PDO Economy and Quality Agri-Food District in the wine sector: Blockchain and digitalization as tools for the twin transition

Abstract

The twin transition has great potential for the development of the wine sector, although its benefits for the valorisation of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) economy and at the quality districts level are not explored in depth either in the theoretical or empirical literature. The study aims to contribute to this knowledge gap from a strictly conceptual perspective, by investigating benefits and obstacles that Blockchain and digital technologies can have to favour the creation and implementation of a quality wine district towards a sustainable path. Based on the literature background and a case study approach, the Vermentino di Gallura PDO Quality District, this study discusses the prospects and hypotheses of introducing Blockchain technologies and other digital tools at district level and the challenges and opportunities for fostering its sustainable transition. Preliminary results suggest that this transition could benefit the local supply chain and its territory over different pillars of sustainability, although obstacles can be expected along the implementation path. Obstacles can be in various areas - among which are the breadth and variety of processes included within the boundaries of the digital transition and the inter-organizational nature of the twin transition.