For Immediate Release: September 21, 2015
For More Information, Contact:
CPMA: Sue Lewis, [email protected], 613-226-4187 ext 225
GS1 US: Krisztina Vida, [email protected], 609-620-8042
PMA: Ashley Boucher, [email protected], 302-607-2192
United Fresh: Mary Coppola, [email protected], 202-303-3425
Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) working groups representing every facet of the produce supply chain recently developed two new guidance documents to help industry leverage current investments in case-level traceability for additional business benefits. The PTI guidance documents for Sharing Trace-Back Data and for Global Location Number (GLN) Assignment are now available on the PTI website at www.producetraceability.org/resources.
“While PTI continues to focus on traceability, the use of standardized product identification along with electronic data sharing create additional opportunities for supply chain visibility,” said Doug Grant, co-chair of the PTI Leadership Council and Executive Vice-President and Chief Operations Officer of The Oppenheimer Group. “These new guidance documents provide guidance for advanced uses of traceability information for those companies that are looking to take traceability to the next level.”
The PTI Guidance for Sharing Trace-Back Data document provides guidance with respect to types and formats of data companies may be asked to provide to regulators, investigators and/or trading partners during a trace-back investigation, and to help identify and document the standard Key Data Elements (KDEs) and Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) needed in these situations.
The PTI Guidance for Global Location Number (GLN) Assignment document was created to define a standardized approach for the creation of location identifiers used in internal and external traceability systems; to promote efficient use of the brand owner’s GS1 Company Prefix; and to standardize location descriptions and geo-location assignment.
GLNs are globally unique, GS1 Standards-based identification numbers for parties and locations. While using GLNs is not a mandatory PTI requirement, GLNs are increasingly used in North America and globally by the fresh food, retail grocery and foodservice sectors primarily for data synchronization between trading partners via the Global Data Synchronization Network ™ (GDSN®).
“PTI best practices for case-level traceability are proving to yield many additional benefits beyond the capability to track and trace product in the supply chain,” said Mike Agostini, Senior Category Director, Produce, Wal-Mart Stores, co-chair of the PTI Leadership Council. “Walmart originally moved PTI forward for its intended purpose, with some belief that it could help us with product freshness. With implementation now behind us, we are improving supply chain efficiencies, inventory accuracy and our overall produce operations. The new PTI guidance documents are providing further know-how to help companies continue to advance on their journey for improved supply chain visibility.”
To download these guidance documents and to learn more about PTI, please visit www.producetraceability.org/resources
About the Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Based in Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) is a not-for-profit organization representing over 770 Canadian and International member companies that are active in the marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables in Canada from the farm gate to the dinner plate. CPMA members represent all segments of the fresh produce industry. CPMA’s vision is to enable and lead the produce industry by enhancing the market and facilitating trade of fresh fruits and vegetables for its members. For more information about CPMA, please visit www.cpma.ca.
About GS1 US
GS1 US, a member of GS1, is an information standards organization that brings industry communities together to solve supply-chain problems through the adoption and implementation of GS1 standards. More than 300,000 businesses in 25 industries rely on GS1 US for trading-partner collaboration and for maximizing the cost effectiveness, speed, visibility, security and sustainability of their business processes. They achieve these benefits through solutions based on GS1 global unique numbering and identification systems, bar codes, Electronic Product Code (EPC®)-based Radio Frequency Identification (RFID, data synchronization, and electronic information exchange. GS1 US also manages the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC®). www.GS1US.org
About Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. PMA helps members grow by providing business solutions that expand business opportunities and increase sales and consumption. For more information, visit www.pma.com.
About United Fresh Produce Association (United Fresh)
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org.