Blockchain technology in the food supply chain: Empirical analysis

Abstract

This paper explains the feasibility of blockchain technology in food organization. The technology of BCT helps the organizations to achieve integrity among peer-to-peer nodes, such as maintaining proof of work, reducing intermediaries, traceability, etc. It can be applied in the BCT at different levels of supply chain management processes. This empirical study was conducted with the help of the primary data. The data was collected from food industry managers who have knowledge about the BCT in the process of supply chain management. The questionnaire was prepared based on the different supply chain activities like procurement, pre-processing, logistics, warehousing, inventory management, distribution, retailing, processing, and marketing activities. Based on the literature and data analysis, the BCT had the greatest advantages including cost reduction, traceability, time-saving, immutability, authentication, and proof of work. The major weaknesses are associated with present employees having a lack of knowledge, limited scalability, complexity in usage, and high initial cost.