The coffee you enjoyed this morning is the culmination of a complex global supply chain. From cultivation and harvesting to logistics, processing, packaging, storage, and distribution, the journey of coffee powder is intricate and multifaceted. This complexity is not unique to coffee; it applies to most of the food items we consume daily. However, such complexity introduces significant risks, primarily due to a lack of transparency. Historically, any mishap in the supply chain led to immediate blame on the production phase, often resulting in Chief Operating Officers being held accountable. Yet, this approach frequently overlooked the underlying issues, leaving the real problems unresolved.

Blockchain technology offers a near real-time solution for detecting and resolving issues within complex systems. Take Nestlé, for example. With over 150 years of history, Nestlé is the world's largest food manufacturer, operating in nearly every country. As a cornerstone of the global supermarket supply chain, Nestlé is held to exceptionally high standards. In recent years, the company has made significant strides in leveraging blockchain technology. As a founding member of the IBM Food Trust, a SaaS platform, Nestlé provides stakeholders with immediate access to critical data across the food supply chain. This includes comprehensive information on the origin and current status of each food item, as well as related details such as certifications, test results, and temperature records, all of which are promptly accessible once recorded on the blockchain. One thing is clear, sooner or later, customers would want to know the origin of their coffee powder, meaning no organization can bat a blind eye to blockchain. On this note, we present our yearly special issue based on CEOs in Logistics & Supply Chain. Do let us know your thoughts.