Blockchain technology for a sustainable agri-food supply chain

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Leonardo Rana ◽  
Caterina Tricase ◽  
Luigi De Cesare
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
The Body ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Privacy Leakage ◽  
Blockchain Technology

PurposeThe present paper is aimed at 1) performing a systematic literature review (SLR) on applications in the perspective of sustainable agri-food supply chain (SC) of blockchain technology (BCT); 2) analyzing the selected literature, focusing on the advantages of the sustainable uses of the blockchain of the aforementioned SC and 3) presenting an outlook and research directions capable of addressing unresolved problems.Design/methodology/approachThe SLR was conducted using detailed criteria to identify academic articles. Moreover, specific keywords and databases were used. The time frame considered included the years 2010–2020.FindingsThe review analysis indicates that the use of BCT or BCT supported by ICT/IoT contributes to sustainability of agri-food production. However, this technology can lead to several challenges such as scalability, privacy leakage, high cost and connectivity problems.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper demonstrates that BCT can widely use agri-food supply chain due to its intrinsic characteristics. However, it is not excluded that the criteria chosen may not have identified important articles regarding BCT, the agri-food sector and sustainability.Originality/valueAlthough the body of academic literature published on this topic is expansive, the effect of BCT on the agri-food SC's sustainability aspects has not yet been adequately analyzed. Thus, the article is aimed at investigating how BCT is used in the SC. In particular, the article is intended to update information about BCT and its impact on sustainability.

Supply chain issues in SME food sector: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun Jose ◽  
PrasannaVenkatesan Shanmugam
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Product Quality ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Food System ◽  
Ghg Emission ◽  
Major Research ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Themes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the significant supply chain issues in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) food industry. The objectives are to identify the major themes and the dynamic evolution of SME food supply chain (FSC) issues, the current research trends, the different modelling approaches used in SME FSC, and the most addressed SME food sector. Design/methodology/approach In all, 3,733 published articles from 2002 to 2018 in the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science database were collected, from which 1,091 articles were shortlisted for the review. The authors used bibliographic coupling combined with co-word analysis to identify the historical relations of the research themes that emerged during the periods 2002–2014 and 2002–2018. Findings This research identified five major research themes such as production and distribution in alternative food networks, relationship, safety and standards in the FSC, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impact of the farm food system, traceability and product quality in FSC and asymmetric price transmission in the FSC. Among the identified themes, GHG emission impact of the farm food system and traceability and product quality in the FSC have received increasing attention in recent years. The dairy sector is the most addressed sector (36 per cent), followed by fruits and vegetables (27 per cent), meat and poultry (18 per cent), seafood (10 per cent) and grains and oilseed (8 per cent). It is also identified that the dairy sector has received significant attention in the “GHG Emission impact of farm food system” theme. Similarly, meat and poultry sectors have received much attention in the “Traceability and product quality in the food supply chain” theme. Also, the authors identified that the empirical modelling approaches are the most commonly used solution methodology, followed by the conceptual/qualitative methods in the SME FSC. Originality/value This study maps and summarizes the existing knowledge base of supply chain issues in the SME food sector. The results of this review provide the major research areas, most commonly used approaches and food sectors addressed. This study also highlights the research gaps and potential future research direction.

Using blockchain technology to drive operational excellence in perishable food supply chains during outbreaks

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasanur Kayikci ◽  
Damla Durak Usar ◽  
Batin Latif Aylak
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Use Case ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Operational Excellence

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the potential of blockchain technology (BT) to support the operational excellence in perishable food supply chain (PFSC) during outbreaks, by doing use-case analysis.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review is performed to determine the dimensions of operational excellence in the food supply chain (FSC), then a single use-case analysis is conducted to explore the potential of blockchain in order to achieve operational excellence for PFSC during the pandemics by applying context, interventions, mechanism and outcomes (CIMO) logic.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal that blockchain capabilities such as immutability and transparency, visibility, traceability, integration and interoperability, disintermediation and decentralisation, smart contracts and consensus mechanism provide better sustainable operational excellence outcomes for PFSCs to be more responsive, flexible, efficient and collaborative to cope with the impacts of COVID-19.Research limitations/implicationsThis research employs only one real case with multiple PFSC participants. Statistical generalisation is not possible at this stage of the research. However, the findings are not restricted to this single use-case.Practical implicationsThis study provides a research direction to explore the potential of BT to achieve operational excellence in the PFSC during outbreaks and generates prescriptive knowledge for better managerial decision-making across the PFSC during outbreaks.Originality/valueThis research conducts semi-structured interviews with different participants in one blockchain ecosystem to understand multiple participants' perspectives of operational excellence within PFSC.

Connectivity is key: holistic sustainability assessment and reporting from the perspective of food manufacturers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebekka Küchler ◽  
Christian Herzig
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Content Type

PurposeAs members of the food supply chain, food manufacturers acquire power and hold responsibility for the sustainable transformation of our food systems. Sustainability assessment and reporting frameworks function as instruments to shape sustainable transformation processes. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the suitability for food manufacturing companies and their connectivity with the up- and downstream food supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe first section of the study explores the need for holistic, company-based sustainability frameworks in the food manufacturing sector from the literature. The second part compares seven frameworks, in terms of content and supply chain connectivity.FindingsFood sector specificity demands the inclusion of topics specific to food systems. Furthermore, none of the investigated frameworks fulfil both food sector specificity and full connectivity with the up- and downstream supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsAs a limitation to this work, comparison of the frameworks at topic level instead of indicator level is considered. The findings call for more harmonised and integrated sustainability assessment throughout the food supply chain.Practical implicationsThe framework a food manufacturer should apply depends on their motivation behind conducting the sustainability assessment and reporting. Evidence is provided from various perspectives and with regard to key issues such as content, certification and communication.Originality/valueNo comparison between sustainability frameworks has been made yet from the supply chain perspective of food manufacturers.

scholarly journals Assessment of traditional food supply chain performance using triadic approach: the role of relationships quality

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 396-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Željka Mesic ◽  
Adrienn Molnár ◽  
Marija Cerjak
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Traditional Food ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Empirical Contribution

Purpose The objectives of this paper were twofold: to explore if there are differences in the perceptions about supply chain performance (SCP) and relationship quality (RQ) among traditional food supply chain members, and to examine the influence of individual relationship variables and aggregated relationship quality on SCP in the traditional food sector. Design/methodology/approach The survey was conducted in a triadic context with 189 supply chain members (62 suppliers, 65 focal companies and 62 customers) of 65 traditional food supply chains (cheese, olive oil, meat products, brandies and liqueurs, wine and honey) in Croatia. The influence of individual relationship variables and aggregated RQ on perceived SCP was tested using regression analysis. Findings It was found that there were no significant differences in the perception of overall SCP and RQ among supply chain members. It was identified that aggregated RQ and all individual relationship variables (trust, commitment, economic satisfaction, non-coercive and coercive power, reputation and conflict) have a significant influence on perceived SCP of the traditional food supply chains. Practical implication This study provides a systematic approach to investigate the SCP and supply chain RQ in the traditional food sector. The findings suggest that managers should not neglect any aspect of supply chain relationship to keep high SCP and to be competitive on the market. Originality/value This multiple supply chain study makes an original empirical contribution to the supply chain and network management literature by using a triadic approach to investigate RQ and SCP. The influence of individual RQ constructs and aggregated RQ on traditional food SCP examined in this study has not been explored thus far. This study also makes an original empirical contribution by investigating RQ and SCP in the traditional food sector, which has received little attention recently.

Review of the food processing supply chain literature: a UK, India bilateral context

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 457-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gyan Prakash
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Food Processing ◽  
Single Case ◽  
The Body ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Popular Approach ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the meaning and operationalization of food supply chains in the context of the UK and India. Design/methodology/approach The paper follows the systematic literature review approach. The paper examines 99 articles published in peer-reviewed-journals from 1995 to 2017. Findings Findings reveal that food supply chain literature is explored along themes of procurement, food processing, innovation, traceability, safety, environment and sustainability, food policy, quality, health, consumer behavior and packaging. Within these themes, the UK researchers have primarily addressed vertical integration, coordination, safety, competitiveness and transparency and information technology. Indian researchers have focused on issues such as consumer perceptions, retail format choice, organic, health and wellness products. An empirical category is the most popular approach. The survey method is the most popular approach followed by the single case studies. Research limitations/implications The paper contributes to the body of knowledge by presenting a unified synthesis of articles dealing with the food supply chain in the bilateral context of the UK and India. Practical implications The policy makers could use findings for conceptualization of complementarities and possible food supply chain networks. Social implications Food processing activities may have potential to provide sustaining livelihoods to around sixty percent of the Indian population which depends on the agriculture. In the bilateral context, the UK may also get a reliable and cost competitive partner to meet its food import needs. This will help the UK to focus more on its service-led economy which, in turn, may create more jobs. Originality/value The paper highlights the contextual issues of both the countries and presents opportunities for future collaboration.

scholarly journals Impact of supply chain integration on halal food supply chain integrity and food quality performance

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Helmi Ali ◽  
Mohammad Iranmanesh ◽  
Kim Hua Tan ◽  
Suhaiza Zailani ◽  
Nor Asiah Omar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Food Quality ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Halal Food ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The current complex halal food supply chain (SC) has caused food scandals, which have illustrated the weakness of multiple food quality standards and certification and audits in ensuring food safety. Drawn on the resource-based view (RBV) theory, the purpose of this study is to explore the impacts of SC integration (SCI) on halal food SC integrity and, consequently, food quality. Design/methodology/approach Empirical data were collected from 275 halal-certified food companies in Malaysia and analysed using structural equation modelling – SmartPLS3.0. Findings The results confirmed that SCI, including internal, supplier and customer integrations, has significant effects on the dimensions of the halal food SC integrity which, in turn, lead to halal food safety and quality. Practical implications The importance of SCI in halal food SC is highlighted in this study. The impact of SCI is contexted in halal food SC integrity and food quality. Therefore, it provides a clear understanding to managers of SC applicability in the halal food industry. Originality/value Based on the RBV theory, this study contributes to the limited body of research of the relationships among SCI from the context of the halal industry with a specific focus on food supply chain integrity and food quality.

Food tracking and blockchain-induced knowledge: a corporate social responsibility tool for sustainable decision-making

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Rainero ◽  
Giuseppe Modarelli
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Field Analysis ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Corporate Social

PurposeIn the disruptive technologies era, the lack of convincing business cases on blockchain (BC) adoption about food supply chain, the existence of uncertainties and barriers to adoption due to knowledge scarcity on characteristics as well as the potentialities and risks involved in it, have triggered the need to investigate the first multinational BC adoption for food supply chain in Europe, to consider how it can guarantee knowledge for the consumption/purchase decision-making and the creation-mechanism of consciousness for sustainable behavioral choice.Design/methodology/approachThe authors provide a field exploratory analysis based on customers' perceptions and real knowledge about BC (as a knowledge-constructive tool) in the food and beverage sector. This connected with the need for an informed context, favoring sustainable conscious decision-making related to both the food chain and innovation acceptance. This analysis included the use of innovation acceptance as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategic orientation through a survey- and interview-based field analysis (80 respondents).FindingsThe findings of this study can be considered as antecedents of innovation acceptance in the sector. The analysis assesses consumers' scarce knowledge and perceptions on the BC system, the scarce usage level and the higher acquiring propensity for traceable foodstuffs generating bi-directional/dimensional value, considering that consumption habits could change through security and certainty antecedents and induced knowledge provided by external technological intervention.Originality/valueBy trying to match innovation and the knowledge-construction need as a vehicle for acceptance, the theoretical contribution would empower the literature on food traceability from the perspective of strategic BC application through a from-knowledge-to-knowledge strategy.

Blockchain-Based Food Supply Chain Management

2021 ◽  
pp. 134-171
Author(s):  
Dhana Srinithi Srinivasan ◽  
Karpagam Manavalan ◽  
Soundarya R. ◽  
Thamizhi S. I.
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Agriculture Sector ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Efficient Management ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Payment Mechanisms

Blockchain is an emerging technology that is based on the concept of distributed ledgers. It allows for pervasive transactions among different parties and eliminates the need for third-party intermediaries. Several of blockchain's characteristics make it suitable for use in the agriculture sector. Some of the potential applications of blockchain include efficient management of the food supply chain and value-based payment mechanisms. The products of agriculture are usually the inputs for a multi-actor distributed supply chain, in which case the consumer is usually the final client. The food chain involves several actors including farmers, shipping companies, distributors, and groceries. This makes the entire system to be distributed with multiple actors playing different roles throughout the chain. This currently used system is inefficient and unreliable in various aspects. This project aims to leverage blockchain technology to solve and address discrepancies involved in food supply chains.

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