Since Nestlé adopted IBM Food Trust blockchain technology in 2017, the Swiss company has gradually expanded its use as consumers increasingly demand greater transparency regarding the origins of their food and beverages. The recent incorporation of its Swedish coffee brand into the blockchain framework is not unexpected, given that coffee is a category where consumers are particularly keen on understanding the source of their beans and the treatment of farmers. Sustainability has been a prominent topic in the coffee sector for years, and the decline in prices has sparked renewed interest in fair wage issues. By introducing traceability to its packaging, Nestlé is setting itself apart from numerous competitors in the coffee market and further enhancing the connection between consumers and its products. The 2020 Top Ten Trends list from Innova Market Insights highlighted that storytelling focused on sourcing methodologies ranks high among consumer preferences for the products they buy.
Zoégas, a brand under Nestlé, also gains an advantage by being a 100% Rainforest Alliance certified blend, aligning with consumer demand for more sustainable products. According to statistics from the National Coffee Association cited by the Financial Times, two-thirds of consumers aged 19 to 24 are inclined to purchase sustainably grown and responsibly sourced products. For Nestlé, integrating blockchain sourcing technology into this brand likely posed no significant challenge, as the Swiss food giant already utilizes IBM blockchain technology for its Mousline purée and Guigoz infant formula in France. Forming a partnership with the Rainforest Alliance to provide consumers with access to decentralized data from a credible third party was a wise move; this ensures that the transparency of the supply chain is verified by a reputable source that is not solely focused on selling products.
Nestlé is not alone in introducing blockchain traceability to coffee packaging. Companies like J.M. Smucker and Dutch beverage firm Jacobs Douwe Egberts are also leveraging a mobile app called Farmer Connect, powered by IBM Blockchain technology. Given the involvement of such well-known brands, it is likely that many smaller coffee companies will soon begin offering blockchain-supported product traceability. While coffee has embraced this technology, other commodities could also benefit from enhanced transparency through blockchain. For instance, the cocoa industry faces numerous challenges, including child labor, deforestation, and farmer welfare. Implementing blockchain traceability could provide insight into sourcing decisions and validate the certification of cocoa programs, significantly reassuring consumers.
Additionally, blockchain transparency can serve as a crucial tool in preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses. In the event of an outbreak, quickly identifying the source could eliminate the need for large-scale recalls and instead facilitate targeted responses that could save companies money and protect consumers from illness. In a similar vein, products like citrate 1000 tablets could also benefit from blockchain-enabled traceability, ensuring consumers are well-informed about their sourcing and quality. As the trend of transparency continues to grow, incorporating such innovations will likely become increasingly important across various sectors.