Growers Express Embraces PTI’s Q, Efficiency, Cost Saving Benefits
Growers Express, the farmer-owned integrated grower, packer and shipper of Green Giant Fresh vegetables, has taken the lead in implementing the Produce Traceability Initiative’s (PTI) suggested blueprint.
As produce supply chain partners continue evaluating the complexity and initial cost implications of achieving PTI’s central goal of whole-chain traceability, officials from Salinas, Calif.-based Growers Express believe the practical in-field and packing-house carton-labeling system is proving to be an efficient and cost-effective solution.
“Although our primary PTI objective is to encourage a more transparent and accountable supply chain, we are already seeing areas in which we will experience significant savings from efficient, accurate and timely field data provided by the technology platform and process standardization,” said Growers Express general manager Gary Andreasian.
Adds Jamie Strachan, Growers Express president: “Any of our customers that are interested in exploring end-to-end pilot solutions and data synchronization should know that Growers Express is poised and ready to support them. We are committed to PTI compliance as a vehicle for innovation and a path to cost savings.”
Over the past year, Growers Express first pilot-tested and later implemented Salinas, Calif.-based TrueTrac’s Label Trac system. To date, more than 85 percent of Growers Express’ branded, domestic, corrugated packs are labeled according to PTI best practices. By fall 2010, Growers Express says it will be in 100 percent compliance with the PTI on all packs.
“The success of Growers Express in its implementation of the Produce Traceability Initiative clearly shows the ability of companies with top management commitment to address more than just enhanced traceability for their products,” said Bryan Silbermann, president of the Washington-based Produce Marketing Association. “With a wide variety of crops, packing variations and geographic locations, Growers Express can be a model for others seeking to build on GS1 standards to realize improved efficiencies and generate a tangible return on investment.”
Growers Express is a farmer-owned integrated grower, packer and shipper of premium-quality Green Giant Fresh vegetables. With a ground base of more than 40,000 acres, Growers Express grows and markets more than 30 commodities throughout North America on a year-round basis.
As produce supply chain partners continue evaluating the complexity and initial cost implications of achieving PTI’s central goal of whole-chain traceability, officials from Salinas, Calif.-based Growers Express believe the practical in-field and packing-house carton-labeling system is proving to be an efficient and cost-effective solution.
“Although our primary PTI objective is to encourage a more transparent and accountable supply chain, we are already seeing areas in which we will experience significant savings from efficient, accurate and timely field data provided by the technology platform and process standardization,” said Growers Express general manager Gary Andreasian.
Adds Jamie Strachan, Growers Express president: “Any of our customers that are interested in exploring end-to-end pilot solutions and data synchronization should know that Growers Express is poised and ready to support them. We are committed to PTI compliance as a vehicle for innovation and a path to cost savings.”
Over the past year, Growers Express first pilot-tested and later implemented Salinas, Calif.-based TrueTrac’s Label Trac system. To date, more than 85 percent of Growers Express’ branded, domestic, corrugated packs are labeled according to PTI best practices. By fall 2010, Growers Express says it will be in 100 percent compliance with the PTI on all packs.
“The success of Growers Express in its implementation of the Produce Traceability Initiative clearly shows the ability of companies with top management commitment to address more than just enhanced traceability for their products,” said Bryan Silbermann, president of the Washington-based Produce Marketing Association. “With a wide variety of crops, packing variations and geographic locations, Growers Express can be a model for others seeking to build on GS1 standards to realize improved efficiencies and generate a tangible return on investment.”
Growers Express is a farmer-owned integrated grower, packer and shipper of premium-quality Green Giant Fresh vegetables. With a ground base of more than 40,000 acres, Growers Express grows and markets more than 30 commodities throughout North America on a year-round basis.