How Improving Transparency Helps Meet Customer Demands in the Meat Industry

The global meat industry is booming, and appears to be experiencing a comfortable growth rate. Research shows that the global meat sector was valued at 945.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2018, and has been forecast to increase to 1142.9 billion U.S. dollars by 2023. The meat industry is no doubt growing in demand, and will continue to expand in the upcoming years. However, there has also been rising concern about the sustainability, ethics and hygiene issues plaguing the meat industry in recent years amongst customers. 

Meat brands are struggling to meet customer demands:

The meat industry has always been notorious for its questionable practices, and there has been a rising demand amongst its customers for a much needed change. Some of the common issues that are landing meat brands in trouble are as follows:

• Lack of clarity on the hygiene and health standards followed during meat production
• Inability to vouch for the proper well being and quality of life of the animals in the farm
• Failure to convince customers about the quality of the farms from which the meat products originate
• Growing concerns over the environmental impacts of meat growing facilities
• Ambiguity regarding the manipulation or tampering of meat products along the supply chain

Considering the tight competition in the meat industry, meat brands have no option but to meet the customer demands properly if they want to survive in the market. 

Blockchain could be the perfect solution the meat industry has been looking for:

The meat industry is in dire need of a makeover, and it needs to happen as soon as possible. Based on similar trends in other industries, it appears that blockchain technology is the one stop solution that meat brands have been looking for. The following are the major ways in which blockchain technology is being used to improve supply chain transparency and meet customer demands in the meat industry:

• To accurately record the journey, lifecycle and provenance of meat products:

Blockchain technology enables meat brands and customers to trace the journey of their meat products from the farm to the table with ease. Customers can simply scan the QR codes provided in meat packages to access complete information on their meat package provenance. By doing so, they can learn more about their meat products without having to go into unnecessary hassles.  

• To prevent tampering of meat products along the supply chain:

When there is a clear, accurate and systematic record of the entire lifecycle of the meat products, it becomes easier to verify their authenticity. Customers can ensure that their meat packages were not tampered with throughout the supply chain with the help of blockchain technology. Not only does such a system help put customers’ minds at ease, but it also boosts loyalty and engagement with the meat brands. 

• To ensure all quality and health standards are being followed during meat production:

As many customers are apprehensive of the conditions under which their meat is cut, cleaned and packaged, it is important for brands to reveal related information in a convenient manner. Using blockchain technology, meat brands can provide such relevant information digitally in an entirely transparent manner. Customers can get to know that their meat was processed in clean, safe and hygienic conditions. 

• To educate customers on the welfare of the animals raised for meat:

As customer concern over the wellbeing of the animals raised for meat during their entire life cycles is on the rise, providing related information clearly will be a good idea. Using blockchain technology, customers can scan and access information on how the animals were treated in the farm, and whether they were fed and taken care of right.

• To verify the cleanliness standards followed in maintaining the animal farms:

Blockchain technology is the right solution to check and address the ethical issues in poultry farming. Customers are concerned about the hygiene and safety condition under which the animals are raised in the farm. Meat brands can make use of blockchain technology to boost customer understanding on the health standards followed in the farm, which will further boost brand reputation as well. 

• To empower customers to understand figure out product information by themselves:

Customers no longer need to put in a lot of effort and time to understand the origins, authenticity and life cycle of their meat products. They can access all the information they need using their smartphones. By adopting blockchain technology to improve customer experience, meat brands are able to empower customers to educate themselves regarding their purchases. 

Authlink is making things simpler for meat brands:

Authlink offers the best aspects of blockchain technology in its platform, in which meat brands can find effective solutions to meet customer expectations. With a range of digitally advanced services, Authlink assists meat brands in recording product provenance, ensuring the quality of meat products, engaging customers with the stories behind their meat purchases, and much more. 

Is your meat brand hoping to perfectly match customer expectations? Find out more about our services at https://authlink.com
Schedule a free demo of the Authlink platform here, or sign up for the beta version here.