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Anheuser-Busch InBev, the parent entity of Budweiser, Corona and many other beer brands, recently began piloting a platform that allows end customers to track their malt beverages on the blockchain. This isn’t the first instance of the company’s blockchain interest. They previously unveiled a number of blockchain initiatives, including a vending machine ID verification system and technology-based document management protocols.
“For the first time in our European operations, this project will create a fully transparent indirect supply network to the final consumer,” said Pieter Bruyland, CIO of European operations at AB InBev, in a public statement on 26 October.
The new pilot program will start in 2021, according to the release. Using a QR code, customers of Leffe beer based in France will be able to see the entire path of the barley supply chain used within each beer package. Blockchain company SettleMint built the initiative’s platform.
Ab InBev has been studying a number of blockchain applications over the past year or so. One such initiative used the blockchain to verify the age of vending machine users, enabling cashierless alcohol purchases. In early 2020, the entity also introduced blockchain for its relationships with African ingredient suppliers, facilitating data and information management.
Most of the people who grow AB InBev’s ingredients, including international farmers, interact directly with the giant, the statement said. The new blockchain initiative “is designed for the remaining 40% of its indirect farmers, many of whom are located in European countries such as France, Germany and the UK”.
Bruyland explained: “By connecting actors along the beer supply chain – from farmers, malt cooperatives, breweries, warehouses and transporters – to a single secure and decentralized platform we can increase traceability and collect data that will help us continue to grow best ingredients for our beers in a sustainable way. ”
Ab InBev isn’t the first ale provider to delve into the blockchain. Heineken capitalized on the technology’s supply chain potential in early 2019. Several other mainstream companies also looked into blockchain for supply chain management, including Walmart.
