Blockchain as a tool to improve quality, traceability and safety in the food industry
Successful case studies
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21294907 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Klaus Ulrich (0000-0003-1003-0847, ESIC Business & Marketing School), Domingo Ribeiro-Soriano (0000-0003-3222-9101, Universitat de València), Olaia Abadia (UTAMED), Liu Fagang (Universitat de València) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 127 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Pages | 1910-1922 |
| Publication date | 2025-05-20 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | British Food Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0007-070X • E-ISSN: 1758-4108 |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/bfj-05-2024-0469 |
| OpenAlex | W4408481389 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 42 |
Purpose The purpose of the study is to determine the motivations of two companies in the food sector to successfully implement blockchain technology in their value chain, or as the core of their business model. The study, focused on relatively small companies, analyses technical motivations such as traceability, transparency and security, as well as sustainable and social variables. The aim is to analyse specifically the role of the latter in the decision-making process regarding blockchain technology by small and medium-sized companies. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study of two successful cases of blockchain technology application in the food sector has been carried out. To this end, in-depth interviews were conducted with senior executives from both companies, who occupy different positions in the sector’s value chain. The interviews were recorded and processed with specific software, transcribed and coded. Findings The findings of the study highlight the relevance of blockchain technology for ensuring traceability and process quality in the food industry, as well as the social and sustainable motivation of companies when making decisions regarding blockchain technology adoption. These results suggest that there are differences in motivations between small and large companies, as well as an increase in perceived value on the consumer side. Originality/value The study addresses a research gap in the investigation of the application of blockchain technology in the food industry, exploring the determining variables for the adoption of the technology in agri-food SMEs. The research brings a global and multidimensional view to the research question, focusing on its ability to drive innovation, sustainability and generate new business models
Blockchain · Business · Food industry · Knowledge management · Originality · Process management · Qualitative research · Quality (philosophy) · Traceability · Transparency (behavior) · Value (mathematics) · Blockchain Technology Applications and Security · Computer Science · Food Waste Reduction and Sustainability · Marketing · Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Blockchain as a sustainability-oriented innovation
Leveraging blockchain technology for green innovation in ecosystem-based business models
Consumer adoption of blockchain food traceability
Applying blockchain to quality food products
Addressing food loss and waste prevention
Discovering the conceptual building blocks of blockchain technology applications in the agri-food supply chain
Navigating the adoption landscape of blockchain in food delivery
Examining the influential factors of consumer purchase intentions for blockchain traceable coffee using the theory of planned behaviour
Enterprise Audits and Blockchain Technology
Co-regulation as a possible model for food safety governance
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |