Sjømatbedriftene to implement blockchain technology in supply chain

Norwegian seafood association Sjømatbedriftene has collaborated with Atea and IBM for using blockchain technology to share supply chain data throughout Norway’s seafood industry.

Atea provides IT infrastructure solutions in the Nordic and Baltic region.

By incorporating the new blockchain technology, Sjømatbedriftene aims to provide safer and better seafood to consumers worldwide.

Sjømatbedriftene CEO Robert Eriksson said: “Norwegian seafood is known for its quality. Yet we still do not have the ability to trace where the fish came from, how it was grown or how it was stored.

“This creates the potential for fraud and food waste. Blockchain can help eliminate these problems with a transparent, accountable record of where each fish came from.

“We believe that this is only the start of something that will mean a great deal for the industry by creating more sustainable food production, which, in turn, will increase the return for producers.”

Norwegian seafood company Kvarøy Arctic is said to have incorporated the tracking and provenance technology as it is set to begin delivering its products to retailers in the US and Canada.

Blockchain technology will enable seafood producers to create a ‘single version of the truth’ that will allow consumers to directly trace the source of seafood products.

Atea CEO Steinar Sønsteby said: “The Norwegian seafood industry exports more than $800m worth of fish a year, making this an incredible opportunity to improve the quality of the products Norway shares with the world.

“While this specific application of the technology will be used in the seafood industry, we feel it has great potential in other prominent Nordic industries such as agriculture and retail.

“Working through the Atea Innovation Center, we will help network members innovate using the platform and drive new efficiencies.”