Australian Mangoes values product identification that allows accurate traceability. It gives consumers confidence in the product that they are buying and gives producers reassurance when they are able to trace their product throughout the supply chain.
Senator Matt Canavan with Manbulloo farm manager Jason Kirby.
We would like to remind the whole industry that accurate product identification allows clear traceability back to the point of production.
In the last few seasons, major retailers including Woolworths, Coles and Metcash (IGA) have also asked their Australian mango suppliers to move toward a more defined PLU label incorporating DataBar. We have seen many growers move toward these labels, which has created more visibility and traceability in the supply chain.
Another project that aims to improve traceability and create a smarter supply chain is the The Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia’s (CRCNA’s) Smart supply chains project.
The project is one step closer to delivering for the industry, after securing more funding to scale-up commercial on-farm trials. The CRCNA collaboration between Manbulloo, blockchain start-up T-Provenance and Growcom aims to establish and test T-Provenance’s blockchain-based information integrity system across Manbulloo’s supply chain in Katherine (NT) and Ayr (Qld) into Coles’ distribution centres in Australia.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator Matt Canavan said the project is all about using data to improve efficiency across the supply chain.
“T-Provenance has worked alongside Manbulloo staff, and their supply chain partners including ripeners, logistic providers, quality controllers, certification bodies and food retailer Coles, to test the technology and systems in a commercial setting.
“By providing a platform for transparent information sharing and data monitoring across the supply chain, data insights and data efficiencies are achievable,” he said.
Senator for the Northern Territory, Dr Sam McMahon said the project was helping lead the way for innovation.
“Manbulloo can see where their fruit is across the supply chain in real-time and maintain proactive quality control and quality assurance protocol to address any issues immediately and complement what is already a best-in-industry approach.
“This project is shaping up to be a significant game-changer for the mango industry,” she said.
Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are placed in mango crates in packing sheds and travel with the fruit to the retailer—transmitting real-time data to the blockchain platform along the way. These sensors monitor things like temperature, humidity and time in transit.
T-Provenance founder Andrew Grant said the development team are building on the successes of the 2018-2019 mango season and are now scaling-up their platform to allow Manbulloo to lead the industry in quality control, quality assurance and optimal retailer acceptance rates.
“Collectively the system will increase overall fruit quality control, and ultimately reduce waste, increase product quality, increase the consumer eating experience and enable time and labour efficiencies to all in the supply chain.
“Manbulloo has shown leadership and demonstrated how investing in R&D and incorporating innovative solutions can transform a business and, potentially a whole industry,” he said.
CRCNA CEO Jed Matz said the Smart Supply Chain project is a great example of how the CRCNA brings together industry leaders, SMEs and entrepreneurs and big businesses to deliver project outcomes with broad impact across Northern Australia.
“The impact of this project will extend beyond the mango industry to other agricultural products and supply chain systems, which may benefit from the efficiencies this blockchain platform has demonstrated,” he said.
For further details about this project head to www.crcna.com.au.