Augmented Reality was also demonstrated at Tetra Pak’s booth. The company focused its discussions with attendees on the increasingly important role that digitalization plays in the food/beverage industry, and how the digitalization of tools and services is helping manufacturers succeed in food safety.
Trace One spoke on how private label products can help drive consumer trust. The company recently conducted a survey to discover how shoppers feel about private label products. Conducted among 2,000 consumers from eight countries, the survey revealed that while consumers have positive sentiments toward private label, there’s mixed reviews when it comes to trust and safety. At GFSC, Trace One provided solutions on how technology can help retailers and suppliers in overcoming this challenge.
Of course, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was a hot topic throughout event. In particular, the SGS breakfast session discussed the best practices in effective FSMA compliance, solutions in enhancing efficiency and facilitating the compliance journey, along with managing Big Data. To help tackle this regulatory roadmap were Donald Prater, acting assistant commissioner for food safety integration, U.S. FDA, and Michael Taylor, senior fellow, Freedman Consulting (former U.S. FDA deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine).
According to GFSC event organizers, the main takeaway for this year’s conference attendees was: Collaborate to build trust and transparency by leveraging technology and relationships. “Safety” is not competitive; food safety is only possible through collaboration—as was seen firsthand at GFSC 2017.
Interesting and necessary article for such important events. Congratulations.