Investigating The Potential Effects of Blockchain Technology on Supply Chain Traceability in The UK Food Industry: Abstract of Proceedings Book

This research investigates the potential effects of blockchain technology on supply chain traceability in the UK food industry. In an era where food quality, safety, and sustainability have become paramount, this study addresses the critical need for transparent and reliable traceability systems. The UK food industry, representing a significant portion of the manufacturing and agri-food sectors, faces numerous challenges, including fragmented traceability systems, insufficient standardisation, and rising concerns about food fraud and safety. Against this backdrop, blockchain technology is proposed as a transformative solution capable of delivering immutable, transparent, and secure data recording across complex supply chains. The research employs a qualitative methodology, underpinned by an interpretivist paradigm, to explore both the benefits and challenges associated with blockchain adoption in this context. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine existing traceability practices, technological advancements, and the regulatory landscape in the UK. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were carried out with five senior professionals spanning roles such as procurement, production, project, and supply chain management in the UK food sector. The interviews provided in-depth insights into current traceability measures, the perceived potential of blockchain, and the multifaceted barriers to its implementation, including issues related to integration with legacy systems, scalability, and regulatory compliance. Findings from the research reveal that although there is a growing demand for enhanced traceability driven by consumer concerns and governmental policies, the current state of traceability in the UK food industry remains ambiguous due to a lack of unified systems and reliable data sources. Interviewees highlighted blockchain’s potential to reduce traceability time dramatically, improve transparency, and foster greater consumer trust by enabling real-time tracking of food origins and supply chain movements. However, the study also identifies significant challenges such as technological complexity, high implementation costs, and the need for industry-wide collaboration that must be addressed to realise blockchain’s full potential in this domain. This research makes an original contribution by providing context-specific evidence on the applicability and impact of blockchain technology in the UK food industry. By bridging the current research gap, the study offers a framework that can guide both practitioners and policymakers in designing and implementing blockchain-enabled traceability systems. The insights derived not only enhance our understanding of blockchain’s role in modernising supply chain management but also underscore the importance of aligning technological innovation with strategic regulatory support and industry collaboration. Further research could conduct pilot studies in real-world UK food supply chain settings that quantitatively assess the operational performance of blockchain- enabled traceability systems. Additionally, a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data with qualitative insights from a broader range of industry stakeholders would provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the long-term sustainability and scalability of blockchain solutions.