SpartanNash Makes Supply Chain Safety Strides with New Food Traceability Partnership

SpartanNash is rolling out a food traceability program designed to create a safer, more transparent supply chain for select food products. 

Now, hundreds of SpartanNash suppliers handling products on the FDA's Food Traceability List must share traceability data with SpartanNash and its clients. The Repositrak Traceability Network is intended to enable the exchange of product data with hundreds of its suppliers. 

SpartanNash says it has chosen ReposiTrak for its easy-to-use interface, transparency features, capacity to facilitate quicker and more accurate recalls and provide valuable insights. The company says it aims to leverage these insights to minimize food waste and bolster sustainability efforts. 

“From a food safety perspective, there is tremendous value in knowing exactly where each product and ingredient has been before it reaches our shelves and consumers,” said SpartanNash VP of environmental health and safety Greg Molloy, who also oversees the company's food safety and quality compliance. “This technology enables us to collect and, more importantly, exchange this information for every affected shipment in a highly efficient manner. SpartanNash is proud to make investments such as these as part of our broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts.”

SpartanNash’s Merchandizing Efforts 

This latest partnership aligns with SpartanNash’s recent drive to improve supply chain data visibility and optimize food safety across its supplier network. Last year, the company expanded its partnership with Upshop to consolidate ordering systems, aid with merchandising reset planning in both the produce department and center store, and deliver a more cohesive planogram. 

These upgrades and investments in a new AI-fueled inventory and replenishment optimization application were intended to help the company improve upon its existing merchandising strategies, elevate sustainability, and improve visibility into inventory – much like this latest roll-out with Repositrak. 

“At SpartanNash, we're prioritizing technology to enhance our associate and store guest experience,” said SpartanNash executive vice president, corporate retail Tom Swanson, in a statement at the time. “By leveraging advanced analytics to predict product demand, our associates can spend less time checking inventory and more time face-to-face helping serve our shoppers.” 

At the same time, the company promoted Bennett Morgan to the role of EVP, chief merchandising officer.