Berger is synonymous
with quality and consistency.

Highly competitive growers demand the highest performance standards for their crops. At Berger, providing top-quality and consistent growing mixes is our ultimate business objective and responsibility.

We obsess over every aspect of quality—from before production even starts, right up to when it is delivered to the customer. Here’s how:

Before production

Site selection

Berger believes that the key to producing high quality, consistent products begins at the site selection.  

When a new prospective harvesting site is found, experts are brought in to assess the quality of the bog and the peat it contains in order to evaluate its potential.

Field classification

Once the bog has been prepared and is ready for harvesting, the peat of each field is classified to determine its physical characteristics. Then, we can determine the blends required to produce our different peat products. This classification is performed every time we feel it is needed and is based on statistics and tests results.

Temperature control

During harvesting, peat piles are stored in the field before they are sent to the factory for packaging. The temperature of these piles is frequently monitored to ensure that the peat doesn’t degrade during this period.

During production

Peat moss analysis

Several tests are done directly on the peat moss to guarantee that the product is of consistently high quality and meets specifications.

Aggregate tests

Each aggregate, whether it is produced by Berger or another producer, is characterized upon production/reception, depending on the type of aggregate.  Moreover, with every new delivery, these tests are repeated to assess the specifications.

Other additives

Any other mix additive which is not considered an aggregate goes through a specific quality control analysis, depending on the nature and purpose of the additive.

Mixes

Once all the components have been analyzed and conform to Berger’s standards, the factory can start producing mixes. Certain variables can have an effect on the physical and chemical characteristics of the mix during production. Berger measures pH levels, electrical conductivity, particle size, density, moisture content, and wettability.

After production

Once production is complete, samples are sent to our laboratory for further quality control, such as chemical analysis. If a sample does not meet Berger’s standards, products are set aside.

Any product packaged at Berger, whether it is straight peat moss or a mix, must conform to our strict shipping standards in order to be approved for delivery. Depending on the type of product and the format, packaged items go through another series of tests to ensure that the appearance, yield, and weight are within norms.

Final assessments

Customers can further count on Berger’s product quality and consistency by knowing that all mixes are tested and approved before any shipment is made. If any bag, skid, or Skyscraper fails to meet any of the standards established by Berger, they are not sent to the customer. Prior to loading, a final verification of the products is performed to confirm that they are all still within Berger’s standards.  Moreover, another visual assessment is done to make sure no damage was sustained during storage.

Berger has complete traceability on each product shipped to our customers. From our bogs to the growers’ greenhouses, Berger can trace back each component to its source. This allows a rapid response to any challenge a customer may be having with a Berger product.

ISO certification

Since 1996, Berger is certified ISO 9001, proof of its commitment to the continuous improvement of quality and management at every level of our operations.

For more information on why Berger’s product quality and consistency remain unsurpassed, contact one of our specialists today!