Blockchain-Driven Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Review for Unexplored Opportunities

This systematic review critically examines the diverse applications of Blockchain technology in the food supply chain and identifies areas where its potential remains underutilized. By analysing 60 Blockchain-based frameworks, the study highlights the most frequently employed drivers such as transpa...

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Main Authors: Rizwan Matloob Ellahi, Lincoln C. Wood, Alaa Ei-Din A. Bekhit
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/19/8944
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author Rizwan Matloob Ellahi
Lincoln C. Wood
Alaa Ei-Din A. Bekhit
author_facet Rizwan Matloob Ellahi
Lincoln C. Wood
Alaa Ei-Din A. Bekhit
author_sort Rizwan Matloob Ellahi
collection DOAJ
description This systematic review critically examines the diverse applications of Blockchain technology in the food supply chain and identifies areas where its potential remains underutilized. By analysing 60 Blockchain-based frameworks, the study highlights the most frequently employed drivers such as transparency, traceability, and security within food supply chains. Additionally, underexplored applications such as food donation and redistribution, supply chain financing, animal welfare, food waste management, and data analysis are identified, revealing opportunities for further innovation. The research employed NVivo 14 to analyze the extent of Blockchain’s implementation in various food supply chain drivers, and the findings informed the development of a more diverse framework for Blockchain integration. Key insights demonstrate Blockchain’s transformative potential, particularly in enhancing data integrity, trust, and operational efficiency through its immutable ledger and smart contracts, which streamline transactions, cut administrative costs, and reduce fraud. In terms of sustainability and safety, Blockchain improves traceability, accelerates safety responses, promotes environmental sustainability by tracking resource usage, and enhances humanitarian efforts with transparent, efficient resource distribution. Additionally, Blockchain facilitates food waste reduction by optimizing inventory and distribution, while ensuring surplus food reaches those in need. The study concludes by offering a roadmap for future research, pointing toward untapped dimensions of Blockchain’s application in food traceability, sustainable supply chain management, and environmental & social impact. While the review provides a comprehensive understanding of Blockchain’s current usage in food supply chains, the scope is limited by the systematic review process and specific inclusion criteria. This study serves as a foundation for exploring Blockchain’s broader potential in shaping the future of food supply chains.
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spelling doaj-art-9d2c2241103e40c0b7e98f2e1ca2006f2025-08-20T01:47:41ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172024-10-011419894410.3390/app14198944Blockchain-Driven Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Review for Unexplored OpportunitiesRizwan Matloob Ellahi0Lincoln C. Wood1Alaa Ei-Din A. Bekhit2Department of Food Science, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New ZealandManagement Department, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New ZealandDepartment of Food Science, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New ZealandThis systematic review critically examines the diverse applications of Blockchain technology in the food supply chain and identifies areas where its potential remains underutilized. By analysing 60 Blockchain-based frameworks, the study highlights the most frequently employed drivers such as transparency, traceability, and security within food supply chains. Additionally, underexplored applications such as food donation and redistribution, supply chain financing, animal welfare, food waste management, and data analysis are identified, revealing opportunities for further innovation. The research employed NVivo 14 to analyze the extent of Blockchain’s implementation in various food supply chain drivers, and the findings informed the development of a more diverse framework for Blockchain integration. Key insights demonstrate Blockchain’s transformative potential, particularly in enhancing data integrity, trust, and operational efficiency through its immutable ledger and smart contracts, which streamline transactions, cut administrative costs, and reduce fraud. In terms of sustainability and safety, Blockchain improves traceability, accelerates safety responses, promotes environmental sustainability by tracking resource usage, and enhances humanitarian efforts with transparent, efficient resource distribution. Additionally, Blockchain facilitates food waste reduction by optimizing inventory and distribution, while ensuring surplus food reaches those in need. The study concludes by offering a roadmap for future research, pointing toward untapped dimensions of Blockchain’s application in food traceability, sustainable supply chain management, and environmental & social impact. While the review provides a comprehensive understanding of Blockchain’s current usage in food supply chains, the scope is limited by the systematic review process and specific inclusion criteria. This study serves as a foundation for exploring Blockchain’s broader potential in shaping the future of food supply chains.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/19/8944BlockchainIndustry 4.0precision farmingAgriculture 4.0Livestock 4.0food supply chain
spellingShingle Rizwan Matloob Ellahi
Lincoln C. Wood
Alaa Ei-Din A. Bekhit
Blockchain-Driven Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Review for Unexplored Opportunities
Applied Sciences
Blockchain
Industry 4.0
precision farming
Agriculture 4.0
Livestock 4.0
food supply chain
title Blockchain-Driven Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Review for Unexplored Opportunities
title_full Blockchain-Driven Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Review for Unexplored Opportunities
title_fullStr Blockchain-Driven Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Review for Unexplored Opportunities
title_full_unstemmed Blockchain-Driven Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Review for Unexplored Opportunities
title_short Blockchain-Driven Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Review for Unexplored Opportunities
title_sort blockchain driven food supply chains a systematic review for unexplored opportunities
topic Blockchain
Industry 4.0
precision farming
Agriculture 4.0
Livestock 4.0
food supply chain
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/19/8944
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AT lincolncwood blockchaindrivenfoodsupplychainsasystematicreviewforunexploredopportunities
AT alaaeidinabekhit blockchaindrivenfoodsupplychainsasystematicreviewforunexploredopportunities