Dutch variety store HEMA will begin using farmer connect’s blockchain solution to trace the supply chain of coffee products sold in stores. HEMA will be the first major retailer to join farmer connect’s coffee traceability network.
Around 27 products, including beans, pods, and capsules, will be traced by farmer connect’s technology.
“Now 70% of our range is traceable, our ambition is to only offer coffee products with full supply chain traceability,” said Lian Enting of HEMA.
Founded in 2019, farmer connect’s mission is to “humanize consumption through technology”. It promotes sustainable and traceable agriculture through blockchain and is currently focusing its efforts on coffee and cocoa traceability. The blockchain is powered by IBM’s Food Trust and encompasses three products, Farmer id, connect hub, and thank my farmer. HEMA will be implementing the thank my farmer app, which enables consumers to access information regarding a product by scanning a QR code on the packaging.
Through the app, thank my farmer goes beyond tracing the origins and quality of coffee beans. For example, consumers can engage with the local farming community that harvested the beans and seamlessly donate to programs promoting sustainability and support local farming.
The use of blockchain to track donations is particularly appealing because one of a potential donor’s main concerns is the apprehension that they can’t know how and by whom it will be used. Farmer connect is addressing this concern by leveraging the donation in a secure tech environment and giving donors a confirmation notification once it has reached its destination.
Meanwhile, farmer connect recently signed partnerships with coffee brand UCC Coffee and Italian Coffee producer Massimo Zanetti. Just two weeks ago, the startup announced a $9 million Series A funding led by ITOCHU.
