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Blockchain Technology in the Food Industry: A Review of Potentials, Challenges and Future Research Directions

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  • Abderahman Rejeb

    (Doctoral School of Regional Sciences and Business Administration, Széchenyi István University, 9026 Györ, Hungary)

  • John G. Keogh

    (Henley Business School, University of Reading‚ Greenlands, Henley-on-Thames RG93AU, UK)

  • Suhaiza Zailani

    (Department of Operations Management and Information System, Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50203, Malaysia)

  • Horst Treiblmaier

    (Department of International Management, Modul University Vienna, 1190 Vienna, Austria)

  • Karim Rejeb

    (Higher Institute of Computer Science El Manar, 2, Rue Abou Raïhan El Bayrouni, 2080 Ariana, Tunisia)

Abstract

Blockchain technology has emerged as a promising technology with far-reaching implications for the food industry. The combination of immutability, enhanced visibility, transparency and data integrity provides numerous benefits that improve trust in extended food supply chains (FSCs). Blockchain can enhance traceability, enable more efficient recall and aids in risk reduction of counterfeits and other forms of illicit trade. Moreover, blockchain can enhance the integrity of credence claims such as sustainably sourced, organic or faith-based claims such as kosher or halal by integrating the authoritative source of the claim (e.g., the certification body or certification owner) into the blockchain to verify the claim integrity and reassure business customers and end consumers. Despite the promises and market hype, a comprehensive overview of the potential benefits and challenges of blockchain in FSCs is still missing. To bridge this knowledge gap, we present the findings from a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of sixty-one (61) journal articles and synthesize existing research. The main benefits of blockchain technology in FCSs are improved food traceability, enhanced collaboration, operational efficiencies and streamlined food trading processes. Potential challenges include technical, organizational and regulatory issues. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our research and present several ideas for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Abderahman Rejeb & John G. Keogh & Suhaiza Zailani & Horst Treiblmaier & Karim Rejeb, 2020. "Blockchain Technology in the Food Industry: A Review of Potentials, Challenges and Future Research Directions," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-26, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:4:y:2020:i:4:p:27-:d:434601
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Abderahman Rejeb & Karim Rejeb & Andrea Appolloni & Mohammad Iranmanesh & Horst Treiblmaier & Sandeep Jagtap, 2022. "Exploring Food Supply Chain Trends in the COVID-19 Era: A Bibliometric Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-33, September.
    6. Patrizia Gazzola & Enrica Pavione & Arianna Barge & Franco Fassio, 2023. "Using the Transparency of Supply Chain Powered by Blockchain to Improve Sustainability Relationships with Stakeholders in the Food Sector: The Case Study of Lavazza," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-16, May.
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    9. Hana Trollman & Guillermo Garcia-Garcia & Sandeep Jagtap & Frank Trollman, 2022. "Blockchain for Ecologically Embedded Coffee Supply Chains," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-17, June.
    10. Sun, Yi & Jiang, Shiqing & Jia, Wanjiao & Wang, Yu, 2022. "Blockchain as a cutting-edge technology impacting business: A systematic literature review perspective," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(10).
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    13. Lovina Yogarajan & Mohammad Masukujjaman & Mohd Helmi Ali & Norlin Khalid & Lokhman Hakim Osman & Syed Shah Alam, 2023. "Exploring the Hype of Blockchain Adoption in Agri-Food Supply Chain: A Systematic Literature Review," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-24, May.
    14. Rijswijk, Kelly & de Vries, Jasper R. & Klerkx, Laurens & Turner, James A., 2023. "The enabling and constraining connections between trust and digitalisation in incumbent value chains," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 186(PA).
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