DLG TestService tests food products based on recognised scientific methods and defined quality standards – independent, objective and transparent. DLG awards help manufacturers communicate verified quality for products and processes in a clear and reliable way. They provide a reliable basis for demonstrating quality to retailers, foodservice operators, industry partners and international markets. In addition, they support quality benchmarking and help companies assess their position within a competitive environment.
DLG – Certified Quality | DLG – Annually Certified
The quality label: ‘DLG – certified quality’ has always stood for the tested quality of food. Our awards are based on a scientifically developed evaluation system. The sensory criteria of taste, smell, appearance and consistency are assessed. Packaging and labelling checks as well as laboratory tests are also included in the overall evaluation. The assessment is carried out by independent experts.
DLG Classic
Products that have successfully participated in DLG quality tests for at least five consecutive years are awarded the ‘DLG Classic’ distinction. The reference year is the first successful award year. Advertising with the mark is only permitted in direct spatial connection with the mention of the award-winning product(s). Use of the mark is automatically extended through successful annual participation in the respective DLG quality test.
DLG Federal Wine Awards
The DLG Federal Wine Awards is the leading quality competition for German wines and sparkling wines from all 13 growing regions. The best products have been honoured annually since 1951. As part of the competition, the DLG awards medals in ‘extra gold’, ‘gold’, “silver” and ‘awarded’ – a recognised quality label for outstanding wine quality in Germany. Special prizes for ‘Best Collections’, ‘Wine and Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year’ as well as the TOP 100 list of the best wine producers and the TOP 10 of the best sparkling wine producers round off the award portfolio.
German Wine Seal
For many decades, the German Wine Seal has been recognised as a trusted mark of quality for German wines. Wines bearing the German Wine Seal have achieved above-average results in the sensory evaluations conducted by DLG wine experts. These evaluations assess taste, aroma, colour and typicity – the key quality criteria for wines of outstanding enjoyment.
DLG-certified allergen management
The production-related DLG label stands for certified allergen management in food processing companies. The aim is to specifically prevent unintentional allergen contamination in production and to clearly communicate actual health risks using uniform, up-to-date and scientifically sound assessment criteria.
Milk Elite Ribbon
The award recognises farmers and dairies with outstanding milk quality, animal-friendly dairy farming and professional herd management. The award is presented annually – in five years of increasing ranks from white ribbon to bronze and silver to gold (each with a certificate, annual plaque and, every five years, a farm plaque).
Federal Award of Honour
The Federal Award Honour is presented to German food producers who achieved the best test results in the DLG food tests in the previous and current year. The award is presented annually by the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (BMLEH) separately for each product category. It is the highest honour that a German company in the food industry can receive for its quality achievements.
Award for long-standing product quality
With the ‘DLG Award for Long-standing Product Quality’, the DLG recognises the sustained commitment to quality of companies in the food industry. The award is presented annually to manufacturers whose products have successfully participated in DLG quality tests for at least five consecutive years and have regularly received awards.
DLG-certified wines VERY GOOD
The DLG product certificate ‘VERY GOOD’ in the wine, sparkling wine and semi-sparkling wine sector stands for quality from production to the sensory-tested end product. It guarantees the origin of the wines and their controlled production in the country of origin, as well as the sensory and analytical quality of the bottle. The wines undergo extensive quality analyses in the areas of sensory testing and laboratory testing. The DLG product certificate is awarded on the basis of an EU-recognised testing procedure for wine in accordance with wine law.
DLG product certificate for pet food
DLG TestService evaluates both the entire production process and the end product. All raw materials are checked, declarations and feeding instructions are reviewed, and analytical tests for contaminants are carried out. The practical methods are based on the latest scientific findings. Each tested product receives a product-specific DLG control number.
The appropriate award or certification depends on what you would like to have assessed. DLG TestService offers DLG product testing for the quality assessment of individual products. In addition, DLG provides awards and certifications for agricultural processes, for example in the areas of animal welfare and sustainability, as well as for companies that consistently demonstrate a high level of product quality over the long term.
DLG TestService distinguishes between product, process and company awards and certifications. Product assessments evaluate the sensory and analytical quality of individual food products. Process awards and certifications assess specific stages of production, for example in the areas of animal welfare or wine production. Company awards recognise an organisation’s sustained commitment to quality and performance over several years, as well as its achievements in sustainability.
A DLG TestService award or certification is always based on the successful completion of an assessment. To begin the process, you register your product or business for the relevant testing programme. The assessment is then carried out according to defined criteria. Depending on the results achieved, you may be granted the corresponding DLG award or certification.
DLG process-related awards and certifications focus on activities and procedures within the production process. Examples include programmes in the areas of animal welfare, sustainability and wine production. These assessments verify whether defined process requirements and standards are being met and consistently implemented in practice.
DLG TestService offers a range of specialised awards and certifications in addition to its general quality assessments. These cover specific product categories such as wine, pet food and individual food sectors. Each programme is based on product-specific testing methods and assessment criteria tailored to the particular requirements of the respective category.
Do you have any further questions?
Our contacts for food products will be pleased to assist you.