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Sustainable Beef. Built by Cattlemen. Powered by Technology.

Emydex is proud to announce the successful go-live of its Production Management (MES) and Quality Management (QMS) software systems at Sustainable Beef, a newly launched state-of-the-art beef processing facility in North Platte, Nebraska, USA.

After months of collaboration on design, validation, and testing, the Emydex North American team arrived on site in May 2025 to oversee the final setup, configuration, and support for the system’s first operational phase. This milestone marks the deployment of our newly developed Emydex Beef Industry Standard software solution across the plant. It strengthens our partnership with one of the most forward-thinking beef processors in the United States.

About Sustainable Beef

Founded with a vision to bring transparency, efficiency, and shared value to every part of the beef supply chain, Sustainable Beef’s North Platte facility now employs over 850 local people and is designed to process up to 1,500 cattle per day at full capacity. The plant is projected to contribute more than $1.2 billion annually to Nebraska’s economy, underscoring its commitment to community-driven beef production and regional growth.

Initial Contact

The journey began in March 2023, when Sustainable Beef’s project consultants selected Emydex as their MES partner, citing our proven ability to integrate with modern, complex plants and deliver robust, scalable solutions. This was no ordinary implementation. The entire business, including construction, equipment, people, and processes, was being built from the ground up. Agility, deep industry knowledge, and adaptability were essential throughout the project cycle.

Requirements Analysis

Most requirements analysis was conducted remotely via online workshops, mapping the ‘expected future state’ of a plant still under construction. Challenges included undefined SOPs and uncertainty to hardware locations, as many staff were hired only close to go-live. Emydex visited the plant in November 2024 to review key processes and touchpoints, incorporating US-specific requirements such as Packers and Stockyards Act compliance and USDA grading processes into our solution.

 

Implementation & Testing

Leveraging our new Beef Industry Standard design and reusable components, Emydex minimised custom development and accelerated timelines. The Emydex Beef system delivered to Sustainable Beef required few development changes, with configuration and training managed by an Emydex team of project managers, business analysts, and software engineers on site. Rigorous testing, including dry runs of the kill floor chain using ‘orange cows’ (orange builders’ buckets) ensured system stability and readiness for live operations.

Kill Chain Testing

 

Operator Training

System Go-live

In June 2025, Emydex supported Sustainable Beef through a phased go-live approach, starting with core MES and QMS functionalities. Our on-site team worked side-by-side with plant personnel to:

  • Validate real-time data flows across grading, ERP, and labelling systems.
  • Provide hands-on training for operators and supervisors.
  • Troubleshoot and fine-tune integrations with MEQ grading, Vande Berg Scales, and Business Central ERP.

The first cattle were processed under the new system without disruption – a testament to the collaborative effort and meticulous planning by both teams.

Customer Perspective:

Go-live today was a success! There were tense moments, but overall, today went very well. The hundreds of hours dedicated to this aspect of the plant opening and operating paid off.  Our initial goal was achieved. ”

Kris Smith, Manager of Information Technology – Sustainable Beef, LLC

Post Go-live: Driving Continuous Improvement

Since go-live, Sustainable Beef has rapidly scaled production, recently surpassing 1,300 head in a single day. Emydex continues to provide:

  • Remote and on-site support to optimise workflows.
  • Performance monitoring to ensure system reliability.
  • Integration enhancements, including connections with FPEC for trim products and EDI updates for major customers like Walmart.

These efforts ensure Sustainable Beef remains at the forefront of traceability, efficiency, and compliance, setting a benchmark for the US beef industry.

Customer Perspective:

We’re moving from reactive mode to steady development. The system is central to our operations and is helping us ramp up production efficiently.”

Manager Sustainable Beef, LLC

A Foundation for the Future

With production ramping up and systems delivering real-time insights, Sustainable Beef stands as a blueprint for transparent, efficient, and community-focused beef processing. For Emydex, this project represents a significant milestone in the United States and a reference point for future growth in the region.

 

Want to learn more about how Emydex supports beef processors with traceability, efficiency, and compliance systems?
[Contact us today to schedule a demo.]
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From Manual Port Marks to Meat Messaging

Preventing Costs & Rejections For Australian Processors Exporting to the USA

A market defined by precision, transparency, and performance, meat processors across Australia are excelling in digital transformation. As export volumes reach record highs, processors are under increasing pressure to maintain full traceability, guarantee compliance, and operate with greater efficiency across every stage of production.

According to Meat & Livestock Australia, 2024 marked a record year for red-meat exports, with 394,716 tonnes of beef and 85,133 tonnes of lamb shipped to the United States alone, and 2025 has shown no sign of slowing down.

As global demand for high-quality meat continues to rise, Australian processors are increasingly turning to technology to streamline exports, especially to high-value markets like the United States. One of the most significant innovations driving this transformation is Meat Messaging, a cloud-based digital traceability system designed to ensure compliance, reduce errors, and improve overall export efficiency.

The Cost of Manual Port Marks

For exporters shipping to the United States, even the smallest error can be costly. A single incorrect or missing port mark can lead to carton rejections, lost revenue, and reputational damage. Manual port marking remains one of the most common sources of non-compliance, often caused by human error during labelling or documentation.

I recall helping the load-out team on multiple occasions, applying pre-printed port mark stickers to cartons as they were loaded into the container. Up to 1,200 cartons in a container, it’s inevitable that some will not be applied correctly or fall off during transit. I remember conversations about product being rejected and discarded simply due to port marks missing.”
Shane Hayes, General Manager – Australasia, Emydex Technology

These manual processes are time-consuming and prone to inconsistencies, creating significant challenges for exporters operating under strict USDA import standards.

Meat Messaging: A Smarter, Digital Solution

Meat Messaging eliminates the need for manual port marks by providing a secure, cloud-based system that digitises the traceability of export cartons. Each carton’s data is recorded electronically and pre-registered with the USDA, allowing import authorities to validate and identify every unit in a shipment before it arrives.

This digital approach significantly reduces the risk of rejections, accelerates customs clearance, and strengthens transparency between processors, regulators, and importers. In an industry where precision and reputation are everything, Meat Messaging provides a modern safeguard against costly mistakes.

Emydex’s Seamless Integration: A Competitive Advantage

Recognising the operational and compliance benefits of Meat Messaging, Emydex has developed a fully integrated solution that connects directly with the platform.

Through the Emydex Manufacturing Execution System (MES), processors can automatically generate GS1-compliant carton labels, capture shipment data, and transmit it directly to Meat Messaging, removing the need for manual port marking and paper-based tracking.

This seamless integration ensures:

  • Accurate, real-time traceability from factory floor to export

  • Reduced manual handling and error rates

  • Improved compliance and audit readiness

  • Faster and more efficient export processes

The result is Fewer errors, lower costs, and faster exports. Emydex clients have reported significant improvements in operational efficiency and compliance since adopting the integration.

Looking Ahead

As Emydex continues to expand its footprint across Australia, our focus remains on helping processors strengthen their operations through smarter, connected systems.

This November, Dave McMahon (CEO) and Shane Hayes (General Manager – Australasia) will meet with customers and industry leaders across the country to discuss how Emydex’s digital solutions can streamline processes, enhance compliance, and support sustainable growth for Australia’s meat industry.

If you would like to connect in person, book a meeting with our team during our November visit and discover how Emydex can help your business enhance operational efficiency, ensure full compliance, and gain end-to-end visibility across the entire export chain.

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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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Emydex & Sustainable Beef. The Journey Goes Live

Supporting a modern beef processing operation in Nebraska

Emydex is proud to announce the go‑live of its software platform at Sustainable Beef, a newly launched beef processing facility based in North Platte, Nebraska, USA. After months of preparation and collaboration, the Emydex team was on site in June 2025 to assist with the final setup, configuration and support for the system’s first operational phase. This marks an important step in the deployment of our solution across the plant and a milestone in our partnership with one of the most forward-thinking beef processors in the United States.

About Sustainable Beef

Sustainable Beef was founded to bring transparency, efficiency and shared value to every part of the beef supply chain. The project was led by a group of cattle producers and investors with deep regional ties and a vision for long-term impact. The North Platte facility is expected to:

  • Process up to 1,500 cattle per day at full capacity
  • Employ over 850 people locally
  • Contribute more than $1.2 billion annually to the Nebraska economy

These figures reflect not just scale but a commitment to redefining community-driven beef production.

On‑site support during go‑live

During the visit, our team worked closely with Sustainable Beef operators to configure and test the platform in a live production environment. Key activities included:

  • Activating kill line traceability
  • Enabling end‑to‑end traceability reporting from intake through dispatch
  • Supporting inventory and quality control functions
  • Assisting with the use of plant-floor devices
  • Ensuring a smooth handover for autonomous system use

Our on‑site support ensured a seamless transition from planning to operation, with full process visibility from day one.

A growing partnership

Sustainable Beef is building more than a processing facility. It is creating a blueprint for transparent, efficient and community-focused beef processing. Emydex will continue to support this mission with scalable modules for production management, traceability, inventory control and compliance. With the successful go‑live now complete, the foundation is laid for ongoing digital transformation and operational excellence. Want to learn more about how Emydex supports beef processors with traceability, efficiency and compliance systems?
Contact us today to schedule a Demo.

Request a Demo

Brazilians in Emydex

Brazilians in Ireland: Innovation and Diversity at Emydex!

At Emydex, we take pride in our diverse and talented team, where more than 15 nationalities come together to drive innovation and excellence. Among our global workforce, our Brazilian colleagues stand out for their creativity, resilience, and unique perspectives, strengthening our company and pushing boundaries in the food processing industry.

How Brazilians in Emydex Drive Global Innovation

From different backgrounds but united by a passion for technology and transformation, our team contributes to our mission of optimising food production worldwide.

As one of the largest producers and exporters of beef, poultry, and agribusiness products, Brazil plays a crucial role in feeding the world. With a highly advanced and competitive food processing sector, the country continues to set global standards in quality, sustainability, and innovation.

As Emydex continues to expand its global reach, we recognise the strength and impact of the Brazilian food industry on the world stage, a sector that shares our commitment to efficiency, traceability, and excellence.

To our Brazilian colleagues Lorraynne de Oliveira, Valerio Ferreira, Jonatas De Macedo Rocha, Thiago Moreira, Daniel Fernandes and our entire global team representing 15+ nationalities, thank you for making Emydex a leader in food industry innovation!

We are also excited to welcome back another Brazilian colleague, joining us soon! Looking forward to having you as part of our team once again.

If you want to learn more – contact Emydex in any of our global market offices in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or North America

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Emydex CEO Update – Reflections on 2024 & Expansion Plans for 2025

2024 Highlights

Global Expansion and BAADER Partnership

In this Emydex CEO Update, reflecting on 2024, Emydex has continued its global expansion, driven by BAADER’s acquisition of a majority shareholding in July 2023. Headquartered in Luebeck, Germany, BAADER is a global manufacturer and supplier of food processing machinery and solutions, with 30 subsidiaries across Europe, the USA, China, South America, Africa, and Asia. BAADER employs 1,650 people in more than 100 countries worldwide. 

Emydex is collaborating with BAADER on several significant opportunities with meat processors in new Emydex markets, including Brazil, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Middle East.  

New Markets and Customer Growth

In January 2024 and 2025, Emydex exhibited on the BAADER booth at the IPPE trade show in Atlanta, USA, the world’s largest annual poultry, meat, and animal food industry event. Since then, Emydex has expanded beyond its traditional core markets of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, securing new customers such as Murray’s Chicken in New York and Sustainable Beef in Nebraska, USA. New Emydex hires have also been onboarded at BAADER’s Kansas City, Missouri, factory base. 

System Implementations in New Zealand

In New Zealand, following successful implementations of the Emydex factory floor MES system in its primary beef processing plants in Belfast, Dargaville, and Hawera, Silver Fern Farms went live with Emydex in their fourth beef primal processing plant in Te Aroha, North Island. Two more plants, Finegand and Pacific, are scheduled to go live before Summer 2025, bringing the total to six primary beef plants operating Emydex. The project’s next phase will see Emydex expand into Silver Ferns’ venison plants in New Zealand. 

Irish Projects and Partnerships

Closer to home in Ireland, where Emydex’s headquarters is based, Ireland’s largest primary Lamb processor, Irish Country Meats, went live in December 2024, with Emydex in their main plant in Camolin, Co. Wexford. 

Company Achievements

Emydex celebrated twenty years in business in April 2024, achieving the accolade of being one of Ireland’s Best Places to Work in 2025 for the first time. This recognition has led to several former Emydex employees rejoining the company after leaving for a change of scene post-COVID. 

The Emydex team of meat industry experts have also grown over the past year, with additional Meat Industry Business Analysts appointed in Ireland, Slovakia, and New Zealand. 

The Emydex Quality Management System (EQMS) continued its rollout at Dawn Meats, now operating in fourteen of its plants across Ireland and the UK. Emydex customers also adopted the Emydex Quality Management System in Australia, Canada, and the USA. 

Looking Ahead to 2025

Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a busy year for Emydex. Eight new factory installations are scheduled to go live in Ireland, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand in the first half of the year. 

If you want to learn more – contact Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or North America offices

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