The Supply Chain of the Future

The Supply Chain of the Future initiative aims to reduce waste, improve efficiencies, and maximize benefits for all stakeholders in the supply chain by sharing data that is not shared today.

The Supply Chain of the Future will incorporate an open-source and interoperable data channel for seamless information flow from farm to the store shelf providing transparency and efficiencies for validating claims related to safety, sustainability, worker welfare, and other critical social imperatives. It will enable just-in-time delivery and real-time information management through creating functioning tools, open standards, and practical use cases and executing live pilots.

The Supply Chain of the Future initiative is a hands-on, no-BS initiative where we roll up our sleeves and get things done. We will map out the whole journey, from farm to fork, and pinpoint opportunities to create value by sharing additional data about shipped products. Instead of complaining about problems and inefficiencies, we will build open-source solutions that will solve challenges. Imagine a world where all supply chain roles have access to cutting-edge tech that predicts shelf life, streamlines audit sharing processes and provides real-time visibility across their entire operation.

We are launching in December with interactive sessions, expert panels in a Collabathon and will develop and document the next steps and milestones to enable the Supply Chain of the Future.

In Q2 2025, we’ll host a Hackathon to build needed open-sourced tools, followed by live pilots to demonstrate value. Your support is key—whether through attending the Collabathon, sponsoring, joining research projects, or piloting new technologies. The benefits of joining the Supply Chain of the Future initiative and participating in the December 4th Collabathon:

Growers:

Data sovereignty offers growers opportunities while safeguarding businesses.
Growers can own and influence data utilization within the supply chain.
Future supply chain aims to reduce paperwork and data collection.
Distributed and open nature fosters competition and lower costs.
Growers can be influential decision-makers, determining success in the digital supply chain.

Retailers, Foodservice Operators, Distributors and Wholesalers:

Facilitate whole supply chain data driven prediction of shelf-life and reduce food waste.
Provide transparency and efficiencies for validating claims related to safety, sustainability, worker welfare, and other critical social imperatives.
Enable total supply chain visibility, real-time decision making and just-in-time receipts and deliveries.

Logistics Companies:

Maximize customer value and gain a competitive advantage.
Ensure your data requirements and data deficiencies are addressed.
Enables the understanding of customers' customers, differentiate themselves, and meet evolving supply chain needs.

Technology and Service Providers:

Allows businesses to better understand their customers' needs and reduce risks. 
Enables technology providers to leverage economies of scale and expand into new markets. 
Support companies seeking business models that thrive in the future.

Standards Bodies:

Ensure the incorporation of existing standards while addressing gaps to foster wider adoption.
Boost engagement upstream in the supply chain and maximize value.
Ability to exchange data openly and sovereignly has yet to be fully realized will increase the use of transactional standards.
Drive engagement in standards by connecting to a wider range of stakeholders.

Collabathon

The initiative will kick off in December at the Collabathon.

On December 4th in Las Vegas, we will kick off with an interactive exercise role-playing the movement of goods from the farm through the supply chain/ Through interacting and exchanging data, we will better understand the current state of the fresh supply chain.

Afterward, we'll break into groups for a professionally facilitated storming session. This session will help us identify the most pressing issues, gaps and opportunities. It will also show us where we can focus our efforts for maximum impact.

Then, we will have a series of facilitated discussions and brainstorming sessions. to identify the key players in the Supply Chain of the Future initiative. We will discuss priorities and reach a consensus on how to resolve issues openly, transparently, and quickly.

After the December event, the team will come together to produce an outcome document and a set of recommendations. These recommendations will be shared with the industry and will guide the direction and approach for the spring 2025 Hackathon and pilots.

I encourage you to nominate the appropriate person from your company to attend the Collabathon and join participants from every role in the fresh produce supply chain.

Supply Chain of the Future

Collabathon

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