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Emydex Recognised as One of Ireland’s Best Workplaces 2026

Emydex has been named one of Ireland’s Best Workplaces™ 2026 by Great Place to Work® Ireland.

This recognition follows our recent Great Place to Work Certification and places Emydex among organisations recognised for building high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures nationwide.

This year, more than 30,000 employees across Ireland participated in the national assessment process. Inclusion in the Best Workplaces™ list reflects comparative performance among certified organisations and reinforces the strength of our internal culture.

From Certification to National Recognition

In September, we shared the news of our Great Place to Work Certification, highlighting the strong employee engagement results achieved across our teams. That milestone marked an important validation of the culture we continue to strengthen across our global operations.

Being named among Ireland’s Best Workplaces™ represents a further step forward. It confirms that our workplace standards not only meet recognised benchmarks, but stand out within a competitive national landscape.

Culture as a Strategic Driver

As a technology partner to the global food processing industry, Emydex operates in complex, performance-driven environments. Delivering consistent results across regions requires clarity of leadership, accountability at every level and strong cross-functional collaboration.

We view culture as a strategic driver of performance. The strength of our internal alignment directly supports the reliability, innovation and long-term partnerships we build with customers worldwide.

Leadership Perspective

Commenting on the recognition, David McMahon, CEO of Emydex Technology Ltd, said:

As Emydex continues to grow across international markets, culture remains a strategic priority. Recognition as one of Ireland’s Best Workplaces™ reinforces that we are building a resilient organisation, capable of sustaining performance while staying true to our values.

Strong companies are built on strong teams, and this acknowledgement reflects the calibre and commitment of our people.”

A Foundation for Sustainable Growth

As Emydex expands across Europe, Australasia and North America, maintaining a cohesive and high-performing workplace culture remains central to our long-term strategy.

Recognition among Ireland’s Best Workplaces™ 2026 affirms that we are building not only scalable technology solutions for the food processing sector, but also a strong organisational foundation designed to support continued international growth.

We thank our teams across all regions whose professionalism and commitment make this possible.

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Staunton Foods & Emydex: A 12 Year Partnership in Precision Pork Processing

When Staunton Foods first partnered with Emydex in 2014, the goal was clear: build a production management platform capable of supporting one of Ireland’s leading pork processing plants with reliability, accuracy, and visibility. Over twelve years later, that decision has shaped a digitally enabled factory environment that continues to evolve and support the company’s growth and reputation for quality.

A Heritage Processor with Modern Ambition

Staunton Foods, based in Timoleague in the heart of West Cork, has long been recognised as one of Ireland’s leading pork processors. Established decades ago and deeply integrated into the regional agricultural economy, the business has always prided itself on quality, animal welfare, and operational integrity.

By 2014, the plant’s throughput and increasing data demands meant its older legacy factory-floor systems supporting kill-line operations, livestock payments, and boning-hall reporting were being pushed to their limits. Stauntons needed a platform capable of meeting modern demands, not just in performance, but also in compliance, traceability, and integration with financial and partner systems.

Introducing a Digital Backbone for the Kill Floor

The first phase of the collaboration focused on modernising kill‑line operations. Emydex introduced structured data capture at lairage, grading, and slaughter points, enabling Staunton Foods to shift from fragmented legacy processes to a single, consistent source of operational truth.

Key benefits from this foundation included:

  • Greater accuracy in livestock payments: Reliable grading, consistent data capture, and clear traceability records helped establish full transparency for producers supplying the plant.
  • A unified view of kill‑line performance: Daily operations became easier to analyse, enabling supervisors to identify issues earlier, reduce variation, and maintain throughput targets.
  • Confidence in compliance and audit readiness: With consistent, structured data in place, Staunton could respond more effectively to retailer, regulatory, and customer audit requirements.

Extending the Platform to the Boning Hall and Beyond

Following the successful stabilisation of kill‑line processes, Staunton Foods extended its Emydex system into the boning hall and downstream production areas. This included support for:

  • Yield reporting and loss identification
  • Stock visibility across raw, WIP, and finished goods
  • Handheld scanning for movement, labelling, and dispatch
  • Packing and palletisation workflows
  • Enhanced traceability linking carcass data to downstream outputs

Operators benefited from simpler workflows and fewer manual touchpoints, while supervisors gained more precise insight into cutting yields, material usage, and batch-level performance.

For a business with high throughput, narrow margins, and strict quality requirements, this transparency has been pivotal.

Integrations that Strengthen the Business

One of Staunton Foods’ most significant long-term advantages has been the integration of Emydex data with financial and partner systems. Over the years, interfaces have been introduced and refined to support:

  • Sage accounting
  • XML data exchange with partner processors and cold stores
  • Automated consolidation of production and commercial data

This connected ecosystem means operations are no longer siloed. Instead, the company benefits from an information flow that joins production, finance, planning, and logistics into a cohesive picture.

Resilience Through Continuous Improvement

What makes the Staunton–Emydex partnership stand out is not only the depth of the system but the consistency of improvements over more than a decade. These have included:

  • Performance tuning to keep pace with throughput growth
  • Software updates and compatibility enhancements
  • Adjustments to accommodate new commercial requirements
  • Improvements in handheld scanning and data‑capture workflows
  • Extensions to reporting and operational visibility

This pattern of steady enhancement has ensured the system never stagnates and continues to evolve alongside Staunton’s needs.

A Perspective from Staunton Foods Management

For us, reliability is everything. The plant moves fast, and we need systems that keep pace without getting in the way. What Emydex has delivered over the years is consistency: consistent data, consistent performance, and consistent support. It gives our team confidence on the kill floor, in the boning hall, and in the office. Emydex has grown with us. We consider it an integral part of how we manage our business today”
John O’Regan, Staunton Foods Management

Unlocking Smarter Decision‑Making

Today, Staunton Foods uses its Emydex environment not just as a transactional production tool but as an operational intelligence platform. Supervisors and managers benefit from:

  • Clearer trend analysis based on multi-year data
  • Better forecasting informed by accurate yields and run‑rate insights
  • More proactive decision‑making informed by real-time visibility
  • Faster resolution of issues uncovered by transparent data flows

This has helped strengthen margins, control waste, and improve operational discipline across the factory.

Supporting a Sustainable, Future-Ready Irish Processor

As the Irish pork sector faces competitive pressures, regulatory expectations, and rapid shifts in market conditions, the partnership between Staunton Foods and Emydex provides a stable foundation for continued growth.

Staunton’s commitment to maintaining a modern, data-driven production environment ensures the business remains resilient, responsive, and aligned with evolving industry demands.

A Partnership Built to Last

Twelve years on from the original go-live, Staunton Foods continues to rely on Emydex as a key strategic partner, not just a software vendor. The relationship is defined by collaboration, mutual trust, and a shared goal of maintaining one of Ireland’s most respected pork-processing operations.

The result is a quiet, steady success story: a modern MES driving real value in one of Ireland’s most traditional industries.

Interested in how a data-driven MES could support your processing operation?
Speak with our European team to explore how Emydex works in practice.
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Forresters Chicken: From Paper-Based Processes to Real-Time Visibility with Emydex

Processing over 1.4 million packs of chicken every week and supplying all major UK retailers, Forresters Chicken operates in an environment where efficiency, quality and traceability are critical to daily operations.

With more than 50 years of history, the business had grown significantly. But as production volumes increased, so did the complexity of managing quality, performance and compliance across the factory floor.

Like many food processors, Forresters reached a point where traditional, paper-based processes could no longer support the pace and scale of the operation.

Before Emydex, all of our quality control processes were paper-based. Everything was pen and paper, reams and reams of paper, and traceability was a nightmare.”

Angus Dilliway-Parry - Owner / R&D Director

Operational Visibility Before Digital Transformation

Paper-based quality checks and manual records made it difficult for teams to gain a clear, real-time view of what was happening across production.

From a management perspective, this lack of visibility impacted decision-making and operational efficiency.

From a management point of view, it was difficult to see the full picture at any one time.”

John Acornley - Finance Director

Without instant access to reliable data, reacting quickly to issues, monitoring performance and meeting production expectations became increasingly challenging.

The Turning Point: Moving from Paper to Real-Time Data

The introduction of Emydex marked a fundamental shift in how Forresters managed production and quality. What was once fragmented and manual became digital, structured and immediately accessible.

The difference between before Emydex and after Emydex is like night and day. The access to information is phenomenal.”

John Acornley - Finance Director

Real-time access to production and quality data transformed daily operations across the business.

Embedding Data into Everyday Operations

Today, Emydex is used consistently across the factory floor and beyond. Production planners, operators and managers rely on the system daily to support informed decision-making.

The planners use it day in, day out. The factory uses it day in, day out. We have screens up giving the staff and managers the data they need.”

Nick Cooper - Operations Director

This visibility extends beyond the physical factory.

Even if you’re not in the factory, you can pull up Emydex information on your computer and see exactly what’s going on.”

Nick Cooper - Operations Director

 

Turning Insight into Continuous Improvement

With accurate, real-time data available instantly, Forresters can analyse performance, challenge inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement.

Production metrics such as packing rates, throughput and giveaways are no longer retrospective. They are visible, measurable and actionable.

This data-led approach supports ongoing improvements across efficiency, yield and performance.

We use it as a tool to improve what we’re doing, efficiencies, line rates and giveaways.”

Nick Cooper - Operations Director

Stronger Traceability, Supported by Partnership

Alongside efficiency gains, traceability has significantly improved, providing confidence across audits, compliance and day-to-day operations.

Equally important is the long-standing relationship behind the technology.

Our partnership with Emydex has been fantastic for more than a decade. They’ve been responsive, innovative and collaborative.”

John Acornley - Finance Director

The value of that partnership extends beyond the system itself, offering accessible support and a personal approach.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Reflecting on the journey, it’s clear that Emydex has become embedded in how Forresters operates.

Looking back now, you think, how did we manage without it before?”

Nick Cooper - Operations Director

Today, the business benefits from real-time visibility, improved efficiency and a stronger foundation for future growth.

It’s been a really good thing for our business. We really appreciate what Emydex does to help Forresters run efficiently every day.”

Nick Cooper - Operations Director

 

Want to see how real-time visibility and traceability can support your operation?
Learn more about Emydex’s Manufacturing Execution and Quality Management solutions or contact our team to discuss your requirements.

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Rising Tide of Food Recalls: What’s driving the Surge in Ireland and the US?

Over the past few weeks, both Ireland and the United States have seen a sharp increase in food product recalls. From Listeria and Salmonella outbreaks to undeclared allergens and metal fragments, the incidents span a wide range of categories and risks. While no single company or product line is solely responsible, the pattern is clear: food safety is under pressure.

As a provider of traceability and quality management solutions to the global food industry, Emydex is closely monitoring these developments. Here’s a breakdown of the recent recalls, followed by insight into the factors driving this rise in recalls.

Ireland: A Wave of Microbial Contamination

Ready Meals and Listeria

Over 140 ready-made meals were recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Distributed across multiple well-known Irish retailers, the outbreak has resulted in nine confirmed cases and one fatality.

Leafy Greens Under Scrutiny

Separate from the ready meal incident, several batches of spinach, rocket, and mixed leaves were pulled from shelves due to Listeria detection. These recalls highlight vulnerabilities in fresh produce supply chains.

Salmonella in Turkey Burgers

A batch of turkey burgers was recalled for potential Salmonella contamination. Though the use-by date had passed, the product was suitable for freezing, prompting warnings to check home freezers.

United States: A Broader Spectrum of Risks

Undeclared Allergens in Butter

Over 64,000 lbs of butter were recalled due to undeclared milk, a major allergen. The recall was classified as Class II, indicating moderate health risk.

Metal Fragments in Frozen Beef

A major recall was initiated for frozen ground beef due to suspected metal fragments. Other recalls involved foreign material contamination, including glass and plastic.

Salmonella in Pantry Staples

Products including dried black fungus, pistachio cacao spread, and frozen sprouted legumes were recalled after Salmonella was detected during routine inspections.

Listeria in Mushrooms and Tuna Salads

Several mushroom products and tuna salads were affected due to Listeria contamination, traced back to breadcrumbs supplied to manufacturers.

Botulism Risk in Salted Fish

Improper evisceration of dry salted fish led to a recall over potential Clostridium botulinum contamination.

Why Are Recalls Increasing?

Enhanced Detection Technologies

The rise in food product recalls is not necessarily a sign of declining food safety standards. Instead, Emydex believes it reflects enhanced surveillance and testing protocols implemented by regulatory bodies:

  • FSAI (Ireland) has intensified microbiological testing, particularly for Listeria in ready-to-eat foods, enabling earlier detection and broader precautionary recalls [1].
  • FDA (USA) has introduced stringent traceability rules under the Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA), requiring rapid access to batch-level data and critical tracking events [2].

These improvements mean that contamination is being identified faster and more accurately, allowing for swift action to protect public health.

Risks of Not Having Robust Traceability

Without a comprehensive traceability system, food producers face significant risks:

  • Delayed response timesduring contamination events increase the likelihood of consumer harm.
  • Regulatory penaltiesfor non-compliance with traceability mandates.
  • Reputational damagethat can erode customer trust and brand value.
  • Operational chaos, including costly product withdrawals and production halts.

In today’s regulatory landscape, traceability is not optional – it’s a strategic imperative.

How Emydex Helps

At Emydex, we empower food processors and manufacturers with real-time traceability, quality assurance, and recall management tools. Our systems help clients:

  • Track ingredients and finished productsby batch, supplier, and production shift.
  • Generate instant traceability reportsto isolate affected products within seconds.
  • Automate quality checksand compliance alerts
  • Respond swiftlyto recall events with complete visibility
  • Comply with regulatory requirementsfrom bodies like the FSAI and FDA.
  • Integrate seamlesslywith existing ERP and production systems.

This level of visibility and control is essential for managing recalls efficiently and minimising disruption.

Let’s Talk

If you’re looking to strengthen your food safety protocols or streamline your recall response, Emydex is here to help.

Reach out to our team or visit https://www.emydex.com/contact/to learn more.


Written by: David McMahon, CEO, Emydex Technology

 

[1] Update (2) to recall of various branded prepared meals and side dishes …

[2] FSMA Final Rule on Requirements of Additional Traceability Records Traceability

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Cattle Shortage and Processor Pressure: What the Market Is Demanding and How to Respond

Across Ireland and much of Europe, beef processors are facing increased pressure to secure livestock while maintaining efficiency in operations. With tighter supply chains and shifting dynamics, the need for reliable animal payments software has never been greater.

At the same time, cattle prices continue to climb. Some Irish processors are offering more than €8 per kilo for certain categories. Producers are no longer just suppliers. They are business partners who expect speed, flexibility and transparency in return for their loyalty.

While some plants are adapting quickly, many still face internal friction that makes it harder to keep up. And when delays affect critical relationships, the consequences can be costly.

A Shift in Power and Expectation

Recent news stories reflect this changing landscape. Reports highlight how factories are offering more flexibility to secure cattle. In some cases, a price gap of up to €200 per head is driving livestock north for slaughter. Other headlines note how marts are attracting producers with faster turnarounds and stronger prices.

This is not isolated. It is a pattern. Producers are making decisions quickly and expect the same from processors.

But when internal systems are outdated, everything slows down. Manual payment processes, delayed reconciliations and unclear supplier statements can erode trust over time. These are not just inefficiencies. They are risks. And in a supply-constrained market, every delay can mean losing a load of cattle to a competitor.

The Role of Technology in a High-Pressure Market

For processors navigating this new reality, technology needs to do more than automate. It needs to provide clarity. It needs to inspire trust. And it needs to integrate seamlessly into daily operations, especially where payments and producer relationships are concerned.

At Emydex, we work closely with some of the largest food processors around the world. That experience has shaped the way we build our systems, always focused on what matters most in practice. Our Animal Payments System is designed specifically to help plants manage livestock payments with greater efficiency and transparency.

The system supports multiple species and payment models, with flexible rule configurations and detailed supplier statements. It integrates with existing ERP and finance systems, supports both EFT and cheque payments, and ensures full audit compliance from end to end. The result is a process that runs faster and more accurately, with fewer disputes and stronger producer relationships.

Why the Right Animal Payments Software Matters

When supply is tight and prices are rising, maintaining trust with producers becomes essential. And that trust is built on reliability. Fast, accurate payments show suppliers that a processor values the relationship and is ready to do business with clarity and professionalism.

This is no longer just a finance issue. It is a strategic one.

Processors who continue relying on manual processes risk falling behind. Those who modernise their systems will be better prepared to move quickly, respond to market changes, and maintain a steady intake of quality livestock.

Emydex helps make that possible. To see how our Animal Payments System supports processors in high-pressure environments, visit our page.

To learn more, contact Emydex at any of our global market offices in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Africa or North America.

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Emydex to Exhibit Meat Processing Software at IFFA 2025

Welcome to the World’s Leading Trade Fair for Technology for Meat and Alternative Proteins

Emydex at IFFA 2025

Emydex Technology is excited to announce its participation at the IFFA Trade Fair for the Meat Industry, which will take place from May 3rd to 8th at the Messe Frankfurt in Germany.

Our CEO, David McMahon, along with our Technical Director and Emydex Co-Founder, James Grennan, will be present at the BAADER booth D-065, Hall 8.

We will showcase our state-of-the-art factory floor MES software solutions for meat processors over two days, Monday, May 6th, and Tuesday, May 7th.

 

About IFFA 2025

IFFA is the world’s leading trade fair for innovations in process technology for meat and alternative proteins. It covers the entire market for processing, packaging, and selling meat and alternative proteins, offering the global food industry a platform for innovation and networking. This year, we are particularly excited to highlight our collaboration with BAADER, showcasing our combined digitisation solutions for meatprocessors.

Meet Our Team

If you are attending IFFA, we invite you to visit us at the BAADER Booth D-065, Hall 8, to learn more about our innovative solutions. Book a meeting with our team in advance to secure a one-on-one demo or consultation.

Click here to schedule your meeting

We look forward to seeing you at IFFA 2025 and demonstrating how Emydex can help enhance your production processes with our cutting-edge technology.

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