Strategic Integration of Digitalisation and Value Chain Analysis in the Seafood Industry
Objective
The seafood industry faces critical challenges related to transparency, traceability, and regulatory compliance. Tracking seafood from catch to consumer is often difficult due to outdated data handling methods, leading to accuracy issues and inefficiencies. Additionally, international regulations—especially in the EU—require companies to address social, environmental, and supply chain concerns. To remain competitive and sustainable, the industry must adopt digital technologies such as blockchain and standardized traceability systems.
Innovative Solution
Implementing blockchain-based traceability and standardizing information formats following the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST) guidelines can enhance transparency and compliance. Before applying digital solutions, conducting in-depth value chain analyses ensures the system is tailored to the industry’s unique complexities. By digitizing record-keeping and automating compliance processes, businesses can improve efficiency, meet regulatory demands, and build consumer trust.
Key Benefits
- Improved traceability: Ensures accurate tracking of seafood products across the supply chain.
- Regulatory compliance: Simplifies adherence to complex international laws and sustainability requirements.
- Operational efficiency: Reduces paperwork and enhances data management for better decision-making.
- Market access: Opens opportunities in ethical and sustainable seafood markets.
- Stronger industry reputation: Builds trust with consumers and stakeholders by demonstrating transparency.
Practical Recommendations
- Understand supply chain gaps and prepare for digital integration.
- Ensure reliable, tamper-proof traceability records.
- Standardise data formats for global regulatory compliance.
- Educate staff on digital tools and traceability requirements.
- Work with tech providers, regulators, and industry leaders.
- Educate stakeholders on digital transparency and sustainability.
- Encourage collaboration between small and large-scale industry.
Additional information
Authors:
Nicolas Fournier, Sébastien Metz
Transparency solutions for transforming the food system
Ongoing | 2022-2026
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Spain, France, Finland, Poland, United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia
Liens
- Improved traceability in seafood supply chains is achievable by minimizing vulnerable nodes in processing and distribution networks C.R. Hopkins, S.I. Roberts, A.J. Caveen, C. Graham, N.M. Burns
- FAO – “Selecting value chains for sustainable food value chain development: Guidelines” De Walker, C., DeMatteis, L., Lienert, A.
- FAO - Guidance document: Advancing end-to-end traceability
- EUMOFA TALK (Webinar) “Digitalisation of the fisheries sector and full traceability of fishery and aquaculture products: achievements and remaining challenges”
- GDST Website