Blockchain technology to improve traceability in the coffee supply chain: A systematic literature review

Coffee is consumed worldwide, with its supply chain starting with coffee growers, who benefit least from it. Across its production, distribution, and commercialization processes, there are risks and issues that could damage the safety and authenticity of this product. Therefore, the coffee industry is looking for innovative technologies that allow traceability in the coffee supply chain. In this context, blockchain technology offers a promising solution as it supports traceability via a decentralized system that allows immutable records and transparent access; it also promotes collaborative work and removes intermediaries by generating trust between participants. This systematic literature review describes the state-of-the-art in research and development about the use of blockchain technology to improve traceability in the coffee supply chain. We also outline the open challenges that remain to be addressed in this field. We use the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology to achieve this goal. Our findings suggest that the developments are mainly conceptual designs and prototypes, focusing on tracing products and verifying their authenticity using the Ethereum or Hyperledger blockchains. Also, our results show various challenges on the technology side, like efficiency improvements, integration with other technologies, infrastructure, and a lack of standards. There are also challenges at the management level, like the necessity of agreements for traceability processes, data governance, willingness to invest and pay, education, and support to deploy the technology on farms. After overcoming these open challenges, blockchain technology can improve traceability and increase value for stakeholders in the coffee supply chain.