Private Blockchain for Multi-Echelon Food Supply Chain Traceability: Review, Challenges, and Future Directions Y Pujiastuti1, R Astuti1,3, Y Hendrawan2, S Sucipto1,3,4
1) Department of Agroindustrial Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran, Malang 65145, Indonesia
2) Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran, Malang 65145, Indonesia
3) Halal-Qualified Industry Development (Hal-Q ID), Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran, Malang 65145, Indonesia
4) Halal Ecosystem Development (HED) Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia
email: yuyunpuj21[at]student.ub.ac.id
Abstract
Private blockchain technology presents a promising solution for enhancing traceability in multi-echelon food supply chains by improving transparency, data security, and operational efficiency. However, its adoption is challenged by high implementation costs, scalability constraints, and the need for interoperability with existing legacy systems. This review explores the functional potential of private blockchain in enabling secure, end-to-end traceability while identifying key technical and institutional challenges that must be addressed to ensure broader implementation. The main contributions of this review highlight blockchain^s capacity to deliver immutable and transparent recordkeeping, allowing for detailed tracking of food products from origin to consumer. Such capabilities strengthen trust among supply chain stakeholders and mitigate fraud risks through reliable verification mechanisms. Blockchain also facilitates efficient product recall management and safeguards data integrity using cryptographic protocols, ensuring the reliability of information across the supply chain. Nevertheless, implementing private blockchain in complex agri-food networks remains challenging due to the need for significant infrastructure investment, complex system integration, and the need to protect sensitive supply chain data. Additionally, the absence of standardized protocols and clear regulatory frameworks poses barriers to widespread adoption. Future directions, integrating blockchain with emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be prioritized to support automated data collection and real-time analytics. The development of standardized protocols, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and supportive regulatory policies will be critical in building scalable, secure, and trustworthy food traceability systems.
