The ATGA’s table grape traceability pilot has been recognised on the world stage after being awarded a global packaging award.
The pilot, one of the largest traceability and authentication projects deployed in Australia, achieved global recognition last week after taking out a WorldStar Packaging Award, facilitated by the World Packaging Organisation.
The pilot was one of 19 Australian and New Zealand packaging solutions awarded among 228 winners from 488 entries across 41 countries.
CEO Jeff Scott said it was an “exciting achievement” for the ATGA.
“To win a world award is an exciting achievement for the Australian Table Grape Association,” Mr Scott said. “There was a lot of thought and strategy that went into our traceability pilot to make sure it would be a success.
“In future, traceability will likely become a mandatory requirement, so it’s positive that the Australian table grape industry has a traceability package – now globally recognised for its innovation – for growers to embrace.
“We’re really proud of the pilot and thank the Victorian Government for their support of the project. Thanks also to technology provider Result Group and producer-exporter Perfection Fresh for agreeing to participate in the pilot.”
Agriculture Victoria CEO Matt Lowe acknowledged the “fantastic outcome” for the pilot and congratulated the pilot partners.
“Agriculture Victoria is delighted to have been part of this award-winning pilot program by funding and partnering with the Australian Table Grape Association to pilot the use of Result Group traceability software with growers and exporters in the sector,” Mr Lowe said.
Packages eligible for WorldStar Awards must have received a national or regional packaging award from a packaging competition recognised by WPO during the last two years. The pilot was eligible for entry into the awards after it won the silver award in the Outside of the Box Design of the Year Award at the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards.
Technology provider Result Group group general manager Michael Dossor said the win was “humbling” and highlighted the importance of collaboration and cohesion among vendors and systems to ensure traceability systems are embraced by industry.
“Collaboration with current system vendors and developing interoperable protocols is always a challenge and requires trust and respect,” Mr Dossor said. “The upside, it opens up new opportunities in the traceability sector, as we continue to strive toward further innovative solutions in the Australian market.”
“Packaging is the most important touchpoint for customer and consumer communication,” added Perfection Fresh Australia chief marketing and innovation officer Luke Gibson.
“This technology gave us, as a brand owner, the opportunity to ensure product safety and quality across the supply chain as well as obtain direct feedback from users on our product experience.”
Winners will be awarded in a Gala Ceremony on 6 May during Interpack 2023, in Düsseldorf, Germany.
“This award is recognition that Australia has the capabilities, technology, and drive to be the world leader in traceability across agricultural sectors, but a lot still needs to be done,” GS1 Australia chief customer officer Marcel Sieira said.
“We encourage industry and Australian governments to build on this success and turn traceability into a real differentiator of Australia agricultural exports in international markets.”
Read the Result Group media release here.