The growing trust problem in our food systems

Modern food supply chains are vast and complex. A chocolate bar might begin as cacao pods harvested in West Africa, travel through multiple transport companies, be processed in Europe, and pass through several distribution networks before landing on a store shelf.

At each stage, valuable data is generated—harvest dates, transport conditions, quality checks, sustainability certifications. In theory, this should create a clear record of the product’s journey. In practice, these records are stored in separate systems, often entered manually, and controlled by different parties.

When a recall occurs or a regulator asks for proof of compliance, the process of collecting and verifying this information can be slow, error-prone, and incomplete. For consumers, it creates uncertainty. For brands, it creates risk.

Why databases still dominate—and where they fall short

Most food supply chains still rely on traditional databases: ERP systems, spreadsheets, or proprietary cloud software. These tools are effective for internal record-keeping but have limitations in multi-stakeholder environments.

Databases are centralised by design. This means one party controls the system, decides who can access it, and can modify or delete records without leaving a trace. In global supply chains, this creates “data silos,” where each participant works in isolation. Connecting these systems is often slow, expensive, and error-prone.

Traditional databases also depend on trust in the system owner. Auditors, regulators, and consumers must take the database owner’s word that the information is accurate. In a world of increasing regulation—like the EU Deforestation Regulation—trust without verifiable proof is no longer enough.

How blockchain changes the game

Blockchain replaces the centralised model with a decentralised, tamper-proof ledger that is shared across all participants in the supply chain. Every new entry is linked cryptographically to the one before it, and once added, it cannot be altered without leaving a visible trace.

This structure creates a “single source of truth” that no single party controls. Farmers, processors, distributors, and retailers can all access the same verified information in real time. Updates happen instantly across the network, ensuring that everyone—from a farmer in Ghana to a retailer in Amsterdam—has the same version of the truth.

Transparency becomes a feature rather than an afterthought. Permissions allow sensitive data, such as pricing, to remain private while making origin, processing, and certification details visible to those who need them. The trust is no longer in a company—it’s in the system itself.

Real-world benefits

One of the clearest benefits is in combating food fraud. In a traditional setup, a supplier could substitute a lower-quality ingredient and simply update the database to match. Unless someone was actively checking, the change could go unnoticed. On a blockchain, every update is visible and traceable, making tampering much harder.

Blockchain also transforms the speed and accuracy of product recalls. In a database-driven chain, tracing a contaminated batch might take days. On a blockchain, a product’s history can be retrieved in seconds, pinpointing the exact farms, processing facilities, and distribution points involved.

For sustainability reporting, blockchain enables continuous, verifiable data collection rather than year-end data gathering. This not only saves time but increases the credibility of ESG claims, making them easier to defend to regulators and customers alike.

Why blockchain is a fit for EUDR compliance

The EU Deforestation Regulation requires companies to prove that certain agricultural products are not linked to deforestation. This means tracking details like the plot of land where crops were grown and showing that land has not been recently deforested.

With traditional databases, consolidating such granular data from multiple suppliers, in multiple countries, is a major challenge. Blockchain solves this by timestamping each record at creation, linking suppliers into a single network, and ensuring the integrity of data through immutability. It creates an audit-ready trail that can be shared with regulators instantly.

The consumer trust advantage

Consumer expectations are shifting rapidly. More people want to know where their food comes from and how it was produced. Many are willing to pay a premium for brands that are transparent about their sourcing and sustainability practices.

Blockchain-powered traceability enables brands to show, rather than tell. By scanning a QR code, a customer could see a product’s full journey—from the farm and harvest date to the processing and delivery steps. This kind of radical transparency builds lasting loyalty and sets brands apart in competitive markets.

How Open Food Chain makes it practical

Open Food Chain’s blockchain platform is designed specifically for the food sector. It is compatible with existing ERP systems and even simple spreadsheets, and scales easily from smallholder farms to multinational supply chains.

Because it aligns with industry standards like GS1, it can integrate seamlessly into existing processes. This means businesses don’t have to start from scratch—they can connect their current systems to the blockchain and start building verifiable trust right away.

Taking the first step

Adopting blockchain for food traceability begins with mapping your supply chain and identifying key data points. From there, your existing systems can be connected to the blockchain, partners can be onboarded, and data can start flowing in real time.

The transition doesn’t require a complete IT overhaul. Instead, it’s about enhancing your current setup with a trust layer that adds value for compliance, risk management, and brand reputation.

The bottom line

Traditional databases will always have a role in business operations, but when the goal is transparency and trust in complex global supply chains, they fall short. Blockchain offers a verifiable, tamper-proof alternative that builds confidence with consumers, partners, and regulators alike.

For companies facing growing compliance demands and consumer expectations, blockchain traceability is moving from “nice to have” to essential. And with Open Food Chain, it’s no longer a distant, complex goal—it’s a practical solution you can start using today.