneficial aspects of a trader’s role, without the associated inconveniences and conflicts of interest.

With OFCO, your company’s interests in Vietnam will be safeguarded. You can rest assured that we will handle all the complexities of the seafood industry, allowing you to focus on your core business operations. With us, you won’t have to worry about navigating the intricate world of seafood trade - we’ve got you covered.

OFCO SERVICES ARE NOT FOR EVERY COMPANIES.

While OFCO offers a wide range of services across various seafood products, we’ve noticed a consistent pattern among our clients. They tend to adopt an upstream strategy, taking careful first steps with new suppliers, clearly outlining their needs and expectations upfront. This approach may seem overly cautious to buyers who prefer to address problems as they arise and quickly get down to business.

However, at OFCO, we believe that this upstream approach fosters enhanced cooperation, accelerates business development in the medium term, and promotes sustainable growth in the long run.

Also, contrary to initial perceptions, implementing standards to maintain consistent and appropriate quality can also contribute to long-term price competitiveness. While it may initially cause some friction, over time it fosters stronger cooperation between the seller and buyer.

Consequently, this not only helps buyers secure better prices, but also provides suppliers with more predictable demand and stronger relationships with their customers.

Another common trait among our clients is their familiarity with Vietnam. Many have been purchasing seafood in the country for over one or two decades. Some have established offices in Vietnam to support their purchases, while others plan to do so. OFCO’s services align well with these experienced buyers.

It’s also worth noting that many companies using our services were already making successful purchases in Vietnam before engaging us. We simply help them refine their buying process.

Does OFCO have the same international recognition as major international companies such as SGS or Intertek?

While OFCO does not have the same international recognition as major companies like SGS or Intertek, we have established a strong reputation within Vietnam. Over the years, companies purchasing in Vietnam have come to recognize OFCO’s expertise and reliability. Our focus remains on delivering quality services and building trust with our clients.
Can OFCO ensure that safety rules are respected during loading?

Ensuring safety during loading is a critical aspect of our work at OFCO. While we cannot directly interfere in the loading process, we take several measures to promote safety and minimize risks: Observation and Reporting: Our inspectors closely observe the loading process. If we identify any grave risks or safety violations, we occasionally provide suggestions. However, our primary responsibility is to objectively record what we observe during loading. Preventive Approach: We prefer to work upstream by offering recommendations before loading begins. By addressing potential risks early, we aim to reduce the likelihood of safety issues during loading. Supplier Responsibility: Ultimately, the safety of goods lies with the supplier. Our role is to objectively report what we observe, ensuring transparency and accountability. Remember that our commitment to quality and safety guides our actions. For further details, explore our ‘Sustainable Business’ section on our website.
What makes OFCO different from others?

Infallible System: Since our establishment in 2007, we have meticulously designed and implemented an infallible and incorruptible system. This system serves as the backbone of our operations, ensuring flawless execution and maintaining the highest standards. Key principles include: Working in Pairs: At least two inspectors of different nationalities participate in each inspection and audit. Contradictory Approach: Rigorous cross-checks and independent assessments prevent oversight and reinforce the integrity of our findings. Collaborative Reporting: After field inspections, our teams return to the OFCO office to collaboratively compile comprehensive reports. This dual perspective ensures thoroughness and precision. Local Expertise: With over 25 years of experience in Vietnam, we have an in-depth understanding of local practices and culture. Our insights help you navigate the market effectively. Quality-Focused: OFCO prioritizes quality control and ensures that your seafood products meet your specific requirements. Our preventive approach minimizes risks and enhances overall product quality and business stability. Transparent and Independent: We maintain transparency and independence. While we don’t negotiate prices directly, our focus is on providing objective inspection reports and valuable insights. Efficiency: Our streamlined processes and efficient communication ensure timely services. We guide you through essential steps, from procurement to delivery.
Who are OFCO’s inspectors?

OFCO’s inspectors are skilled professionals with diverse backgrounds. They hold engineering degrees or similar qualifications, primarily in agriculture, food technology, or fishing technology. Their extensive experience in food processing and quality control forms the bedrock of OFCO’s reputation. Their multicultural backgrounds and unwavering commitment to excellence propel sustained success. OFCO’s inspectors never work alone. Each task involves a minimum of two inspectors from different nationalities working together. This collaborative approach ensures thoroughness and precision in our quality control processes. For detailed information about OFCO’s inspectors, please explore ‘OFCO Team’ section on our website.
What is the Melanosis Test and why is it important?

The Melanosis Test is a quality check for shrimp, specifically designed to detect the presence of melanosis, a blackening condition that affects the appearance of the shrimp. Importantly, melanosis does not impact the safety or taste of the product. This test ensures that the visual appeal of the shrimp is maintained at the highest standard. For further details, please explore the ‘Our Inspection Services’ section on our website.
What types of seafood does OFCO inspect?

At OFCO, we meticulously inspect a diverse range of seafood products exported from Vietnam. Our coverage spans most species and items process in Vietnam, including but not limited to shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, pangasius, clams, and various value-added seafood products. Whether our clients purchase seafood in Vietnam or send their products for reprocessing, our comprehensive inspection services ensure quality and compliance. For detailed information, please explore the 'Products we inspect' section on our website.
Does OFCO inspect other products that Seafood?

Our expertise centers exclusively on seafood inspection without seeking to extend our services to other products. By narrowing our scope, we ensure quality work and true expertise. After all, one cannot be an expert in every field. Additionally, we limit our services to Vietnam to align seamlessly with the country’s culture. Each nation has its unique intricacies, and inspecting seafood in China, Peru, Iceland, and Vietnam demands distinct skills and approaches. For detailed information, please explore the ‘Our Presence’ section on our website.
Does OFCO conduct inspections outside of Vietnam?

Our services are intentionally limited to Vietnam, aligning seamlessly with the country’s culture. Each nation possesses unique intricacies, and inspecting seafood in China, Peru, Iceland, and Vietnam demands distinct skills and approaches. Furthermore, our expertise centers exclusively on seafood inspection. We deliberately avoid extending our services to other product categories. By maintaining this focused scope, we ensure quality work and true expertise. After all, one cannot be an expert in every field. For further details, please explore the ‘Our Presence’ section on our website.
Does OFCO work also as trader or agent?

OFCO services cover a part of the services traditionally cover by good trading and agent companies but at no moment, OFCO will offer services as trading and agent. So, the answer is ‘NO’. OFCO made a strong debut in 2007 as trader and agent. However, Jean-Charles Diener made the strategic decision to gradually phase out agency and trading services in 2008. By 2011, OFCO had completely ceased these services to concentrate on what we excel at: inspection and consulting services. At OFCO, we hold our integrity in high regard. We firmly believe in the principle that ‘we cannot be judge and party at the same time’ It’s our conviction that fair and impartial inspection of a consignment’s quality is impossible if we are involved in the purchase. To prevent conflicts of interest, OFCO does not negotiate on behalf of buyers nor do we interfere with purchase prices. Nevertheless, our services encompass the beneficial aspects of a trader’s role, without the associated inconveniences and conflicts of interest. For further details, please explore the ‘Our Expertise’ sections on our website
How can I apply for a job at OFCO?

You can check the 'career at OFCO’ section on our website.
How does OFCO avoid corruption?

At OFCO, we take a comprehensive approach to prevent corruption and maintain the highest ethical standards. Here’s how we ensure integrity: Infallible System: Since our establishment in 2007, we have meticulously designed and implemented an infallible and incorruptible system. This system serves as the backbone of our operations, ensuring flawless execution and maintaining the highest standards. Key principles include: Working in Pairs: At least two inspectors of different nationalities participate in each inspection and audit. Contradictory Approach: Rigorous cross-checks and independent assessments prevent oversight and reinforce the integrity of our findings. Collaborative Reporting: After field inspections, our teams return to the OFCO office to collaboratively compile comprehensive reports. This dual perspective ensures thoroughness and precision. Investment in Skills: Our unwavering commitment to talent development is paramount. We invest significantly in honing the skills of our teams. Their expertise, coupled with their multicultural backgrounds, propels our sustained excellence. Our inspectors hold engineering degrees or similar qualifications, primarily in agriculture, food technology, or fishing technology. People-Centric Approach: While our system, values, and strategies constitute the backbone of OFCO, it is ultimately the people who make OFCO. Our team’s dedication to upholding ethical standards ensures transparency and trust. As JC Diener wisely states, “Humans are always fallible, and I believe in the importance of systems.” For further details, explore our ‘Sustainable Business’ and 'Our Structure' sections on our website.
Can OFCO operate in the North of Vietnam ?

Yes, OFCO operates everywhere in Vietnam. OFCO office is based in Ho Chi Minh City in the South of Vietnam, however our teams regularly proceed for inspections in the center and in the north of Vietnam.
How does OFCO evaluate the treatment level on Pangasius fillets?

One of OFCO’s strengths lies in the accurate evaluation of the treatment level on Pangasius fillets. Our internal methodology, which has been developed and refined over years with several thousands of lots inspected, guarantees the reliability and accuracy of our results. This methodology is rooted in the expertise of our quality control inspectors, who bring years of experience and a deep understanding of the nuances of seafood inspection. A common mistake observed among buyers is the application of norms or standards without a proper understanding, which can lead to unreliable results and even hinder the development of quality. It’s crucial to understand that the treatment level of a fillet is not just about its moisture content, but also about the quality and the homogeneity of the treatment across different fillets and within the same fillet. To better understand this point, please refer to the question What is OFCO’s perspective on using moisture content analysis to control the quality of Pangasius fillet?