As consumers become more and more aware of the importance of ethically-sourced products, the two industry leaders, Shping and the IBM Food Trust™ are pioneering a new era of product transparency to answer this pressing need. By leveraging Shping’s innovative technology and IBM’s Food Trust platform, these two companies are taking a comprehensive look at the current state of product transparency and taking steps to bring transparency and ethical harvesting practices to a new level. In this article, we will delve into how both of these organizations are creating a better food system and bettering the lives of consumers worldwide.
I. Shping Collaborates with IBM to Introduce Food Trust™
Shping, the retail shopping and product research platform, has just collaborated with IBM to introduce Food Trust™, a new blockchain-based solution for food safety worldwide.
Designed to give brands, retailers and consumers greater access to trustworthy product data, the platform is set to improve delivery times, enhance product traceability and create safer, higher-quality products.
Shping and IBM are expecting to assist the food industry in making a significant impact in the fight against counterfeit produce, foodborne diseases and product contamination. Customers will be enabled to have greater confidence in where their food is coming from, along with greater control over product standards and safety.
The technology will allow customers to easily trace the origin of their food, along with greater clarity on expiration dates, ingredients, potential allergens and storage temperature.
- Device and process data will be translated to the platform
- Differing certifications, certifiers, digital records and scan codes will be stored in the cloud
- Platform will eliminate the need for physical paperwork and enable real-time access
- Data collected will enable greater clarity on food safety
II. A Holistic Solution to Food Transparency for Consumers
As awareness of food transparency increases, so too must the solutions to ensure consumers are given all the information they need to make informed food choices. A holistic solution is the answer.
First, consumers must have the opportunity to access the information and make sense of it. On an intuitive, easy-to-use platform, the details of food products and ingredients should be made available, as well as updates on any changes to the product and its sources. This platform should be visible across the Internet, allowing for widespread access.
Secondly, a consistent language must be agreed upon to ensure consistent understanding of the food information provided. A concise set of terms and definitions should be set that applies to all types of food products. This would enable an organized, straightforward way to communicate information such as allergens, where it’s from, and how it was produced.
The food industry must also be transparent. Companies should provide reliable third-party-audited assurance that their food is meeting the standards consumers demand. Consumers must understand what certifications guarantee safe and sustainable production. Suppliers of food products should also provide updates on their activities such as how their production methods have changed with the evolution of food safety.
- Intuitive, easy-to-use platform
- Consistent language for food information
- Third-party-audited assurance from companies
- Updates from suppliers on production methods
III. The Benefits of Shping and IBM Food Trust™
Shping and IBM Food Trust™ work together to offer various benefits to consumers.
- Real-time food recall alerts – Users can receive notifications about potential food safety recalls as they happen, so they can stay informed and take further action if needed.
- Digital “passport” of food purchases – With the blockchain-powered wallet, consumers can have a digital record of food item purchases that can be accessed at any time.
The IBM Food Trust™ delivers enhanced transparency, traceability and food safety compliance capabilities across the food supply chain. This ledger helps identify potential food safety problems and their sources faster than is possible with manual, paper-based methods.
On the consumer side, it allows for traceability of food products back to their source, providing accountability and safeguards for buyer and seller alike. Shping will also be able to offer government-level notifications and alerts when food safety issues arise, including product recalls, nutrition information and safety labels.
In addition, Shping enables users to access a library of trusted food safety data, while simplifying the way businesses track and trace their supply-chain safety records.
IV. The Path Towards a More Transparent Future
Creating a Culture of Transparency
Achieving a more open, transparent future begins with fostering an atmosphere of openness and trust among employees. Companies can start by informing employees about all aspects of the business, from financial to legal to customer-related matters. This will help build trust and shared understanding among everyone involved.
In addition to being open with staff, organizations should create and detail clear corporate disclosure policies. These should cover how and when the company discloses information publicly and other measures that help ensure accuracy and security when disclosing confidential information.
Technology is also an important tool in creating a transparent culture. Companies should consider using tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to automate and secure processes related to information disclosure. These tools can provide real-time insights about the business and reduce the risk of fraud or incorrect data disclosure.
Finally, companies should reward transparency in their business decisions. Executives should review current policies and make sure that employees are incentivized to provide honest, open feedback that allows organizations to quickly and accurately detect and address issues. This will create a culture of transparency and trust that can be beneficial for both the company and the people it serves.
As Shping and IBM Food Trust™ continue to revolutionize the product transparency industry, consumers can expect to enjoy access to more detailed and reliable product information than ever before. With the potential to improve the safety and satisfaction of consumers around the world, this innovative partnership is helping to usher in a new era of product transparency.