Allow us to introduce ourselves

We offer solutions to help your business grow.

Business card FOCOS

WHO WE ARE

At FOCOS we are two independent consultants that have experienced parallel professional lives. We started as research scientists working for government agencies, and later decided to transfer skills to the private sector. The passion for food safety and food analysis as well as our involvement in international networks and working groups brought us together.

While initially the identification of cost-efficient analytical strategies for food allergens, gluten, GMOs, species identification, and irradiated products have been our core professional activities, we evolved our skill base significantly. We have taken additional roles as strategic advisors as well as public relations and scientific communicators.

Our know-how and skills developed during all these years allow us to apply 360° views to our brainstorming and decision-making processes as well as to provide comprehensive practical and disruptive approaches. We never stop exploring, monitoring developments and anticipating potential changes, always open to innovation, new technologies and effective communication as avenues to solve today’s problems. Because we love challenges, we are always open to new opportunities to network and to provide practical solutions to our engagement activities.

WHY US

More than 20 years’ experience in the food analytical sector, working with food laboratories, food industry, regulatory agencies and NGO’s.

In today’s global world, international experience is crucial. We are working across all continents and have a global network.

Recognized experts and thought leaders with many peer-reviewed publications and committee memberships and awards.

Complex problems require creative solutions. Our customers value our skills.

Planning ahead, taking multiple factors into account to provide strategic solutions to our customers. We encompass past, present and future by applying lessons learned, by looking at trends and game-changing factors as well as by anticipating potential changes that may affect your business.

We support lasting progress and sustainable advancement in the food safety field by helping start-ups and established diagnostic companies find their way into the food analytical world or expand their markets.

We are driven by innovation and creativity. We come from a background where method innovation and process innovation are key. We understand its crucial importance and you will find it in many of our solutions.

Staying ahead of the competition requires proactive approaches. This is a key asset in our business skill set.

Large companies often lack flexibility. We try our best to be available and accommodate our time to meet to your schedule and deadlines. Our approaches are flexible and tailored to our clients needs

We engage with you directly through our personalized service.

WHAT WE DO

WHERE EXPERTISE AND PASSION MEET

Strategy & Quality

STRATEGY & QUALITY

  • We developed mid-and long-term strategic roadmaps for different stakeholders in the food supply chain

  • Our work considers a wide range of factors thanks to our international perspective

  • Our work is performed to the highest quality standards

  • We set high ethical standards for the work we conduct

  • Participation in working groups of standardization organizations

Communication

NETWORKING & COMMUNICATION

  • Over 2000 contacts worldwide

  • Participation in international working groups and committees

  • Involved with diverse stakeholders, e.g. government, industry and NGOs

  • Participation in EU projects (FoodIntegrity, MoniQA, FoodSeg, iFAAM)

  • Member of Editorial Boards of several peer reviewed Scientific Journals

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

  • We have organized and conducted trainings for managers on scientific and regulatory topics

  • We have published more than 50 articles in trade magazines and peer reviewed magazines

  • We have conducted Capacity Building and Training Programs on six continents for Food Industry and Governments

  • We have held webinars for knowledge transfer to customers and suppliers

Bert Panelist

MEET THE TEAM

Bert Popping

BERT POPPING

Independent Consultant & Owner

Bert works primarily on the front stage and is the face of the business. He is characterized by his leadership, dynamism and contagious enthusiasm. He is a strategic thinker with a very wide view on issues. He is a creative and tackles issues from very different perspectives.

Carmen Diaz-Amigo

CARMEN DIAZ-AMIGO

Independent Consultant & Owner

Carmen works primarily back stage to ensure that business is running smoothly. She looks at the details. She has an analytic mindset, is intuitive, creative, and visual-oriented. Beside her technical knowledge, she is an artist who has the ability to translate a very complex context into an easy-to-understand artwork. Her graphics truly are worth a thousand words.