At California Giant Berry Farms, traceability isn’t just about compliance. It is core to how they build trust, scale operations, and protect product quality across every shipment. Over the past year, the company has seen a dramatic expansion in both case-level and item-level traceability, positioning them as one of the most advanced berry suppliers using iTradeNetwork’s Trace solution.

“We’ve partnered with iTradeNetwork for well over a decade,” says Tim Youmans, Vice President of Sales at Cal Giant. “What started as a way to manage orders and product data has grown into a full traceability and transparency platform that connects every step of our supply chain from the field to the consumer.”

1.9 Billion Clamshells and Counting

As of late 2025, Cal Giant has traced approximately 1.9 billion consumer units (clamshells) using iTradeNetwork’s traceability platform. That number speaks to both the scale of their operation and their long-term commitment to visibility.

Over the past 18 months, Cal Giant has expanded its PTI (case-level traceability) program dramatically. In 2025, they printed over 40 million PTI labels, compared to just 3.3 million in 2024. This tenfold year-over-year increase reflects their dedication to traceability and responsiveness.

According to Tim, this growth was driven by both industry compliance pressure and a proactive desire to lead on food safety.

“Our buyers and retail partners want traceability that’s reliable, consistent, and data-driven,” he explains. “Working with iTradeNetwork has helped us meet those expectations and set a new standard for what transparency can look like in the berry category.”

Engaging the Consumer with QR-Enabled Labels

Cal Giant hasn’t stopped at case-level traceability. In 2025, they activated over 220 million item-level codes, allowing consumers to scan a QR code on each clamshell to see where their fruit came from, learn about the farm, and even leave feedback.

“Traceability isn’t just a compliance exercise for us. It’s a brand value,” says Tim. “When someone scans a Cal Giant QR code, they see more than just where the berries came from. They see who grew them, how they were handled, and what makes our fruit special.”

This initiative has created a real feedback loop, giving Cal Giant new insights into the consumer experience while reinforcing brand loyalty at the shelf.

From Order Management to Innovation

Beyond traceability, Cal Giant uses iTradeNetwork to streamline order management, processing hundreds of thousands of orders each year across email, EDI, and digital platforms.

“We’ve been able to roll out our PTI labeling and traceability program at a much faster rate than we could have done any other way,” Tim says. “Technology like iTradeNetwork helps us move quicker, with more accuracy, and positions us for the future.”

Advice to Other Suppliers

As Cal Giant pushes forward with innovations in packaging, probiotics, and varietals, they’re also setting the tone for how suppliers can approach traceability and digital transformation.

“You really have to look beyond what’s happening today,” Tim says. “Technology is advancing fast. But it only works if you’ve got good people, solid processes, and the right platform to bring it all together.”

For Cal Giant, iTradeNetwork is that platform. And with billions of clamshells traced, they’re proving what’s possible when data, transparency, and execution come together.