Apr 17, 2019Nestlé blockchain pilot allows consumers to trace instant mashed potato product back to the farm
Mousline purée, a popular instant mashed potato product produced in France, will allow consumers to trace it all the way back to the potato field.
A new initiative involving Nestlé, the maker of Mousline, and major retailer Carrefour will allow customers access to blockchain data. It is the first time that Nestlé is sharing information with consumers via a blockchain platform.
Consumers can use their smartphone or other device to scan a QR code on the Mousline packaging. That lets them follow the journey of the product from the Nestlé factory in the north of France to Carrefour stores. They can see the production date, quality control parameters, storage times and the location of warehouses. In addition to the blockchain data, consumers will also find information on the farmers who supply the potatoes for Mousline and how the puree is made.
Nestlé started using blockchain in 2017 when it joined the IBM Food Trust as a founding member. The IBM Food Trust aims at reinforcing traceability of food products. Nestlé is testing blockchain technology to create better transparency and visibility of the whole value chain of the products.
In October 2018, Carrefour joined the IBM Food Trust. Together with Nestlé, the two companies have been working with IBM blockchain technology to develop the pilot on Mousline purée.
Nestlé and Carrefour will test the blockchain platform with Mousline purée over the next few months. The pilot will help to understand the impact and scalability of the technology, and inform decisions on further developments. It is part of Nestlé’s wide range of blockchain test projects, ranging from logistics to sustainability, designed to help reinforce trust in food.
