Optimizing coffee supply chain transparency and traceability through mobile application

Antonella Petrillo, Mizna Rehman and Fabio De Felice

European Journal of Innovation Management, 2025, vol. 28, issue 11, 267-300

Abstract: PurposeThis study proposes a mobile application to enhance the coffee supply chain (CSC) by leveraging advanced technologies. It addresses the critical need for transparency, traceability and sustainability in the global market from conception to implementation, ensuring innovation.Design/methodology/approachThe application integrates blockchain, radio-frequency identification and barcode technologies for accurate data tracking and recording throughout the supply chain. Its features encompass farm inspections, data capturing (e.g. coffee variety, environmental conditions and inputs like fertilizers), shipment management and processing, ensuring seamless operations across stakeholders.FindingsThe application improves traceability, enabling better decision-making in transportation, inventory and purchases while promoting sustainability. By optimizing operational efficiency through real-time monitoring and logistics, it reduces costs by up to 20% and inventory carrying costs by 15–25%. It supports precision agriculture, boosting crop productivity by up to 15% and aligns with just-in-time (JIT) principles to minimize delays and storage costs. Additionally, it addresses counterfeiting and unethical practices, supports ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 compliance and promotes sustainable practices, reducing waste and improving livelihoods, profitability and trust across the supply chain.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this study highlights the transformative potential of digital technologies in agricultural supply chains, further research is needed to understand and address the specific barriers to technology adoption in diverse regional contexts. Key challenges include inadequate digital infrastructure in rural coffee-growing regions, the high costs associated with Internet of things and blockchain deployment and the varying levels of digital literacy among smallholder farmers. Additionally, regulatory discrepancies across countries can impact the feasibility and scalability of these technologies, necessitating policy interventions to support widespread adoption.Practical implicationsThe application fosters sustainable agricultural practices, fair trade and regulatory compliance while enhancing operational efficiency, accountability and stakeholder trust.Social implicationsThe proposed mobile application significantly impacts the CSC by addressing key social challenges. It empowers smallholder farmers through tools that enhance transparency, enabling access to premium markets and fostering fair trade. The platform promotes ethical sourcing, combating labor exploitation and supports sustainable practices to improve environmental and socio-economic conditions. By offering traceability, it strengthens consumer trust and encourages accountability across the supply chain. Additionally, it fosters collaboration among stakeholders, creating a shared value ecosystem that ensures equitable benefits. Overall, the application contributes to a more inclusive, ethical and sustainable coffee industry, aligning with global development and sustainability goals.Originality/valueThis work presents an innovative, comprehensive solution for optimizing the CSC. By covering the entire workflow and leveraging advanced technologies, the application significantly improves environmental, social, economic and governance outcomes, paving the way for a more efficient and responsible coffee industry.

Keywords: Coffee supply chain; Mobile application; Transparency; Traceability; Supply chain management (SCM); Decision-making (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ejimpp:ejim-01-2025-0088

DOI: 10.1108/EJIM-01-2025-0088

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