ReposiTrak, the world’s largest food traceability network, and Upshop, a leading food retail operations platform, have joined forces in a strategic partnership to offer an end-to-end traceability solution. This collaboration aims to streamline communication between suppliers and retailers by merging ReposiTrak’s extensive supply chain data with Upshop’s retail store operations platform.
Mark Hawthorne, Upshop’s chief innovation and strategy officer, emphasized the importance of having accurate lot code data from each shipment captured at the retail store to ensure traceability. He noted that ReposiTrak’s expertise in managing supply chain data, coupled with Upshop’s retail technology, will enable the delivery of a comprehensive traceability solution.
The partnership between ReposiTrak and Upshop brings several key benefits to the table. Firstly, it leverages ReposiTrak’s network of thousands of suppliers and their traceability shipment data, along with Upshop’s network of over 450 retailers and their retail stores. This collaboration enables the creation and storage of complete traceability records that meet the requirements of the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act Section 204d (FSMA 204). Additionally, it unlocks opportunities for margin and growth in stores by connecting supply chain data with store data to optimize inventory, labor, and customer experience management automation.
Hawthorne highlighted the compounding benefits of traceability data, including improved food safety, reduced invoice discrepancies, and enhanced operational efficiencies throughout the store. The timing of this partnership is crucial for the food retail industry, as suppliers and retailers have just one year left to address the upcoming FSMA 204 mandate by January 20, 2026.
Randy Fields, chairman and CEO of ReposiTrak, emphasized the strength of the partnership in streamlining traceability data management and connectivity for retailers and their suppliers. He noted that the collaboration simplifies the traceability requirements without adding additional steps to the check-in process or requiring the retooling of legacy systems.
This strategic partnership is a significant development for Upshop, following its merger with Invafresh in July 2024. The combined expertise of ReposiTrak and Upshop positions them as leaders in providing comprehensive traceability solutions for the food retail industry.
In conclusion, the collaboration between ReposiTrak and Upshop marks a major step forward in enhancing traceability and communication within the food supply chain. By leveraging their respective strengths in supply chain data management and retail technology, the partnership aims to streamline traceability processes and help retailers and suppliers meet regulatory requirements effectively. With the deadline for the FSMA 204 mandate approaching, this partnership comes at a crucial time for the industry, offering a comprehensive solution to address traceability challenges and drive operational efficiencies in stores.