FST: How is technology helping food companies enable more transparency?

Xavier: The leading digital industry transparency initiative today, SmartLabel (by the Grocery Manufacturers Association), gives consumers access to highly detailed product information online. This is across a wide range of food, beverage, household, pet and personal care products.

Digital SmartLabel is fast and easy to use. It has a consistent digital format [and provides] accurate data directly from the manufacturer, and in real-time.

With SmartLabel, consumers can find product information organized in a consistent manner, including: Allergens, ingredient sourcing practices, third-party certifications, social compliance and sustainability programs, usage instructions, advisories and safe handling instructions, company and brand information.

All product information can be accessed via smartphones, tablets, desktop computers and mobile phones using any web browser. The information can also be had by scanning a SmartLabel QR code on packages or by visiting a participating company’s or brand’s website.

Going beyond the product label makes sharing additional product information with consumers more attainable and sustainable for brands and retailers. The result is more information and, consequently, more transparency for retailers and consumers.