Blockchain and Food Trust

Will Consumers Pay More

Bibliographic Data

ID12305783
AuthorsFederico Modica (0000-0001-5625-4542, Department of Economics, Business and Statistics University of Palermo Italy, corresponding author), Filippo Sgroi (Department of Economics, Business and Statistics University of Palermo Italy), Giusi Giamporcaro (0009-0008-1781-3565, Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Sciences University of Palermo Italy), Caterina Sciortino (0000-0002-9703-8392, Department of Economics, Business and Statistics University of Palermo Italy)
Year2026
Publication date2026-03-09
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSustainable Development (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0968-0802 • E-ISSN: 1099-1719
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/sd.70925
OpenAlexW7134834788
LanguageEN
References cited22

Blockchain is increasingly used in agri‐food supply chains to make products more transparent and trustworthy. Yet, in countries like Italy, where certifications such as PDO, PGI, and organic labels already shape consumer confidence, its added value is still unclear. This study examines how Italian consumers understand and evaluate blockchain‐based traceability, exploring their awareness, trust, and willingness to pay for verified food products. A nationwide survey of 1500 respondents was conducted to capture how education, income, and perceived importance of traceability influence purchasing behavior. Results show that consumers link blockchain above all to safety, authenticity, and transparency. Higher trust and stronger appreciation of traceability increase the likelihood of paying more for blockchain‐certified foods, while education, and income reinforce this tendency

Blockchain · Certification · Purchasing · Supply chain · Traceability · Value (mathematics · Willingness to pay · Food Supply Chain Traceability · Food Waste Reduction and Sustainability · Organic Food and Agriculture

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access