New regulations around food safety and traceability are set to transform industries—from food and fashion to makeup and cruise lines. For businesses involved in global supply chains, these changes present both challenges and opportunities. With regulations like FSMA 204 coming in 2026, traceability will become mandatory, defining the success or failure of companies seeking to maintain strong relationships with their buyers. FSMA 204 introduces stricter requirements for tracking critical tracking events and key data elements, pushing transparency to the forefront of compliance.
Recently, at UN Climate Week NYC, I shared True Grade’s efforts in transforming supply chains through traceability and sustainability initiatives. This event reinforced my belief in the power of transparency to reshape supply chains. At True Grade, we use Wholechain to manage traceability, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining transparency across our entire supply chain.
Wholechain, developed using the GS1 Data Framework, creates a common language for traceability across global supply chains. But traceability isn’t just about compliance—it’s about transforming how we do business and adding real value to the supply chain across industries.

Why Traceability Matters for Sustainability
Traceability isn’t just about meeting regulations. It plays a key role in sustainability, especially for cruise lines. These companies increasingly invest in certifications like GlobalG.A.P., Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). They aim to ensure ethical and sustainable sourcing.
Traceability systems like Wholechain and GS1 allow buyers to verify the authenticity of products. This ensures sourcing practices meet the highest standards of sustainability. Additionally, traceability enhances the customer experience. Cruise lines, for instance, can share the story of sustainably sourced seafood or ethically produced goods. This connection enriches guests’ experiences, adding engagement.
From a safety perspective, traceability reduces the time needed for product recalls. Harmful products are removed from the supply chain faster, protecting customers. This also builds brand trust, making traceability essential for modern businesses.
The Business Reality of Transparency: What It Means for Middlemen
For years, importers and suppliers relied on relationships with producers to add value. But the rise of traceability is shifting that dynamic. Now, supply chain connections are visible to everyone. While transparency may feel uncomfortable, it brings a new reality.
Buying and flipping products will no longer suffice. Traceability demands that every player in the chain adds value, whether through innovation, sustainability, or ethical sourcing.
Traceability also shortens supply chains, bringing producers closer to consumers. This creates better pricing and more equitable profit distribution. Cost-saving opportunities arise by preventing waste, streamlining recalls, and improving efficiency. Suppliers can anticipate bottlenecks, reduce delays, and ensure high-quality products reach customers on time.
Doing the Right Thing is Now a Business Imperative
The key takeaway from Climate Week is clear. Doing the right thing isn’t just a good idea anymore—it’s a business imperative. Buyers in food, fashion, cosmetics, and travel face increasing pressure to be environmentally and socially responsible. They need suppliers who share that commitment.
By investing in traceability systems like Wholechain, supported by GS1 standards, businesses meet these expectations. They build stronger partnerships with companies that prioritize transparency and sustainable sourcing.
Early adopters of traceability gain a competitive advantage. They become the go-to suppliers for cruise lines focused on ethics and sustainability.
Excitement for the Future of Supply Chains
Looking ahead, traceability offers exciting possibilities. It ensures more profits from supply chains reach the real producers—farmers, fishers, and artisans. With full visibility into every step, we can ensure those doing the hard work receive fair compensation.
In the cruise line industry, traceability systems provide the necessary customization for end-to-end visibility. From local producers to long shipping routes, suppliers can anticipate delays. This ensures that products arrive on time and meet quality standards.
I left Climate Week feeling optimistic. Many companies are focusing on building sustainable, transparent supply chains. We are moving in the right direction. By embracing these systems, we can strengthen partnerships across industries—from food to fashion to travel.