Blockchain and its potential applications in food supply chain management in Ecuador

Abstract

In recent years, attention has been directed to the problem of food loss and waste. On the one hand, there is an increasing demand for higher quality fresh produce and products. On the other hand, studies suggest that at least one-third of food production is lost along its supply chain. The most crucial part is constituted by suppliers-retailers-consumers, since it presents the highest percentages of loss or waste. Several works in the literature suggest that the exchange of information is one of the most important means to reduce waste. Shared information can improve decisions regarding the quantity in supplier’s orders and vendor’s inventory allocation among retailers. Based on these needs, the Blockchain technology, developed in recent years to generate secure transactions on different sectors, has the characteristics of decentralization, information security, and reliability. If this technology can be applied as an underlying basis of a supply chain, it could improve exchanges of information and products among all parts of the system. In this context, the current article presents a systematic review on Blockchain in food supply chain management (FSCM) in Ecuador, its main contributions, and potential benefits. Findings indicate that Blockchain in FSCM is a recent research area whose importance is rapidly growing. However, little is known about Ecuadorian studies applying Blockchain. Additionally, no studies have reported the combination of Blockchain and Internet of Things technologies, one of the most prominent and complementary applications of Blockchain.