Summary The article explores the perceptions that do exist concerning the implementation of the ISO 9001:2000. The article examines the ISO 9001:2000 certification in the food industry in Greece. The research was conducted in 97 Greek companies that are ISO 9001:2000 certified. The methodology involved the use of a questionnaire in determining the reasons behind the certification, the difficulties encountered during the implementation of the standard, as well as the benefits associated with the certification and the resultant relationships. The findings do indicate that reasons behind the certification are concerned with the internal environment where a business operates. Consequently, the findings show that there were no difficulties that were encountered during the implementation phase. Despite the limited limitations realized during the research, the results go a long way in helping Greek companies to seek certification. This is in respect to the realization of the benefits associated with certification in terms of competition. Key Learning Points On the reasons for certification, majority of the companies said certification was essentially for purposes of improving its name and image. On the other hand, the key reason that hindered implementation was how long it took to implement the requirements in the standard. The key benefit of certification was that certified companies gained customer confidence. As such, they were able to increase their market share. Relevant Statements to the Session Fotopoulos, Vouzas and Psomas (2010) found out that only 83 out of 97 small and medium sized companies had implemented the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). This is a food safety management system. However, given that the research only focussed on the food industry in Greece, it is essential for future research to focus on the service and manufacturing sectors too. This will reduce generalizations made concerning certification. Future research also needs to focus more on objective data rather than subjective data, which is based on personal opinions. Critical Analysis Organisations worldwide have realized the need to improve the quality of products they offer to their customers. Given that these quality management systems are based on international standards, they are beneficial to service providers, regulators and manufacturers (Kaziliunas, 2010). From the research conducted by Fotopoulos, Vouzas and Psomas (2010), certification improves the image and name of the company. A good company reputation acts as an external motivation. Moreover, minor reasons behind certification include internal motivation in terms of improving the quality policy of the company, and quality of its products. Furthermore, the research says that the major difficulty faced by companies was in the time taken in the standard implementation process. This is mainly caused by a commitment to quality, non-conformance by the management, time and resources taken in managing records, as well as the knowledge and experience in terms of quality management. On the other hand, certification results into numerous benefits to an organisation. A certified organisation benefits from an improvement in the internal processes of the company, its culture, image, product quality, satisfaction among customers, and reliability. All these benefits translate into overall improvement in the company management (Fotopoulos, Vouzas & Psomas, 2010). It was fo