Associated Food Stores adds new purchasing, food safety technology

Associated Food Stores, a collection of more than 450 independent retailers across the Western U.S., recently added Procurant, a web-based procurement and food safety platform, to its technology suite, according to a news release from the technology company.

“Fresh produce has always been at the core of a great grocery experience, and it requires strong partnerships and trust across the supply chain to make that happen,” Todd Bell, vice president of procurement at AFS, in the release. “The Procurant team really understands this, and we look forward to working with them to enhance the way AFS manages this important category across our operations.”

Procurant says it connects suppliers and stakeholders across the perishable goods supply chain. Its platform enables billions of dollars in purchasing and payments and real-time collaboration between buyers, suppliers and warehouse and logistics providers to improve the speed, efficiency and reliability of order management, according to the release. Procurant says its technology also enables the collection and reporting of traceability data required in the new Food Safety Modernization Act Rule 204 regulations.

“Retailers like AFS recognize the importance of produce and perishable goods for their customers,” Procurant CEO Eric Peters said in the release. “We’re honored by the trust and confidence AFS places in Procurant, and we look forward to a long and productive partnership with their exceptional team and their fantastic network of suppliers — many of whom are already on Procurant.”