BELFAST-based IT consultancy firm arc-net has joined forces with business advisers PwC's operations in the Netherlands in a fresh assault on combating global food fraud.
The partnership will see both companies combine their specialist industry knowledge to create a new model for food integrity, supply chain security and compliance.
The collaboration will see Blockchain being as breakthrough technology for traceability.
It comes as research from the World Health Organisation shows that one in 10 people worldwide get ill from eating contaminated food every year.
And it follows a report from PwC highlighting that food fraud costs the global economy in excess of $40 billion (£31 billion) a year, which adds around $5 (around £4) to the price of an average weekly shop.
Arc-net (www.arc-net.io), headquartered in San Francisco but which which operates its Belfast division from the Scottish Provident Buildings, has developed its own platform for supply chain authentication and security, utilising the power of Blockchain.
The cloud-based traceability solution connects all elements and organisations within the dedicated supply chain to provide the retailer and consumer with 100 per cent traceability, provenance and authenticity offering both brand and product protection.
Arc-net's regional chief executive Kieran Kelly says the collaboration with PcW will provide global food brand owners with the ability to deliver on product and brand security while delivering supply chain mapping and compliance.
He said: “PwC has a rich track record in providing leading edge expertise and insights to manage change, navigate complexity and unlock value for its customers.
"We are confident this partnership will allow both the arc-net platform and PwC to deliver on our joint commitment to enhance the security and integrity of the food we eat.”
