Global Dialogue On Seafood Traceability (gdst)

What Global Dialogue On Seafood Traceability (gdst) does

The Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST) is a non-profit foundation incorporated in the Netherlands (headquartered in Noordwijk) that develops and maintains the GDST Standard — a framework of rules and guidance for implementing digital, interoperable traceability in seafood supply chains. Founded in 2017 by WWF and IFT and converted to a partnership foundation in 2022, GDST defines Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs) and encodes them using GS1 EPCIS and Digital Link standards (JSON and GS1 Digital Link data exchange formats). The Standard V1.0 launched in 2020; Standard Version 2.0, planned for July 2026, transitions from a seafood-only scope to a modular, commodity-agnostic framework, with beta modules for beef and leather (developed with Better Food Future) and a stated roadmap for aquafeed inputs.

GDST's productized outputs extend beyond the Standard itself to include the Capability Test (verifying that software solutions can send and receive GDST-compliant data and certifying them as 'GDST-Capable'), the Completeness Tool (allowing supply chain owners to evidence data completeness), and two planned tools — a Translator (Excel-to-GDST ingestion) and a Validation Tool (described as a pre-requisite for downstream ML-based veracity checks). GDST itself does not offer a public or partner-facing API.

The organization operates a partner-driven go-to-market: fee-paying GDST Partners (107 at last count, spanning seafood processors, retailers, technology providers, NGOs, and global brands including Mars Petcare, Thai Union, METRO AG, Wholefoods, and WWF) receive discounts on tests, tools, and bespoke consulting services and make public, time-bound commitments to interoperable digital traceability. Free resources and documentation support broader adoption, while regional Dialogue sessions and industry events (Seafood Expo Global, Seafood Directions, Blue Food Innovation Summit) drive engagement. Revenue is generated from Partner membership fees and related services; the organization does not disclose financials. Strategic distribution is anchored by a partnership with the National Fisheries Institute (~300 US member companies) to support FDA FSMA 204 compliance, and the Standard has been adopted as a national traceability framework by the Government of Indonesia.

Name

Global Dialogue On Seafood Traceability (gdst)

Legal name

Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability

Website

https://thegdst.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

GDST is a Netherlands-based non-profit foundation that develops and maintains the GDST Standard, a common data language for interoperable digital seafood traceability built on GS1 EPCIS and Digital Link. It serves seafood producers, retailers, technology solution providers, NGOs, and governments through a 107-partner paid membership model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

The Hague

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Partner Membership Fees: Fee-paying GDST Partners receive substantial discounts toward tests, tools and bespoke consulting support services. Partnership model provides the means and momentum for the GDST mission through support and investment needed to continue Dialogues and ensure the Standard remains current.
2. Free Resources and Information: Free information and resources to explain and help implement the Standard, with discounts provided to lower the cost of tests, tools, consulting and services

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

GDST is a non-profit foundation that creates and shares the GDST Standard — a set of rules and guidance for implementing digital, interoperable traceability in seafood supply chains, built upon GS1 EPCIS and GS1 Digital Link standards and defining Critical Tracking Events and Key Data Elements. It complements the Standard with the GDST Capability Test, which verifies that software solutions can exchange GDST-compliant data interoperably, and the GDST Completeness Tool, which allows supply chain owners to demonstrate data completeness.

Product overview

GDST is a non-profit foundation (not a traditional software company) that provides the GDST Standard as its core product — a set of rules and guidance for implementing digital, interoperable traceability in seafood supply chains, utilizing GS1 EPCIS and GS1 Digital Link standards. The GDST Standard V1.0 was launched in 2020 and supports end-to-end digital traceability by defining Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs). GDST supports implementation of the Standard through complementary offerings: the Capability Test (which verifies that software solutions can send and receive GDST-compliant data), and the Completeness Tool (which allows supply chain owners to demonstrate data completeness). A major update, GDST Standard Version 2.0, is planned for July 2026 and will transition to a modular, commodity-agnostic approach that can extend beyond seafood to cover other commodities present in seafood supply chains (aquafeeds, packaging). Planned modules include a translator tool for Excel ingestion and a validation tool for data verification, along with the Global Traceability Framework for Beef and Leather developed with Better Food Future.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• GDST Standard The foundational framework of rules and guidance for implementing digital, interoperable traceability in seafood supply chains. It defines Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs) that specify what data to capture and share at each stage from catch or farm to sale, enabling seamless data exchange between different systems and countries using GS1 EPCIS and Digital Link standards. Targeted at seafood producers, processors, retailers, technology vendors, and governments.
• GDST Capability Test A verification service that tests whether digital traceability software solutions can send and receive GDST-compliant data (including KDEs and CTEs) using JSON and GS1 Digital Link standards. Solutions that pass are certified as 'GDST-Capable,' confirming interoperability between trading partners using different systems. Targeted at traceability software vendors and technology solution providers.
• GDST Completeness Tool A tool that allows data and supply chain owners to demonstrate the completeness of their traceability data, verifying that all required information has been captured according to GDST standards. Targeted at seafood producers, marketers, and supply chain operators implementing digital traceability.
• Global Traceability Framework for Beef and Leather A commodity-agnostic module extending the GDST Standard beyond seafood to cover beef and leather supply chains. Developed in collaboration with Better Food Future and currently in beta, it enables traceability software providers to test capability against a framework beyond seafood. Targeted at beef and leather supply chain operators and traceability technology vendors.

Quantifiable outcome

• USD 195 billion seafood industry facing tightening regulations requiring digital traceability
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Seafood SouqcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2026Dubai-based traceability software firm. MoU with Sustainable Fisheries Partnership to help seafood supply chain actors identify harvest sources and understand sustainability risks in MENA region. Seafood Souq offers GDST-aligned system.
• Mars PetcareflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 June 2025Mars became world's first petfood company to commit to meeting GDST Standard and implement digital interoperable traceability. Partnering with Wholechain for seafood supply chains.
• FishWisecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 May 2025Deepened partnership to drive action on traceability in global supply chains. FishWise is a non-profit sustainable seafood consultancy working with retailers, seafood companies, and hospitality providers.
• National Fisheries Institute (NFI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2025Strategic partnership supporting hundreds of US seafood businesses in delivering best practice for digital traceability and meeting new FDA FSMA 204 requirements. NFI includes nearly 300 member companies.
• WholechaincoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022GDST Verified Capable solution provider. Passed seafood capability test in 2022 and beta capability test for Global Traceability Framework for Beef and Leather in February 2026. Supporting Mars petcare and Thai Union Group with end-to-end traceability implementations.
• WWFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder of GDST in 2017 along with IFT. Ongoing partner in developing and promoting traceability standards.
• FAOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGDST works closely with FAO to align its standards with global fisheries management and policy frameworks.
• FAIRR InitiativecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInvestor network of 400+ members representing $75+ trillion in assets. Seafood traceability engagement bringing together 35 investors representing $6.7 trillion. Promoting GDST as best-practice benchmark.
• UN Global CompactcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGDST works with UN Global Compact to explain journey and how tools and tests can be modified for other commodity initiatives.
• World Benchmarking AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGDST collaborates to explain its journey and how tools can be modified for other commodity initiatives.
• METRO AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Europe's largest fish wholesalers and key initiator of GDST. Strong advocate for GDST since inception, emphasizing importance of GS1 standards.
• Thai Union GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Wholechain for global rollout of standardized, end-to-end traceability systems. Thai Union utilizes GDST guidelines for messaging about traceability.
• Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHonolulu-based nonprofit aiming to expand access to responsibly sourced seafood. MoU with Seafood Souq to strengthen traceability in MENA. Promotes GDST standards through Seafood Metrics tool.
• Marine Stewardship CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNotable GDST partner - global nonprofit organization working to end overfishing.
• WholefoodscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNotable GDST partner - major retailer committed to traceability standards.
• Better Food FuturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for Global Traceability Framework for Beef and Leather, developed in collaboration with GDST. Beta testing in anticipation of Standard 2.0 update.
• IDH: The Sustainable Trade InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated in 2021/22 on developing data standard for beef and leather traceability alongside GDST.
• Trustwell (FoodLogiQ)coreTechnology or IntegrationGDST partner since 2024. Achieved GDST Capability Certification - verified as 'GDST-Capable Solution' for securely exchanging standardized traceability data.
• AquaExchangecoreTechnology or IntegrationBecame GDST partner in December 2024. First solution provider in India to pass GDST Capability Test. Transforming aquaculture with innovative IoT technology.
• StarfishcoreTechnology or IntegrationPassed GDST Capability Test - enabling traceability data to move seamlessly across systems and trading partners.
• Trace RegistercoreTechnology or IntegrationOne of first traceability software products to pass GDST capability test in 2022. TR5 became GDST v1.2 capable with backward compatibility with XML and JSON.
• ThisFish Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationGDST data standard set as default in Tally software. CEO Eric Enno Tamm serves on GDST Technical Council. Pioneer in seafood traceability since 2010.
• OceanMindcoreTechnology or IntegrationTech-enabled nonprofit using satellite technology and AI to combat IUU fishing. Actively promoting GDST standard within seafood sector.
• ABALOBIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit supporting small-scale fishing communities. Using GDST resources to benchmark data elements and database structures against best practice standards.
• GS1coreTechnology or IntegrationGDST built upon GS1 Standards for traceability, specifically GS1's EPCIS and Digital Link Standards. Widely adopted across retail, healthcare, and food industry.
• Auto-ID Labs at KAISTcoreTechnology or IntegrationPart of Auto-ID Labs global network. Developed Oliot platform supporting EPCIS 2.0 standard. Integrating GDST into Oliot solution for companies in Korea and beyond.
• Mazzetta CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOne of largest seafood importers/producers in North America. Partnered with GDST in September 2024 to enhance sustainable and responsible seafood sourcing.
• AquaExchangecoreTechnology or IntegrationEstablished 2020 in India. Largest technology provider to shrimp farmers in India with 50,000+ acres automated. Joined GDST December 2024.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• GS1: Global standards organization whose EPCIS and Digital Link frameworks underpin GDST's data layer. Broad incumbent in supply-chain data standards; comparable because GDST is effectively a vertical seafood application built on GS1's horizontal infrastructure.
• ISEAL Alliance: Global membership body for voluntary sustainability standards organizations, defining credibility principles adopted across sectors. Comparable as a peer organization within the standards ecosystem of which GDST is a candidate member.

Direct peers

• Fair Trade USA: Non-profit certifier setting standards for responsibly produced goods including seafood. Comparable as a sustainability certification body serving similar retailer/brand customers with a multi-stakeholder governance model.
• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC): Global non-profit setting sustainability standards and a fishery certification program for wild-caught seafood. Direct peer to GDST in building multi-stakeholder, retailer-adopted seafood supply-chain integrity standards.
• Better Cotton Initiative (BCI): Multi-stakeholder non-profit sustainability standard for cotton. Comparable in governance form (multi-stakeholder, dialogue-driven) and function (commodity-specific traceability and sustainability claims) to GDST's seafood framework.
• Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC): Non-profit standards organization for responsible aquaculture, operating a certification and labeling program covering farmed seafood. Comparable to GDST in deploying retailer-adopted sustainability standards across the seafood supply chain.
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): Pioneer non-profit global standards body for responsible forestry, with consumer-facing labels and B2B chain-of-custody certifications. Closely comparable in form and function (multi-stakeholder, dialogue-driven) to GDST for a natural-resource commodity.

Emerging players

• OpenSC: Tech-nonprofit building blockchain-based traceability for food and consumer goods, including seafood. Peer to GDST in supplying verifiable supply-chain data to retailers and brands, with a more technology-centric rather than standards-centric model.
• Trustwell (FoodLogiQ): Food supply-chain traceability SaaS that achieved GDST-Capable certification in 2024. Peer within the seafood traceability vendor ecosystem, with a commercial software model in contrast to GDST's non-profit standards model.

Regional players

• National Fisheries Institute (NFI): US-based trade association representing roughly 300 seafood businesses. Peer to GDST in convening seafood stakeholders around common standards and a strategic alliance partner that complements GDST's global scope with US depth.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-global-dialogue-on-seafood-traceability

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Global Dialogue On Seafood Traceability (gdst)