Blockchain: No pain, no gain? An examination of blockchain technology in the vitivinicultural sector

Abstract

This review explores the potential applications of blockchain technology in the wine industry, focusing on its ability to increase transparency, traceability, and efficiency in the supply chain. The article highlights several case studies of blockchain adoption in the industry, including platforms that allow consumers to trace the origins of their wine and wineries that use blockchain to track grape production and monitor wine quality. While blockchain has the potential to bring significant benefits to the wine industry, such as improved fraud detection and reduced transaction costs, the review also points out several challenges to widespread adoption. These include the need for standardisation, regulatory concerns, and the high costs of implementing blockchain solutions. Furthermore, the review suggests that small-scale wine producers may be the biggest losers in this technological shift. Larger, more technologically advanced wineries are better equipped to absorb the costs of implementing blockchain solutions and may gain a competitive advantage over their smaller counterparts. In conclusion, while blockchain has the potential to bring positive change to the wine industry, its adoption should be accompanied by careful consideration of the potential impacts on all stakeholders, particularly smaller producers.