We Are Iyalago
At Iyalago, we are committed to helping businesses maintain the highest food safety and quality standards. With expert consulting, training, and auditing, we provide the support you need to stay compliant and operate with confidence.
Where It All Started
Iyalago Food Assurance Consultants cc (IFAC) is a consulting company based in Walvis Bay, Namibia, which provides Food Safety and Quality Assurance interventions (training, auditing and consulting services) for food businesses and individuals, to produce and sell safe food to consumers. It was established in April 2017, due to an immense demand for locally based consultants in the fishing industry, in Namibia. Our Fishing industry clients needed our services to help them obtain certification from various regulatory and certification bodies.
Soon after, IFAC’s success in the Fishing industry, other industries such as poultry, food service and dairy began to use our services. As more food processing establishments take the route of implementing food safety and Quality Management Systems, it is our objective to ensure that every organization gets the opportunity and assistance they need to meet their target in product quality assurance.
Mission
To fortify food safety and sustainability in Namibia’s food industry and beyond. We provide value through bespoke training, thorough auditing, expertise and the creation of efficient food management systems, ensuring safe, sustainable and compliant food manufacturing.
Vision
To be a highly effective and competitive organisation that expands food safety compliance within Namibia and across the borders.
Our Values
In our endeavor to deliver exceptional customer service we are guided by the following values
Guaranteed responsibility and professionalism
Positive attitude and cooperation
Excellent response efficiency
Swift service delivery
Compassion
Why Us
Why Choose Us
With industry expertise, tailored solutions, and a commitment to excellence, we help businesses navigate food safety regulations with confidence and ease.
Availability and Accessibility
IFAC is a Namibian-owned, consultancy operating from Walvis Bay, the heart of the fishing industry, making us readily available to provide you with swift and professional service.
Language Advantage
We break language barriers by availing training in various Namibian Languages and further offer translated training material for crew of foreign vessels.
Value For Customer
We value being proficient, focusing on detail, offering a world-class approach in consulting and training that is easily applicable in food businesses.
Proven Certification Success
Our clients consistently achieve new certifications and successful re-certifications, thanks to our results-driven consulting and training programs in Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
Food Safety Management Experts
Gain peace of mind as we take care of your food compliance needs. With our expert guidance, you can seamlessly integrate food safety and quality assurance into your business strategy, allowing you to focus on what you do best.
Meet The Founders
With over 25 years of combined experience in food safety and quality assurance, our founders bring deep industry expertise and a commitment to helping businesses achieve the highest compliance standards.
Ruth Martinez Lago
Co-Founder & CEO
Ruth is a co-owner and Managing Consultant with over Fifteen (+15) years’ experience in quality assurance and Food Safety in the Food industry. Ruth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from the University of Namibia and a Post graduate diploma in Project management from Regent Business school.
Ruth has successfully completed CQI/ IRCA Lead Auditor training in FSSC 22000 and has extensive experience in Thermal Processing and inspection of Canned Fish products.
Prior to co-founding Iyalago Food Assurance Consulting, Ruth worked for Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) at the Fisheries Inspectorate as a Food Inspector and then later as Senior Food Inspector in the same Institution. Thereafter, she worked for United Fishing Enterprises as a Quality Manager, where she successfully steered the organization to FSSC 22000 certification.
Vera Iiyambo
Co-Founder & COO
Vera is the co-founder and Managing consultant with over fifteen (+15) years’ experience in quality assurance and Food Safety in the Food industry. Vera is a University of Namibia graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. Vera has extensive knowledge in Food Safety training and on the design and implementation of Quality Management Systems which was obtained from intensive International Leadership Training and Quality Management Courses at TÜV Rheinland University in Germany.
Prior to co-founding Iyalago Food Assurance Consultants, she worked for NovaNam Group of Companies based in Lüderitz for 3 years as a Quality System Administrator before transferring to Deep Ocean Processors in Walvis Bay as Quality Head of Department. Within a year, she took on the responsibility of Quality Manager. After leaving NovaNam, she went on to work for United Fishing Enterprises as Quality Assurance Coordinator where she honed her practical skills in leading organisations in implementing and maintaining both IFS and FSSC 22000 Food Safety certifications. Vera is passionate about training and sharing her experience with people and clients have often commended her and IFAC for her
Meet the Experts Behind Your Food Safety Success
Our dedicated team of food safety professionals brings years of experience, industry knowledge, and a passion for ensuring quality and compliance in every aspect of your business.
Ruth Martinez Lago
Lead Auditor | Executive Trainer | Food Safety Expert
BSc Natural Resources; PGDP Project Management; MBA
- 16+ years’ experience in Food inspection, manufacturing
- Competent in various Food safety disciplines: auditing (Bureau Veritas), allergen management (FACTS SA), Implementing Food Safety Culture (Progress excellence); Entrepreneurship and business management (AWEC); HACCP training (HACCP Mentor), ISO 9001.
- Food Safety Systems expert and project management experience
Vera Iiyambo
Executive Trainer | Food Safety Consultant
BSc Natural Resources, Quality managerin (Total Quality management), Entrepreneurship Training
- 16+ years’ experience in Food inspection, manufacturing
- Competent in various Food safety disciplines: Quality management (TÜV Rheinland University); Food safety (Merieux Nutri sciences, Facts SA); Global Gap Assurer (Global gap through Namibian Agronomic board) for fruit and Vegetable produce; ISO 9001.
- Food Safety Systems expert and trainer.
Nicolene Hepute
Food Technologist | Food Safety Consultant | Trainer
BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology
- 4+ years’ experience in Fishing vessel HACCP management, Food inspection, manufacturing and auditing.
- Competent in various Food safety disciplines (HACCP, Internal Auditing, ISO 9001)