Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn brings blockchain to orange juice supply chain management

Albert Heijn, the largest Dutch supermarket chain, in partnership with Refresco, is seeking to make orange juice supply chain more transparent using blockchain technology, European Supermarket Magazine reported.

According to the official release, Refresco is the supplier of this juice, which comes from Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC Juice). The blockchain platform has been developed in collaboration with technology partner Supply Chain Information Management (SIM).

This marks the first time that Albert Heijn and Refresco are using blockchain technology. Through the QR code on the packaging, customers will be able to learn about the complete supply chain o the product – from its source of origin to the shelf. The data from the various steps in the production chain are linked and made transparent.

It will help determine the quality standards the growers have for food safety and sustainability. Among other things, the blockchain will also contain information about the oranges themselves, such as the picking period and degree of sweetness. In addition, customers also have the option to pay a compliment to the growers with the 'Like2Farmer' feature.

"We know all the steps that our products in the chain go through to ensure that they are produced with respect for people, animals, and the environment,” Marit van Egmond, commercial director Albert Heijn said. "We also want to show these steps to our customers, open and transparent."

"This is a unique way to bring the grower, processor, bottler, retailer and consumer together, and to make the entire process of making fruit juice transparent,” managing director of Refresco Benelux, Maarten Kusters, said.