by Kevin Payne | May 7, 2019 | Blockchain
When it comes to implementing blockchain for fresh food supply chains, has reality set in? Back in late 2017, blockchain was seen as a messiah, of sorts, for food safety and traceability. It seemed like it was hard to go a day without seeing an article in the press about this. Blockchain was going to solve all of our supply chain problems for freshness, traceability and food safety. Has it? Gartner’s Opinion Last year, in August of 2018, Gartner, the internationally recognized analyst firm, in its Hype Cycle for Emerging...Continue Reading...
by Kevin Payne | Dec 11, 2018 | Blockchain, Freshness Management, Retail Grocery, Supply Chain
The Best of Zest – 2018 In 2018, the Zest Labs Blog provided a timeline for what was topical in the fresh food supply chain industry. Google Analytics details which blogs most resonated with our readers. Our analysis reveals a few interesting fresh food industry trends in 2018. In the “Best of Zest” we offer you highlights from the year and some hints of things to look for in 2019. Fresh Food Industry Trend #1: Food Technology Is “So Hot Right Now” New food-related technologies, particularly blockchain for the fresh food supply...Continue Reading...
by Peter Mehring | Sep 26, 2018 | Blockchain
The adoption of blockchain for food safety among growers and retailers is a positive development for all AgTech companies. It provides an opportunity for growers to embrace technology that can help organize their data and provide new insights for addressing pre- and post-harvest challenges. However, for the adoption of any technology to be successful, there must be proven value to the customer. If growers and retailers don’t benefit from a technology, such as blockchain, it likely won’t be embraced. Blockchain for use in the fresh...Continue Reading...
by Kevin Payne | Feb 27, 2018 | Blockchain
Remember MacGyver? He could take items from a junk drawer and somehow form a device to save the world. Just like real life, right? Not so much. Those of us in the real world need the right tools to solve complex problems. We wouldn’t use a stapler to repair a circuit board or masking tape to patch a tire. Solving the food waste and food safety challenge is similar. The old tools and methods of paper-based tracking and visual inspection that have been used for years have had limited, if any, impact on solving these problems. Food...Continue Reading...
by Kevin Payne | Jan 30, 2018 | Blockchain
It’s hard to match the hype of an upcoming Super Bowl but blockchain is giving it a shot. You can’t go a day without a story about blockchain in the trade and business press. Some companies have even changed their name to include the word “blockchain,” without even having the technology to back it up. Blockchain – Is a Hybrid Model the Best? Despite all the hype, blockchain merits a discussion and serious consideration as the upside benefits for its use and application in the fresh food supply chain is significant. But, at...Continue Reading...
