In 2020, when the FDA took new steps to improve the traceability of food and beverage products, the concept of ‘farm-to-fork’ traceability was on everyone’s lips. The rule instituted a standardized approach to traceability record keeping, ushering in requirements for food and beverage companies to invest in AI-powered traceability solutions that track their products from ‘farm-to-fork’; tracking them as they move throughout the food supply chain.

Also in Europe, the release of the Farm to Fork (F2F) Strategy has become an essential part of the European Green Deal and of the larger goal to elevate Europe to climate-neutrality by 2050. The benefits of true farm-to-fork traceability include simplifying and improving the recalls of unsafe foods, reducing waste, and improved inventory tracking and customer service. So what are some top tips for establishing true farm to fork tracing for your food and beverage company?

1. Removing Recalls

The average cost of a recall to a food company is $10 million, so you have to have a firm farm-to-fork strategy in place to mitigate the potentially devastating financial effects of this happening. Leading food traceability software can manage the recall process for you, creating precise workflows for common recalls or stock withdrawals. The advanced software ensures full FDA compliance and reduces the financial and reputational costs you may otherwise endure from a recall.

2. Don’t Block the Blockchain!

Blockchain technology is enabling transparency when it comes to supply chain management, and it should form the foundation of your farm-to-form traceability strategy. Blockchain works by providing a permanent record of transactions, which are grouped in blocks and are immutable. The blockchain data is a simplified, automated alternative to spreadsheets or paperwork. It presents valid, detailed traceability data from farm-to-fork, and it certainly improves overall productivity. 

3. Integrate Farm to Fork Traceability Into Your Marketing

Farm-to-fork marketing should be an important part of your business strategy. According to Forbes, 88% of consumers want brands to help them become more environmental and ethical. And this is why you should be shouting about your traceability strategy! Traceability verifies sustainability claims about commodities and products, and leads to more fair, safe practices and respect for the workers and the environment in your supply chain.

EU Farm to Fork Strategy: European Commission

4. Real-Time Monitoring

It can be a challenge to manage and build reports from traceability data yourself. Fortunately sophisticated and specialized food and beverage traceability software ensures all records for every product and ingredient are easy to access. Real-time data collection enables end-to-end monitoring of every item in your supply chain. When it comes to product recalls, with the correct digital systems in place, a food and beverage company can be presented with a single piece of data such as a purchase order, lot or batch number within seconds. And they’re able to identify the location and/or status of every affected product with immediate effect. 

5. Get a Food Safety Management App

In an increasingly digital world, it makes sense to be able to manage your farm-to-fork traceability operations via your mobile phone or tablet. Invest in farm-to-fork software that automates reporting and traceability and standardizes all your quality processes, at the touch of a button.

If your food and beverage company is looking to establish a true farm-to-fork traceability solution, or scale and grow via ERP solutions, and demand planing software, get in touch with Cashmere today!