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GS1 HK’s Food Safety Forum 2024 Underlined Effective Adoption of Digital Technology to Uphold Food Safety and Sustainability

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HONG KONG, Aug. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The 10th edition of GS1 Hong Kong Food Safety Forum concluded successfully today, drawing more than 200 attendees from the food and catering industry to join in-person. Ms. Diane Wong, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR Government, kick-started the event as the Guest of Honour. Mr. Anthony Li, Deputy Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food) of the HKSAR Government, Hon. Peter Shiu, Legislative Councilor (Wholesale and Retail) were also on-site as Award Presenters to give out recognitions to 31 outstanding “Quality Food Scheme” companies, including the new “Quality Food Scheme ESG” launched this year.

Environmental Protection Department recorded that some 3,300 tonnes of food waste, about 30% of municipal solid waste, are disposed at landfills each day, which is not sustainable and is environmentally undesirable as it depletes the limited landfill space[1]. Themed “Rethinking our Future: Where Food Safety and Sustainability Meet”, this year’s GS1 HK Food Safety Forum focus on the challenges of the local food supply chain, and the sustainable development of the food sector ecosystem.

The guest of honour of the event, Ms. Diane Wong, said in the opening remarks, “Advanced technology plays an important role in food safety and sustainability. It can help preserve the environment and improve traceability throughout the food supply chain. Advanced technology can also help reduce food loss and waste by improving storage, handling, and distribution practices. We hope that the food manufacturing industry can continue to explore how the effective adoption of international standards and technologies can help address challenges in food traceability and safety, and also promote sustainable development for the food safety regime. The Government will continue to review the existing policies and measures to ensure that food safety and hygiene standards are met and consumers in Hong Kong can have access to safe and high quality food products.”

Building a Safe and Sustainable Food Ecosystem with Technology

Mr. Keith Wu, Chairman of GS1 HK’s Food and Beverage Industry Advisory Board, highlighted the importance of the sustainability of local food ecosystem in his welcome remarks, “Consumers behavior has shifted significantly, with sustainability becoming a priority in purchasing decisions. Regulations over ESG & sustainability are also becoming increasingly common worldwide, making sustainability no longer a choice, but a business imperative, just like food safety. “Traceability” & “transparency” are always the essential pillars to achieve food safety & sustainability goals. Food industry stakeholders have a shared responsibility to continuously strive towards these goals.”

He cited GS1 HK’s “1QR”, a QR code with GS1 Digital Link standard, as a good way to promote food safety and sustainability. Retailers can scan the “1QR” at check-out counter and shows the ‘Best Before’ or ‘Sell By’ dates – allowing expired foods to be rejected at checkout, and those close to expiry to be sold at a bargain – to reduce food waste.

On the other hand, consumers can simply scan the “1QR” with a smart phone to access information like nutritional values, industry certifications, allergy advice, etc., and also the sustainability details such as sources of materials, carbon footprint, recycling method, helping to uplift consumers’ confidence and attachment.

Senior executives from Data Literacy Association, FrieslandCampina (Hong Kong) Ltd., Kerry Logistics (HK) Limited, Maxim’s Caterers Ltd., Swire Coca-Cola HK, Tai Po Chun Hing Ltd., Uni-China Group and Wong & Associates Global Ltd. shared their insights at the Forum, exploring how the effective adoption of international standards and digital technologies can assist the industry in ensuring food safety and promote a sustainable future.

The New “Quality Food Scheme ESG”

The new “Quality Food Scheme ESG” has awarded 17 enterprises with recognition, which are assessed mainly in accordance with GS1 Global Traceability Standard (GTS), MSCI ESG Indexes[2] and United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)[3] etc. The scheme aims to encourage businesses to not only put efforts in food traceability and safety, but also act on ESG practices.

Quality Food Scheme has been evolving since 2015 that also covers “Quality Food Scheme” and “Quality Food Scheme Plus”. The 2 schemes have recognised 21 companies this year. Please refer to appendix for the awardee list, and visit https://www.gs1hk.org/quality-food-scheme for details of Schemes.

Ms. Anna Lin, Chief Executive of GS1 HK, noted, “I’m very pleased to see the encouraging responses for our inaugural “Quality Food Scheme ESG” from the industry, which shows their commitment to sustainable development. We will continue to work with all the parties, by means of consultation, training and award schemes, to elevate food safety standard and more sustainable practices.

Photos download: https://gs1hongkong.box.com/s/xuadt1xh6n4hviwyqwst20atz7j4ikfw

Remarks：

[1] Environmental Protection Department: https://shorturl.at/DqbRk

[2] MSCI ESG Index: https://bit.ly/47vsvfd

[3] United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/

Appendix

Recognised Companies of “Quality Food Scheme Plus” 2024 (in alphabetical order):

Diamond Enterprise

Café de Coral Holdings Ltd.DKSH Hong Kong Ltd.FrieslandCampina (HK) Ltd.Hop Hing Oils & Fats (HK) Ltd.Integrated Market Services Asia Ltd.International Gourmet Foods Ltd.Kerry Logistics (HK) Ltd.Maxim’s Caterers Ltd.Sims Trading Co. Ltd.Swire Coca-Cola HKTai Hing Worldwide Development Ltd.Tai Luen Coffee Co., Ltd.Tong Shun Hing Poultry (HK) Co. Ltd.Tsit Wing Coffee Co., Ltd.Vitasoy International Holdings Ltd.Watsons Water

Gold Enterprise

Hei Yan Tong

Recognised Companies of “Quality Food Scheme” 2024 (in alphabetical order):

Gold Enterprise

AEON Stores (HK) Co. Ltd.Aquaculture Technologies Asia Ltd.DCH Logistics Hong Kong Co. Ltd.

Silver Enterprise

Sun Yik Food Ltd.

Recognised Companies of “Quality Food Scheme ESG” 2024 (in alphabetical order):

Innovation

CATALO Natural Health Science LimitedKerry Logistics (HK) Ltd.Tong Shun Hing Poultry (HK) Co. Ltd.

Technology

DKSH Hong Kong Ltd.Loscam (Hong Kong) Ltd.Meiriki Japan Company Ltd.Nestlé Hong Kong Ltd.Sun Fat Heung Food Products Ltd. (Top Soya)

Achievement

Hop Hing Oils & Fats (HK) Ltd.International Gourmet Foods Ltd.King Bakery Holdings LimitedSa Sa Cosmetic Co. Ltd.Tai Hing Worldwide Development Ltd.Tai Luen Coffee Co. Ltd.Tai Po Chun Hing Ltd.The Garden Company LimitedWah Yuen Foods (H.K.) Co. Ltd.

About GS1 Hong Kong

Founded by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in 1989, GS1 Hong Kong is the local chapter of GS1®. GS1 Hong Kong’s mission is to empower businesses of their digital transformation, improve supply chain visibility and efficiency, ensure product authenticity, facilitate commerce connectivity and enable sustainable value chain through the provision of global supply chain standards (including GTIN & barcodes), and a full spectrum of platforms, solutions and services.

GS1 Hong Kong currently supports close to 8,000 corporate members from 20 sectors including retail & consumer packaged goods, food & beverage and food services, healthcare, apparel & footwear, logistics & ICT. By working closely with communities of trading partners, industry organizations, government, and technology providers, we can foster a collaborative ecosystem, paving the way for “Smarter Business, Better Life”.

Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, GS1® is a not-for-profit, standards organisation that has 118 national chapters serving 150 economies globally. For more information, please visit www.gs1hk.org.

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SOURCE GS1 Hong Kong

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XLCS Partners advises Concurrent Utility Services on sale to UniTek Global Services

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July 23, 2026

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NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent Utility Services LLC on its acquisition by UniTek Global Services, Inc., a portfolio company of New Mountain Finance Corporation (Nasdaq: NMFC) and its affiliates, and BTG Pactual Strategic Capital.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Concurrent is a licensed general and electrical contractor providing infrastructure development and maintenance services to electric utilities, telecom providers, and land developers throughout the Southeast United States. The company’s capabilities span overhead and underground utility construction, professional telecom services, emergency service restoration, in-building networks, environmental services, and data center development. Backed by a safety-first culture and an experienced workforce, Concurrent has built a strong regional platform and a reputation for quality across the markets it serves.

UniTek is a leading digital infrastructure services provider supporting the expansion of fiber and data center connectivity across the U.S. and Canada. With over 600 employees and 60 locations, UniTek delivers a full suite of infrastructure services. The acquisition of Concurrent accelerates UniTek’s Power Services Division, which launched in July 2025 to broaden the company’s maintenance, repair, upgrade, and new infrastructure development services for the power sector. Concurrent’s established Southeast footprint and power capabilities directly complement UniTek’s existing broadband and data center infrastructure platform, positioning the combined company to capitalize on growing demand for resilient, modernized power infrastructure. Concurrent will continue to operate under its established brand, maintaining uninterrupted service for its customers.

“Selling Concurrent was one of the biggest decisions of my career, and Anthony, Jay, and the XLCS team guided us through every step with professionalism and genuine care for our people,” said Steve Sarno, CEO of Concurrent. “They stayed fully engaged throughout, gave us honest and thoughtful advice, kept our best interests front and center, and delivered an outcome that exceeded our expectations. I would recommend them without hesitation to any owner considering a transaction.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent, and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo, Partner, and Jay Cremer, Vice President. The transaction was completed on July 1, 2026.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.

XLCS Partners is a leading global investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services. Visit www.xlcspartners.com for more information.

Media Contact: 
Kendra Span 
kspan@xlcspartners.com
615-379-7783

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xlcs-partners-advises-concurrent-utility-services-on-sale-to-unitek-global-services-302833542.html

SOURCE XLCS Partners, Inc.

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XLCS Partners advises Concurrent Utility Services on sale to UniTek Global Services

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56 minutes ago

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July 23, 2026

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NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XLCS Partners, Inc., a leading middle market investment bank, is pleased to announce that it served as exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent Utility Services LLC on its acquisition by UniTek Global Services, Inc., a portfolio company of New Mountain Finance Corporation (Nasdaq: NMFC) and its affiliates, and BTG Pactual Strategic Capital.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Concurrent is a licensed general and electrical contractor providing infrastructure development and maintenance services to electric utilities, telecom providers, and land developers throughout the Southeast United States. The company’s capabilities span overhead and underground utility construction, professional telecom services, emergency service restoration, in-building networks, environmental services, and data center development. Backed by a safety-first culture and an experienced workforce, Concurrent has built a strong regional platform and a reputation for quality across the markets it serves.

UniTek is a leading digital infrastructure services provider supporting the expansion of fiber and data center connectivity across the U.S. and Canada. With over 600 employees and 60 locations, UniTek delivers a full suite of infrastructure services. The acquisition of Concurrent accelerates UniTek’s Power Services Division, which launched in July 2025 to broaden the company’s maintenance, repair, upgrade, and new infrastructure development services for the power sector. Concurrent’s established Southeast footprint and power capabilities directly complement UniTek’s existing broadband and data center infrastructure platform, positioning the combined company to capitalize on growing demand for resilient, modernized power infrastructure. Concurrent will continue to operate under its established brand, maintaining uninterrupted service for its customers.

“Selling Concurrent was one of the biggest decisions of my career, and Anthony, Jay, and the XLCS team guided us through every step with professionalism and genuine care for our people,” said Steve Sarno, CEO of Concurrent. “They stayed fully engaged throughout, gave us honest and thoughtful advice, kept our best interests front and center, and delivered an outcome that exceeded our expectations. I would recommend them without hesitation to any owner considering a transaction.”

XLCS acted as the exclusive M&A advisor to Concurrent, and the transaction was led by Anthony Contaldo, Partner, and Jay Cremer, Vice President. The transaction was completed on July 1, 2026.

About XLCS Partners, Inc.

XLCS Partners is a leading global investment banking firm providing M&A advisory services. Visit www.xlcspartners.com for more information.

Media Contact: 
Kendra Span 
kspan@xlcspartners.com
615-379-7783

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xlcs-partners-advises-concurrent-utility-services-on-sale-to-unitek-global-services-302833542.html

SOURCE XLCS Partners, Inc.

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Fathom Applauds Introduction of the FRONTIER Act, the First Federal Blueprint for Independent AI Verification

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July 23, 2026

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Reps. Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) introduce a bill to build a competitive marketplace of independent verifiers for frontier AI models.

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fathom welcomes the introduction of the FRONTIER Act, the most complete federal framework yet for independent, third-party verification of frontier AI. The legislation is built to earn public trust as AI technology continues to accelerate. As frontier systems begin to take autonomous action in the world, the gap between what these models can do and our ability to keep them in check is widening. FRONTIER is the starting point to close that gap.

“AI governance keeps running into the same wall. The technology is hard to measure and it moves faster than any law can keep up with,” said Andrew Freedman, Co-Founder and CEO of Fathom. “Trying to write the perfect rules and freezing them in place won’t work. What will work is a competitive market of independent verifiers who are accountable for real-world outcomes and who the government can actually count on. The FRONTIER Act shows we can move fast and still get this right.”

The bill gets the fundamentals correct. It sets one public standard – the adequate mitigation of catastrophic risk – and holds both the AI companies and their independent verifiers accountable to it. FRONTIER does not freeze a single testing method into statute. Instead, it licenses competing verification organizations, allows them to sharpen their methods, and gives the government the power to revoke a license when a verifier’s work does not hold up in the field. That is how you build a system that keeps pace with the science instead of falling behind it.

Fathom thanks Reps. Trahan and Obernolte for their leadership, and for their courage in releasing a discussion draft, inviting scrutiny, and incorporating substantive improvements from across the field. One priority improvement as the bill advances: giving the government a fuller range of tools to act upstream – for pushing companies to close identified gaps in risk mitigation early, rather than only once a catastrophe is imminent. We are committed to working with these sponsors, committees of jurisdiction, and Congressional leadership to continue refining the bill in the weeks and months ahead.

About Fathom
Fathom is an independent nonprofit whose mission is to build a governance architecture that helps society navigate the transition to a world with AI by fostering trust, safety, and innovation. Fathom has developed and championed the independent verification model for AI and works with policymakers across the country to put it into practice. Learn more at http://fathom.org.

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SOURCE Fathom AI Inc.

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