The potential of blockchain-based food traceability systems : a socioeconomic perspective

Food fraud and the increasing complexity of global supply chains pose significant challenges to food authenticity and safety. Simultaneously, growing consumer demand for sustainability underscores the limitations of traditional traceability systems. While conventional traceability systems are widely implemented, they often fail to ensure supply chain transparency and product authenticity, resulting in inefficiencies, particularly during food recalls. Blockchain technology offers a transformative solution, enabling immutable records, enhancing accountability, and improving the efficiency and transparency of supply chains. However, the socio-economic potential of blockchain-based traceability systems remains insufficiently explored, prompting the investigations undertaken in this dissertation. This doctoral research examines the potential of blockchain-based traceability systems from two perspectives: consumers and food business operators. From the consumer perspective, the dissertation conducts a meta-analysis of consumers’ willingness to pay for food traceability, followed by empirical investigations into the factors influencing consumer valuation of blockchain-based food traceability. From the perspective of food business operators, the doctoral research conceptualises the development of trust among supply chain actors during the implementation of blockchain systems. Additionally, the doctoral research conducts a holistic assessment of a blockchain-based traceability system for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) feta cheese in Greece. This dissertation underscores the socio-economic potential of blockchain-based food traceability systems, providing evidence-based insights to inform their adoption. The findings offer valuable guidance for food businesses, policymakers, and researchers aiming to enhance supply chain transparency, foster consumer trust, and improve the sustainability of food production systems.