Food City to pilot blockchain traceability

Food City will test blockchain technology to gain visibility into its seafood supply chain.

Food City, a member of U.S. food cooperative Topco Associates LLC, will pilot the new Envisible Wholechain traceability system, which runs on Mastercard’s blockchain-based Provenance Solution. Topco is working with its member grocery chains, starting with Food City, to pilot the use of the technology to provide better line of sight into ethical sourcing and environmental compliance of the seafood selection sold at their stores. The first of several species to be tracked will be salmon, cod and shrimp.

Built on proprietary blockchain technology, the Mastercard Provenance Solution is industry-agnostic and designed to provide visibility into product journeys and create a clear record of traceability. The solution also provides governance capabilities to complex supply chain networks.

“Given consumers’ expectations for reliable information about the food that they eat, we’re excited to partner with Food City and Envisible on this trace and provenance solution pilot, and the promise of Envisible’s Wholechain solution,” said Scott Caro, senior VP of fresh, Topco.

“Using Envisible Wholechain, powered by Mastercard, our grocers will be able to stock shelves with confidence and also be able to pinpoint issues in the food chain during any unfortunate events such as recalls,” said Dan Glei, executive VP, merchandising and marketing, Food City.

Food City operates over 100 grocery stores in Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.