The Norwegian Sea Food Association has announced plans for a new cross-industry collaboration that will make use of Blockchain technology to share supply chain data in the country’s sea food industry. The move is aimed at sourcing for better sea food not only for the country, but also for consumers worldwide who patronize the Norwegian industry.
Companies joining the network
With the move announced, several Norwegian companies in the space are now beginning the process of putting data onto the network. One of the companies of note is Kvarøy Arctic, a leader in the industry and known for quality sea farmed Salmon. The company is getting ready to start exporting to the U.S and Canadian markets using the tracking and provenance technology. Biomar, a leader in high-grade fish feed, has also joined the network. The move will allow sea food dealers further along in the chain, to determine the sources of the fish; as well as the quality of fish food being used.
“It is important for our customers to know that the seafood they eat is not only safe but produced in a sustainable and healthy manner,” says Alf-Gøran Knutsen, CEO of Kvarøy Arctic. “Blockchain lets us share the fish’s journey from the ocean to the store. This is now more timely than ever, as consumers want more information about where the food they eat comes from.”
Move was long overdue
CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Association Robert Eriksson, believes that the technology will help a great deal in the industry and is long overdue.
“Norwegian seafood is known for its quality. Yet we still do not have the ability to trace where the fish came from, how it was grown or how it was stored. This creates the potential for fraud and food waste. Blockchain can help eliminate these problems with a transparent, accountable record of where each fish came from. We believe that this is only the start of something that will mean a great deal for the industry by creating more sustainable food production, which in turn will increase the return for producers”.
The Norwegian Sea Food industry’s move was likely informed by the fact that 71% of consumers indicate that traceability is important to them according to a recent IBM study. We also live in a time where customers are getting more involved in wanting to know the source of their food. The benefits will also be felt by customs officials who will get ready data about the volume and location of shipments to help expedite customs clearance. The benefits are already being felt in the logistics scene with big freight companies like Maersk already using Blockchain.
Image Courtesy of Pexels
