The HarvestMark Acquisition

HarvestMark and iFoodDS have a history of working collaboratively. The acquisition of HarvestMark by iFoodDecisionSciences (iFoodDS) will formalize and streamline this relationship with a direct benefit for customers. The companies originally partnered in 2018 to deliver an integrated supply chain solution that helped its customers continuously improve their food safety, traceability and quality management systems. This partnership was further demonstrated in the Western Growers Food Safety Risk Management Program, which was announced in 2019.

The timing of this acquisition will also allow the combined talents of the new iFoodDS to assist companies as they adjust to new systems and processes that come with our “new normal.”

In addition, the new iFoodDS will help customers meet technology-based objectives outlined under the Federal Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) New Era of Smarter Food Safety initiative.  Last fall, FDA’s Deputy Commissioner of Food, Frank Yiannas, explained this is “a new approach to food safety, one that recognizes and builds on the progress made in the past, but also incorporates the use of new technologies that are being used in society and business sectors all around us.”

iFoodDS unique software system provides real time assessment of the success of food safety practice implementation on a daily basis, which gives farmers, grower/shippers and processors continuous oversight on their food safety performance.  This system allows companies to easily review and track food safety data and identify trends to facilitate ongoing improvements in food safety practices.

The iFoodDS’ HarvestMark product line gives companies item level traceability capability throughout the supply chain (not just one step forward and back) plus blockchain compatibility. Item level traceability facilitates store level identification of products and can provide consumers the opportunity to learn more about the products they purchase. This also protects your company and your customers by facilitating efficient recalls if ever warranted.

“Traceability helps find the source of an issue when a problem occurs and real time food safety processes help identify the issue and the cause. Over time, our goal is to help companies be able to identify and address issues before they occur,” explains Diane Wetherington, iFoodDS Executive Chair of the Board. “Despite the uncertain times we are in, we believe that we can help companies effectively navigate through challenges and even enhance food safety systems through our suite of products,” Wetherington says.

“Through our acquisition of HarvestMark, we can provide a comprehensive supply chain management platform that can significantly benefit fresh produce grower/shippers, packers, distributors, food service companies, grocery retailers and consumers.”