THE GLOBAL DIALOGUE ON SEAFOOD TRACEABILITY UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE

The Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability unveils new website, driving global engagement ahead of Barcelona Seafood Expo

The Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST) recently unveiled its new website to support the global adoption of the GDST Standard throughout fishery and aquaculture supply chains. Launching the website at its Regional Working Session during Boston Seafood Expo, the GDST engaged with hundreds of experts to highlight the importance of interoperable digital traceability. Next the team gears up to host its annual Plenary Session at Seafood Expo Barcelona.

The website launch is a strategic move to bolster global engagement and facilitate dialogue between the seafood industry, traceability experts, civil society and technology providers. By strategically networking at major events including the Seafood Expo in Barcelona, World Tuna Trade Conference and Exhibition in Bangkok, and Blue Food Innovation Summit in London, the GDST is committed to expanding the reach of its global Standard to facilitate seamless data capture and sharing across the seafood industry.

Seafood stands as one of the most traded commodities in the world. The intricate journey from landing to end-user means that seafood supply chains can be long and complex, stretching across businesses and borders. As regulators, buyers and consumers increasingly act as a driving force for change, seafood businesses are under pressure to ensure the ‘origin story’ of our food is captured and shared.

“The launch of the new website signifies an additional milestone achieved towards the GDST Foundation’s value proposition as a focal point at the centre of crucial global traceability discussions,” said Greg Brown, Executive Director at the GDST. “It serves as a convenient entry point for information about the global Dialogue and the GDST tests, tools, resources and services that facilitate traceability implementation.”

The GDST’s work extends beyond maintaining and updating the Standard. The Foundation actively engages in technological innovation, collaborates with NGOs and industry partners in pre-competitive settings, and works with technology providers to integrate the global Standard into seafood supply chain policies.

Brown continues: “GDST Partners who participate in the global Dialogue play a crucial role by driving progress towards interoperable digital traceability.  Only through them will global adoption of the common Standard be possible. Their commitment to seafood traceability not only enhances their operational efficiency but facilitates regulatory compliance and reinforces consumer trust in the seafood they buy and eat.”

Francisco Aldon, CEO of MarinTrust, said: “Thank you to the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST) for the opportunity to present in the recent Dialogues. Traceability is one of the key pillars of the MarinTrust programme and the new version 3 of the factory Standard will introduce the foundation to enable interoperable traceability within the supply chain of marine ingredients.” 

As the GDST Foundation continues to champion the transition towards event-based seafood traceability through strategic events around the world, it invites businesses and organizations of all sizes to join its partner community.

Brown concludes: “We understand that the seafood supply chain is made up of businesses of different shapes and sizes, and the world of seafood ethics and sustainability has a wide range of constituents. As seafood supply chains adopt interoperable digital traceability, enormous progress can be achieved in promoting more ethical and responsible seafood production. This will provide clearer social and environmental assurances to the marketplace, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices.”

For seafood professionals across the globe, you can join the GDST at the Seafood Expo Global (SEG) in Barcelona 23rd to 25th April 2024. For more information about the GDST visit www.thegdst.org.

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