Blockchain technology in meat supply chain: operational and economic implications

Abstract

In this writing we will analyse the possibility to apply blockchain technology in food sector to improve food traceability and transparency, trying to go beyond the hype and to examine the economic and operational implications of such a choice. The high interest towards this technology in this particular field is due to the increasing demand of secure and transparent information about the food we purchase and the growing curiosity about its history and provenience. To assess whether this interest is real and to what extent people understand the potential of blockchain technology application and is concerned about the information it could provide, we will conduct a market research to understand how this forthcoming phenomena is perceived by people and how it will influence purchasing behaviour. On the other hand, the implementation of this technology is particular since it requires to involve multiple actors on the supply chain, exceeding the traditional barriers of information sharing between companies. The study will consider both customer and enterprise points of view to find a balance point between the expected outcomes and the efforts required, paying particular attention to operational issues that companies need to face starting this kind of project with focus on the application of this technology in the beef meat supply chain. Moreover, we will see the economic implications that could arise from the application of blockchain technology as a consequence of disintermediating, speeding up processes and contrasting transaction costs.