Many relevant studies show that consumers’ demand for healthier and sustainable food is growing. Consumers have become conscious and demanding, they want to have confidence in the processes and actors that are involved in the lifecycle of food products. Thus, consumer trust in food is crucial to the transformation of the food system, and the agri-food industry needs to improve transparency which would enable consumers to make more informed choices about the health, safety, and sustainability of their food.
Although consumers’ trust in the food system is slightly growing, based on the latest EIT Food Trust Report from 2021, there is still more work to be done. The study found that consumers acknowledge that many companies are actively trying to adjust to consumer needs but, they want retailers and manufacturers to be clearer on their criteria for food products and increase their supply chain transparency at the same time.
Thus, utilizing digital technologies can increase food transparency, grow companies’ reputations, and maintain customers’ trust in the food they eat. The food traceability technology market is fundamental to improving food safety, providing a method of tracking, tracing, and documenting the journey of food items through the supply chain.
Here are the 4 key reasons why traceability matters to food and retail companies.
Table of Contents
Traceability enhances supply chain visibility and efficiency
Traceability was once a simple process where local farmers and markets were trusted by small villages and towns, but in the globalized world, as we know it today, food brands and corporates now face the challenge of producing for the mass market while maintaining the integrity and consumer trust.
Long and complex supply chains lead to a lack of visibility which presents more risks of food-borne illnesses, such as E. coli, listeria, and salmonella. Traceability technology can help companies identify the source, location, and ownership of food products as they move through the supply chain, making it easier to track and trace contaminated items and enabling businesses to ensure that their products remain safe and of high quality.
Traceability ensures transparency by sharing information about the production and processing of food directly with consumers
Due to the growing awareness of issues about food safety and the expanding desire for certified product origin, through technological and innovative advances, traceability aims to ensure customer confidence.
Traceability technology can be used to transparently share information on the origin of food products so that customers can make more informed decisions about the food they buy and consume. Whether it be evidence surrounding health and sustainability claims, food safety, or product authenticity, traceability technology provides customers with evidenced information about food products to improve trust.
It can also lead to enhancing companies’ reputation and allows companies to communicate their commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and responsible production practices, which can be a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Traceability enables companies to showcase compliance with growing regulations
As the food traceability industry continues to grow, governments worldwide are increasing their regulation of the sector to ensure food safety. Traceability is essential for complying with these regulations. By maintaining accurate records of the origins and movement of products, companies can demonstrate their commitment to compliance and avoid costly fines and legal consequences.
Traceability servers as a risk-management tool that allows companies to withdraw or recall unsafe food
Traceability helps identify the source of products and ingredients in the supply chain and quickly respond to food safety issues. In the event of a food safety issue or product recall, companies can quickly pinpoint affected batches, minimizing the scope of the problem and protecting consumers from potentially harmful products. This ensures that food products meet safety and quality standards, reducing the risk of liability and damage to a company’s reputation.
Technology and Innovation as the Backbone of Food Traceability
Technology and innovation have revolutionized food traceability, and AGRIVI Traceability is one of the examples of this transformation. It offers a comprehensive view of a product’s lifecycle, from planting or harvesting to the end consumer. This includes detailed information on production stages, farming locations, inputs, processes, and quality controls, ensuring product safety and quality.
To further enhance consumer insights, farmers and retailers can generate QR codes, allowing consumers to access traceability data with a simple scan. This empowers consumers with information on production efforts, safety compliance, and pesticide usage reports.
AGRIVI Traceability is a robust toolset for farmers and agri-food stakeholders, enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing consumers with the transparency and confidence they seek when choosing food products. The impact of technology on food traceability continues to grow, shaping a more informed and trustworthy food industry.
