Coop Italia has chosen IBM as a blockchain technology partner, to trace the supply chain of eggs sold under its private-label brand, Coop Vivi Verde.
The solution is based on 'Hyperledger Fabric' technology, which is a Linux Foundation framework hosted on IBM Cloud, the retailer said.
It allows full transparency and visibility of the various actors involved in the production chain, involving around two million hens, that produce more than 200 million eggs per year.
By scanning the QR Code printed on the new packaging and typing the code of the batch, consumers can access information about the journey of the product from the farm to the store.
The eggs are sourced from hens raised in full compliance with animal welfare requirements.
It is also certified by two independent third-party bodies and complies with all legal obligations, as well as additional requirements set by Coop Italia.
Importance Of Transparency
In July, more than 1,000 consumers were interviewed in various Coop stores about the importance of supply chain transparency and the experience gained from reading the QR code to obtain detailed information.
Among the buyers of Vivi Verde eggs, customers who used the QR Code expressed high levels of satisfaction and interest.
Significantly, consumers were aware of the importance of transparency in supply chain information, particularly regarding eggs.
The use of blockchain technology demonstrates Coop's commitment to implement innovative measures that make the supply chain information more secure and transparent, the company said.
Traceable Pasta
Elsewhere, Gruppo Grigi has joined the IBM Food Trust to offer consumers precise information about the origin of the Aliveris pasta.
The Italian agri-food company will use IBM's platform to provide complete information about the product made of 100% Italian organic wheat with organic soya germ and bronze drawing.
The traceability initiative between IBM and Gruppo Grigi will also be extended to other food products, the company said.
By the end of the year, large retailers who are already part of the IBM Food Trust, such as Carrefour and Walmart, will have valuable information at their disposal to choose certified organic pasta for their consumers.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
