Smart Catch™ Program Joins Where Food Comes From, Expanding its Commitment to Sustainability

Rhea-AI Summary

Where Food Comes From, Inc. (WFCF) has acquired ownership of the Smart Catch™ program, dedicated to promoting sustainability of seafood on restaurant menus. The program will broaden its scope to include all members of the supply chain while maintaining its values and principles. Smart Catch will continue to assist chefs and restaurants in making responsible menu choices and aims to create a more accessible and eco-conscious culinary landscape.

WFCF broadens its reach into the culinary industry with Smart Catch

CASTLE ROCK, Colo., Oct. 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Where Food Comes From, Inc. (WFCF) (Nasdaq: WFCF), the most trusted resource for independent, third-party verification of food production practices in North America, today announced it has acquired ownership of the Smart Catch™ program, which is dedicated to promoting the sustainability of seafood on restaurant menus.

Postelsia, the seafood division of WFCF, has guided the program and offered chefs valuable insights for enhancing sustainability on their menus since 2016, when Smart Catch became one of the James Beard Foundation’s Impact Programs. This transition to WFCF marks a significant milestone in the program's evolution, geared towards reinforcing transparency and sustainability in seafood supply chains.

John Saunders, CEO of WFCF, said, "The integration of Smart Catch into our organization aligns seamlessly with our mission of providing greater clarity on the origin of food and supporting those that champion responsibility and authenticity within the food industry. We are committed to carrying the Smart Catch legacy forward and making a significant impact on seafood supply chains around the world."

Smart Catch will continue to champion the cause of sustainable blue foods but will do so with a fresh perspective and a brand that mirrors its new home. The relaunched program offers a step forward in the journey to create a more accessible, responsible, and eco-conscious culinary landscape.

The program is broadening its scope to include all members of the supply chain while maintaining the values and principles that Smart Catch has been known for since its inception. While still focusing on its core work with chefs and restaurants, Smart Catch seeks to create an ecosystem to support sustainable seafood by including restaurant chains, food service institutions, retailers, seafood distributors and suppliers as well as incorporating Postelsia’s continued work with producers. The program will remain steadfast in its commitment to assist chefs and restaurants in making responsible menu choices, while aligning with the evolving needs and expectations of both the seafood industry and consumers.

"The transfer of the Smart Catch program to Where Food Comes From marks an exciting milestone in our journey. We're proud to see Smart Catch continue to flourish under the stewardship of an organization committed to sustainable food sourcing. It reinforces our mission of advocating for a high food standard and facilitating the accessibility of responsible seafood choices for chefs and diners alike,” said Dr. Anne E. McBride, VP of Programs at the James Beard Foundation. Anne will continue to advise the program on the Advisory Committee and the James Beard Foundation will continue to support the program through the organization’s communications channels and collaborative events.

"Our team is enthusiastic about this new chapter for Smart Catch, especially in how it offers a unique opportunity to link chefs to place-based seafood sustainability initiatives. We are dedicated to expanding the program's reach and continuing to promote the highest standards of sustainability in the seafood sector," added Laura Peet, Director of Operations and Co-Founder of Postelsia, the seafood division of WFCF that manages Smart Catch.

ABOUT WHERE FOOD COMES FROM, INC.
Where Food Comes From, Inc. is America’s trusted resource for third party verification of food production practices. Through proprietary technology and patented business processes, the Company estimates that it supports more than 17,500 farmers, ranchers, vineyards, wineries, processors, retailers, distributors, trade associations, consumer brands and restaurants with a wide variety of value-added services. Through its IMI Global, Validus Verification Services, SureHarvest, WFCF Organic, and Postelsia divisions, Where Food Comes From services verify food claims, optimize production practices and enable food supply chains with analytics and data driven insights.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on current expectations, estimates and projections that are subject to risk. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and actual events could differ materially from the Company’s predictions. Important factors that could cause actual events to vary from predictions include those discussed in our SEC filings. Specifically, statements in this news release about industry leadership, the future success and potential for growth of the Smart Catch program, and demand for, and impact and efficacy of, the Company’s products and services on the marketplace are forward-looking statements that are subject to a variety of factors, including availability of capital, personnel and other resources; competition; governmental regulation of the agricultural industry; the market for beef and other commodities; and other factors. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect new information or developments. For a more extensive discussion of the Company’s business, please refer to the Company’s SEC filings at www.sec.gov.

COMPANY CONTACTS

Laura Peet
Director of Operations & Co-Founder
Postelsia, a division of Where Food Comes From, Inc.
+1 250 229 6295
lpeet@postelsia.com

Jay Pfeiffer
Director, Investor Relations
Where Food Comes From, Inc.
303-880-9000
jpfeiffer@wherefoodcomesfrom.com

Jennifer Moore
Marketing Manager
Where Food Comes From, Inc.
303-895-3002
jmoore@wherefoodcomesfrom.com

FAQ

What is the news about Where Food Comes From, Inc. (WFCF)?

WFCF has acquired ownership of the Smart Catch™ program, focused on promoting seafood sustainability on restaurant menus.

What is the Smart Catch™ program?

Smart Catch™ is a program that provides insights to chefs for enhancing sustainability on their menus. It has been one of the James Beard Foundation's Impact Programs since 2016.

What are the goals of the Smart Catch program under WFCF?

The program aims to create a more accessible, responsible, and eco-conscious culinary landscape by broadening its scope to include all members of the supply chain while maintaining its values and principles.

Will Smart Catch continue to support chefs and restaurants?

Yes, Smart Catch will continue to assist chefs and restaurants in making responsible menu choices while aligning with the evolving needs and expectations of the seafood industry and consumers.

What is the role of the James Beard Foundation in this acquisition?

The James Beard Foundation will continue to support the program through communications channels and collaborative events.