SALT LAKE CITY, UT & AUSTIN, TX - ReposiTrak, the world’s largest food traceability network, and Upshop, the technology leader in store operations for food retail, today announced a global partnership to integrate their technology platforms, connecting traceability data from the supply chain to the retail store, creating a true, end-to-end traceability solution.

According to a press release, the partnership creates a critical connection between suppliers and the retail store that:

• Leverages ReposiTrak’s network of thousands of suppliers and their traceability shipment data, and Upshop’s network of more than 450 retailers and their retail stores
• Enables a comprehensive program for creating and storing complete traceability records that meets the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act Section 204d (FSMA 204) requirements,
• Unlocks margin and growth opportunities in stores by connecting supply chain data with store data to optimize inventory, labor and customer experience management automation

"Traceability requires data from the supply chain and – importantly—confirmation at the retail store that the proper and accurate lot code data from each shipment has been captured when the product is received. The missing piece for us has been the supply chain data. ReposiTrak is the leader in capturing and managing supply chain data, starting at the suppliers. Together, we can deliver a single, comprehensive traceability solution," explained Mark Hawthorne, Chief Innovation and Strategy officer at Upshop.

"Once the data is flowing the benefits are compounding,” continued Hawthorne. “Traceability data can be used to improve food safety, reduce invoice discrepancies, and identify ways to reduce waste and improve efficiencies throughout the store.”

Under FSMA 204, retailers are required by law to track Key Data Elements (KDEs) to the store-level for every shipment containing high-risk food items from the Food Traceability List (FTL). Major industry retailers have made public commitments to traceability, announcing programs that require more traceability data for all food product on a faster timeline. The efforts of those retailers have activated the industry, motivating others to institute traceability programs now, ahead of the FDA’s enforcement deadline of January 20, 2026.

“Our partnership combines ReposiTrak’s strength in traceability data management and connectivity with Upshop’s broad base of retail technology,” stated Randy Fields, Chairman and CEO of ReposiTrak. “Together, our existing platforms make traceability even easier for retailers, and their suppliers. It allows the traceability requirements to be achieved without adding steps to the check-in process and without retooling legacy systems.”

ANUK will continue to cover industry partnerships like this one.

ATWATER, CA - A.V. Thomas Produce, the nation’s largest producer of organic and conventional sweet potatoes, is proud to announce the donation of over 12.4 million pounds of sweet potatoes to the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) in 2024. This contribution underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to fighting hunger and supporting communities in need across California.

“We are honored to partner with the California Association of Food Banks to help families facing food insecurity,” said Jason VanDusen, Marketing Director of A.V. Thomas Produce. “At A.V. Thomas Produce, we believe everyone deserves access to nutritious, high-quality food. By sharing our sweet potatoes, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

This record-breaking donation builds on A.V. Thomas Produce’s longstanding dedication to giving back to the community. Sweet potatoes are not only a versatile and delicious staple but also packed with essential nutrients, making them an ideal addition to the food banks’ offerings. Through this partnership, millions of Californians have been able to enjoy the health benefits of sweet potatoes while receiving much-needed support.

As a press release outlined, the California Association of Food Banks works tirelessly to distribute fresh produce to over 6 million residents annually through its network of 41 member food banks.

“The generosity of A.V. Thomas Produce has been instrumental in helping us provide healthy, fresh food to families across the state," the association noted. "This donation of sweet potatoes has been a game-changer in our mission to end hunger."

As 2024 comes to a close, A.V. Thomas Produce reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and making nutritious food accessible to all. The company looks forward to continuing its partnership with CAFB and other organizations dedicated to making a positive impact.

Keep reading ANUK for the latest updates across fresh!

VANCOUVER, CANADA - Oppy Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Partner John Anderson will receive the prestigious International Humanitarian Ellis Island Medal of Honor, an award that celebrates the legacy of immigrants and recognizes those who have made significant contributions to society, in May.

Each year honorees are selected for their exceptional commitment to service through their professional, cultural, or civic endeavors. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is officially acknowledged by both U.S. Houses of Congress and is recorded annually in the Congressional Record.

Anderson is being recognized for his exemplary leadership at Oppy and within the fresh produce industry, where he has long supported and advanced global trade, sustainability, and innovation, a press release noted.

Past recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor entail eight U.S. presidents including Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, numerous Nobel laureates, and such philanthropists as Susan Rockefeller and David Rockefeller Jr.

Notable recipients from the business world include Apple CEO John Sculley and Google Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt. While often reserved for Americans, outstanding international honorees have included H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and political leaders from Northern Ireland Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness.

"Ellis Island symbolizes a new beginning for generations of North Americans who passed through its gates in pursuit of their dreams," Anderson said. "It serves as a powerful reminder that many of us begin our journeys with humble origins, and through perseverance and vision we can accomplish extraordinary things.”

Anderson will be formally honored during a ceremony on May 10, 2025, on Ellis Island in New York. The event will be followed by fireworks at the Statue of Liberty, the historic gateway for millions of immigrants who arrived in America seeking new opportunities.

“John’s dedication has helped shape the company’s ongoing success while exercising a positive influence on the global marketplace,” said Oppy President and Chief Operating Officer David Smith.

Anderson’s many accolades, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, underscore the impact of his professional achievements and philanthropic contributions, which have enriched communities and fostered international collaboration. Anderson’s tireless commitment to excellence and humanitarian values exemplifies the spirit of this distinguished honor.

Chairman of the Ellis Island Honors Society Nasser J. Kazeminy thanked Anderson for all he has done for the nation and the world.

Cheers to this indelible leader on a well-deserved award!

CALIFORNIA - We here at AndNowUknow have followed the updates of the Southern California fires with a heavy heart. Fortunately, those we have connected with thus far are at a safe distance away. Below is a brief update on one of the newer blazes that erupted this week: the Auto Fire, which raged between Ventura and Oxnard.

According to VC Star, Santa Ana winds whipped up a blaze in the Santa Clara River bottom. At 8 a.m. yesterday morning, the fire had reached up to 56 acres as reported by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. At the last reporting, it was roughly 25 percent contained, with no additional growth, according to CNN. The cause of it remains unknown.

Another fire in Simi Valley broke out on Monday evening as well, but was quickly contained. As the news source went on to note, these fires broke out during a time when Ventura County was on the eve of “one of the most extreme fire weather conditions categorized by the National Weather Service: a ‘particularly dangerous situation,’ or PDS, red flag warning. The PDS red flag warning, which started at 4 a.m. Tuesday, was scheduled to last until noon Wednesday.”

For active updates on the Palisades fire and other blazes, click here for CNN live coverage.

We will continue to report on the situation as it unfolds.

PITTSBURGH, PA - Wegmans Food Markets and Sippel Enterprises LP today announced plans for a new Wegmans store in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. The store marks the company’s first entry into the Pittsburgh region, bringing Wegmans unmatched customer service, delicious restaurant foods, one-stop shopping, and consistent low prices to the expanding Cranberry Springs Development.

“Cranberry Township is home to many exceptional businesses that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. We are delighted that Wegmans has chosen Cranberry Township as its first location in the Pittsburgh area,” said Cranberry Township Manager Daniel Santoro.

The new Wegmans will be located on 13 acres of land on Cool Springs Drive, adjacent to the UPMC Lemieux Sport Complex, a press release stated. At approximately 115,000 square feet, the store will feature all the traditional departments Wegmans customers have come to know and love, including an abundant produce department, a wide variety of seafood, meat, bakery, deli, and cheese options, and a large selection of wine and beer.

“We’ve received thousands of requests for a Wegmans in the Pittsburgh region since opening our first Pennsylvania store over 30 years ago,” said Dan Aken, Vice President of Real Estate and Store Planning. “We’re excited to have finally found the right location to bring Wegmans to the Pittsburgh area.”

The company will hire 400 to 500 employees for the new store, with the majority hired locally. Wegmans’ status as a great place to work is widely recognized. It has ranked highly on FORTUNE magazine’s list of “The 100 Best Companies to Work For” for 27 consecutive years. Employees cite an extensive array of benefits as the reason they chose Wegmans, including competitive pay and benefits packages, premium pay on Sundays and holidays, tuition assistance through the company’s employee scholarship program, and flexible scheduling.

Wegmans is also known for being a great community partner. Each year the company gives back to the local community through food donations; community event sponsorships; well-paying, fulfilling jobs for youth and adults; and so much more. In 2023 alone, it contributed more than $86 million to its local communities.

While a timeline for construction and opening has not yet been determined, Wegmans new location will be part of the Cranberry Springs development, which includes commercial, residential, office, and retail facilities.

For more from the press release, click here. And leave a tab open for ANUK as we continue to report.