Brick-and-mortar retail is becoming digitized and innovations in connected packaging bring more value to consumers as they select products from the shelf. Realizing the mass embrace of smart technology, French retailer Carrefour joins forces with Swiss food company Nestle to deliver a convenience-focused and information-backed experience to shoppers. The two companies tap into IBM's Food Trust blockchain, revolutionizing the implementation of connected packaging within the grocery store environment.
The partnership is manifested through special scannable QR codes on Nestle's Mousline instant mashed potato products. The blockchain-based packaging technology will take consumers through "the whole story of [the product's] journey, from the factory to the Carrefour grocery section." The connected packaging will reveal information of interest, including when the product was packaged, where it was held, the quality control parameters, as well as the farm from which the potatoes came from.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Connected Packaging
- The use of connected packaging technology is increasing in the retail industry and can provide a more informative and convenient shopping experience for consumers.
- Blockchain in Grocery Stores
- The incorporation of blockchain technology in grocery stores can revolutionize the way consumers access information about products, creating new opportunities for transparency and trust in the industry.
- Digitization of Brick-and-mortar Retail
- As more consumers embrace smart technology, brick-and-mortar retailers can utilize innovations in connected packaging and blockchain technology to provide a more engaging and informative shopping experience.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Retail Industry
- The retail industry can utilize connected packaging and blockchain technology to stay competitive in the age of digitization, providing consumers with a more convenient and informative shopping experience.
- Food Industry
- The use of blockchain technology in the food industry can improve supply chain transparency and provide consumers with information about the origin and quality of their food.
- Technology Industry
- The implementation of connected packaging and blockchain technology in retail and food industries creates opportunities for tech companies to develop new and innovative solutions for improving consumer experiences and supply chain management.
