SQF Unites: Is It Worth the Time?

Every year, the food safety community gathers at SQF Unites to share what's working, what's changing, and where the industry is headed. We attended SQF Unites 2024, and we came away with more than just a stack of business cards — we left with a clearer picture of where food safety is going and how manufacturers can stay ahead of it. So, was it worth the time? Here's our take.

Running a food or beverage operation means keeping up with a demanding web of food safety requirements — hazard controls, traceability, documentation, and audits against one or more recognized standards. A few of the questions and topics that come up again and again include:

• What Are the 3 Principles of the SQF Certification?
• What are the differences between HACCP and SQF?

To tackle all those requirements, you need to make sure you have a food safety management system; extra points if that system is compliant with SQF, HACCP, BRCGS, IFS, and FSSC 22000. That's why Isolocity can be the golden mine you have been looking for. Isolocity serves as a comprehensive food safety management system tailored for SQF, BRCGS, IFS, and FSSC 22000 standards. The software is designed to meet the specific needs of the food and beverage industry, offering features that simplify the implementation of HACCP protocols.

Should businesses attend food safety trade shows like SQF Unites?

Depending on the business objective, the reason for food safety trade shows might vary but the short answer to this question is absolutely. We will list here 4 reasons that we have felt are important for any business.

1. A proactive approach to compliance

While businesses may have knowledge about current food safety compliance standards, they may not always be aware of upcoming changes or new regulations. Attending trade shows can provide valuable insights and hints about potential upcoming compliances or modifications to existing standards. While attending these events may not provide comprehensive details, they can offer enough clues and information to help businesses stay ahead of potential regulatory changes and make necessary preparations. For example, SQF held an information seminar on the upcoming changes to FSMA 204. Many attendees participated in the event and left pondering next steps.

2. Solutions you didn't know existed

We encountered numerous intriguing food safety service and technology providers that were previously unknown to us. We found the experience to be fascinating. It would be highly beneficial for food manufacturing companies to adopt these solutions. For example, a food safety management system could enhance efficiency. Even if the return on investment is only $2 for every $1 invested, it would still justify the initial investment, wouldn't it?

3. Market dynamics

Encountering industry leaders, competitors, and service providers at food safety trade shows like SQF Unites offers valuable insights beyond mere compliance. By engaging with these stakeholders, businesses can discern market shifts and effectively adapt to changes. It's not solely about meeting regulatory requirements; attending such events enables a deeper understanding of market dynamics. Avoiding missteps like the launches of 'New Coke' or 'McDonald's Arch Deluxe' requires a comprehensive grasp of the market landscape. This can't always be achieved through limited research with a sample size. Therefore, attending food safety trade shows becomes essential for grasping the entirety of market dynamics.

4. Other reasons

Participating in a trade show offers brand visibility to your desired audience. It facilitates networking with industry peers and service providers. Additionally, it serves as a platform to showcase and promote your products, services, or company.

Conclusion

In summary, we thoroughly appreciated every aspect of SQF Unites 2024, and we're confident that the next iteration of SQF Unites will be even more remarkable. We look forward to participating again next year in Orlando. Whether you're a food safety enthusiast or represent a food manufacturing company interested in discussing how we can enhance your operations, please feel free to schedule a meeting with our product specialist for a chat about how we can potentially add value to your endeavours.