US-based agribusiness group Sun World International has announced that it has turned to the HarvestMark solution to cater for traceability needs across a product line containing table grapes, topfruit, seedless watermelons, citrus and coloured peppers.
HarvestMark, developed by YottaMark, provides a code, a GTIN and a lot number that can be scanned or typed in at a secure web portal to access up-to-date product and traceability information, meaning that growers, packers, shippers can gather data on product quality and timing, and can help speed response to potential food safety issues.
'Achieving supply-chain wide traceability is a critical goal for the produce industry,' said Sun World president and CEO Al Vangelos. 'At Sun World, we pride ourselves on innovation. In the same way that we have delivered new product varieties with extended shelf-life and enhanced flavour, we will deliver a traceability solution that that not only meets industry standards, but goes beyond that by providing consumer unit-level traceability.'
With the introduction of the programme in spring 2009, Sun World will meet Produce Traceability Initiative compliance for case-level traceability, and will also incorporate individual produce items, clamshells and bags.
'Consumers today want to know that their food is fresh, safe and where it comes from,' said J. Scott Carr, president and CEO of YottaMark. 'Produce buyers are looking for essential new tools to enhance food safety and achieve supply chain-wide traceability.
'The HarvestMark solution makes it easy to comply with industry standards, implement traceability without changing packing and harvest processes, and create these new and essential connections between farmer, shipper and buyer,' he added.
No comments yet