On October 1st, International Coffee Day, AIC in partnership with the Coffee Board of India held an insightful panel discussion on the future of the coffee supply chain.
Vikas Jain, Founder and CEO of Acviss shared the panel with industry leaders, technologists, farmers, and regulators to explore how innovation can shape the future of coffee production and trade.
The pressing need for complete transparency and authenticity within the global coffee trade took centre stage. Jain’s insights underscored the transformative potential of blockchain, AI, and other innovative solutions in addressing these challenges, particularly in light of growing regulatory frameworks like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
The EUDR and Coffee Traceability
Jain highlighted the increasing pressure on industries like coffee due to stricter regulations such as the EUDR. “The EUDR is mandating industries, including coffee, to take accountability for their environmental footprint,” he noted.
“As traceability becomes a legal mandate, companies must implement technologies that can provide verifiable data about the origin and journey of their products.”
The regulation, aimed at reducing global deforestation, requires companies to prove that their products are not linked to deforestation or forest degradation. Given that coffee is often cultivated in regions vulnerable to deforestation, this has created an urgent need for robust traceability systems.
Blockchain, Jain argued, is an ideal solution to this problem, but not the only one. Its capability to track every transaction and movement within the supply chain, recorded and validated is the key to getting transparent. But Blockchain alone won’t solve the problem.
“Blockchain is not the Holy Grail for traceability, it needs to be integrated with other technologies to attain effective results.” Jain pointed out how Blockchain combined with AI-integrated non-cloneable labels also acts as a powerful deterrent against counterfeits for a safe and sustainable supply chain.
This ensures that coffee producers can meet the stringent requirements of regulations like the EUDR while also promoting sustainability. “Small-scale farmers cultivate over 80% of coffee and blockchain can help them to comply with regulations, preventing exploitation and ensure they enter the foreign markets,” he said.
Building Trust with Traceability
As consumer demand for ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products continues to rise, the importance of coffee traceability cannot be overstated. Jain spoke extensively on how Acviss’s solutions support full traceability across the coffee supply chain, offering consumers detailed information about the beans they brew.
“Consumers today are asking tougher questions—about the origin of their coffee, the quality of the product and the environmental impact due to the production,” Jain explained. “And we at Acviss have been actively addressing this problem with technology.”
Acviss’s blockchain-based track and trace solutions allow companies to document every stage of the coffee’s journey, from raw material procurement to retail shops. The solution implemented across the supply chain ensures that traceability is simpler and smoother than ever before.
The blockchain-powered solution also allows product verification enabling the end consumer to authenticate the product before purchase. “Brands, especially in the agriculture sector are unaware of the capabilities of product traceability solutions,” Jain added.
Empowering Farmers and Reducing Counterfeiting with Tech
Traceability will not just help brands but also have a direct impact on the livelihoods of coffee farmers. “Acviss implemented the Origin solution for over 4000 coffee farmers in Karnataka, which allowed them to make informed decisions that optimise their production and income,” he noted.
AI-driven platforms that deliver real-time data on supply chain logistics and pricing trends can empower farmers to engage more effectively with the global market.
Counterfeiting was another critical challenge addressed during the discussion. The Founder of Acviss emphasised how the company’s patented non-cloneable security labels can prevent counterfeit coffee products from entering the market.
These AI-integrated labels allow consumers to verify with their smartphones. “When authenticity is paramount, especially for premium brands, real-time verification is a game-changer,” Jain said. “Saving brands and hard work of legitimate farmers.”
Acviss’s Blockchain Solutions: A New Era for Supply Chain Transparency
Jain elaborated on how blockchain technology lies at the heart of Acviss’s solutions, not just for coffee but for industries across the board. He pointed to Acviss’s success in other sectors. The company recently won the Textile Innovations Award conducted by Startup India.
“Our solutions have been recognised for their ability to refine and secure the supply chain, these awards are a testament to that. And we believe these same technologies will revolutionise the coffee industry as well.”
A Collaborative Path Toward a Transparent Future
Throughout the panel discussion, Jain emphasised that the future of the coffee industry lies in collaboration—between farmers, brands, innovators, and regulatory bodies.
“The coffee supply chain, like many others, is facing increasing demand and scrutiny from consumers and regulators alike,” he said. “This is no individual game, a collective adoption of technologies will create sustainable results”
As the coffee industry grapples with the dual challenges of environmental regulations and rising consumer expectations, Jain’s message was clear: technology is not just a tool for compliance, but a vehicle for transformation.
Blockchain, AI, and real-time verification tools are a beacon of change that will lead the coffee industry toward a future defined by trust, transparency, and accountability.
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