UPS has collaborated with HerdX Inc., a leading U.S.-based agri-tech solutions provider, to deliver blockchain-verified traced beef from a U.S. farm to Japan.
The market for traceability and verification tools has increased as more consumers want to know where their food comes from. Technology companies, government agencies and academic institutions have been working to standardize the process, but no known global standard exists yet.
The companies teamed up to develop tracking and traceability technology that improves quality assurance for beef products that are shipped internationally. UPS created a customized, integrated visibility tool that plugs into HerdX's blockchain technology, providing live updates and data points throughout the journey.
“Blockchain verification for international air freight shipments is complex and requires a great amount of expertise in customs and freight forwarding. Getting it right has implications for many industries, such as restaurants, food & beverage, and retail,” says Romaine Seguin, President of UPS Global Freight Forwarding. “We’re committed to upholding HerdX’s industry-leading quality assurance and traceability standards for all customers eyeing international growth moving forward.”
The beef shipment left Kansas the week of November 4 wrapped in UPS Temperature True packaging, a cold chain thermal management solution that features temperature-sensitive air freight containers. The packaging contained sensors that monitored and recorded the shipment's temperature from origin to destination.
Data sourced via UPS Temperature True monitoring devices was uploading and integrated seamlessly within HerdX's blockchain verification platform. The beef arrived via air freight to an urban contemporary steakhouse where invited guests were provided menu items featuring scannable QR codes containing tracking information detailing the journey of the beef they were to consume. All non-domestic HerdX products will now feature similar verification.
UPS customs brokers coordinated with health, food and safety regulators in both the U.S. and Japan to obtain all required certifications that made the delivery possible. Back by more than 80 years of experience, UPS brokerage and transportation services promoted accurate customs compliance, timely clearance of goods and reduced risk of delays or penalties.
UPS customs brokers coordinated with health, food and safety regulators in both the U.S. and Japan to obtain all required certifications that made the delivery possible.
