Unlocking consumer trust: Exploring key factors in blockchain-enabled traceability for processed food supply chain

Background: This study explores the key factors of blockchain-enabled traceability systems that influence consumer trust in the Indian processed food supply chain. The study provides crucial information for companies, managers and policymakers considering blockchain initiatives for food supply chain traceability and transparency. From an academic perspective, it bridges the knowledge gap between consumer trust and blockchain-enabled traceability. It also contributes to a better understanding and knowledge of the key trust-influencing factors of blockchain-enabled traceability systems. Materials and Methods: The study adopted a quantitative research approach, utilising a structured questionnaire for data collection. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to identify and analyse the trust-influencing factors of blockchain-enabled traceability systems. It provides empirical evidence that adopting a blockchain-enabled traceability system can enhance consumer trust. Results: The study revealed that consumers perceive “food authenticity”, “environmental sustainability”, “product traceability”, and “assured transparency” as significant trust-influencing factors in blockchain-enabled traceability systems for processed food products. The study encourages collaboration between food producers, retailers, and technology providers to develop a digital food supply chain. Conclusions: By harnessing blockchain-enabled traceability systems, the complexities of AFSC can be documented and stored in an immutable ledger, offering consumers unprecedented transparency and accountability. This fosters consumer trust by providing information on food origin, processing, and quality measures.