July 5, 2018

Food safety technology startup FoodLogiQ announced the launch of a blockchain pilot in partnership with a select group of customers, which will begin in Q3 of this year.  

Partnering with AgBiome Innovations, Subway/Independent Purchasing Cooperative, and existing investors Testo and Tyson Foods, this initial pilot program will test the viability of blockchain to increase transparency within the food supply chain.

“As a technology pioneer with a legacy of success in enhanced traceability for the food industry, FoodLogiQ will be taking the lead on blockchain exploration within the food space,” said Dean Wiltse, CEO of FoodLogiQ.  “Over the years, input from our customers and partners has been invaluable in helping us make critical improvements to the features and functionality of FoodLogiQ’s products, and the same will be true with our blockchain pilot.”

Founded in 2006 out of Clarkston Consulting with the launch of a Canadian cattle traceability program, FoodLogiQ provides end-to-end traceability for food companies, using a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model that allows companies to track ingredients and fresh food from grower to distribution center to retail or the plate. Its customers include well-known brands such as Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Buffalo Wild Wings, Bareburger, CAVA, Chipotle Mexican Grill, IPC/SUBWAY, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Whole Foods Market.

The launch of this pilot comes on the heels of FoodLogiQ’s announcement in March of this year that it had successfully raised $19.5 million in funding. In addition to Testo, the oversubscribed round was led by Renewal Funds, and included Tyson Ventures, Pontifax AgTech, Nicola Wealth Management, and Greenhouse Capital, an investor in emerging businesses that promote health and sustainable living.

At the time Wiltse said, “The substantial amount of investment interest FoodLogiQ has received is indicative of the confidence in our amazing team and the value of our product to our customers and the food industry. It is great validation to know that we’re moving in the right direction and fulfilling our mission of mapping the world’s food chain.”

Over the course of this blockchain pilot, which will be overseen by FoodLogiQ’s innovation arm FoodLogiQ Labs, goals will include to determine “proof of concepts for blockchain within the food supply chain,” FoodLogiQ Chief Marketing Officer Katy Jones told The Spoon.

“Virtually everyone has heard the claim that blockchain will revolutionize business and redefine companies and economies, but it is in its infantile stage within the food supply chain,” says FoodLogiQ chief technology officer Charles Irizarry in a company press release.  “We are finding that companies are jumping into blockchain pilots without first understanding their business problems. We look forward to working with current and future blockchain pilot partners to help them navigate this complex landscape and collaborate on how blockchain can support their unique business.”  

-Lynda Kiernan