Using leading first-mile technology to improve data capture

A key part of traceability is first-mile data – the first mile being the distance between where raw materials are produced and our first point of purchase or product handover. With highly complex global supply chains and processes, obtaining complete, accurate, reliable and consistent firstmile data can be extremely challenging.

To address this challenge, ECOM has selected BanQu as our first-mile technology partner. BanQu is a non-crypto blockchain technology solution that can capture our product journey from farmer to warehouse and/or export, providing an auditable chain of custody with near realtime reporting. BanQu’s in-origin data collection platform will improve transparency and accessibility for our farmers and suppliers in remote locations, linking our ambitious ESG goals at every level of our Group as we strive to make a positive impact on farmers, communities and the environment. With real-time, verifiable data down to the source, ECOM will be able to better track, inform and deliver sustainability and traceability initiatives for ourselves and our stakeholders, drive our business growth, and ensure ongoing sourcing compliance.

BanQu was created for remote farms, and so can work on simple phones with SIM cards in rural, low-connection environments, making it ideally suited for our supply chains and farmers. While the initial focus is on supporting EU deforestation readiness for ourselves and our suppliers, as well as the future EU Digital Product Passport, BanQu’s scope is so much more.

Together with innovations throughout our business, and data interconnectivity, we will be able to unlock a universal approach to first-mile data collection, agronomy and crop data, as well as farmer communication, training and support. The roll-out of BanQu across our origins and commodities will help facilitate consistent and immediately accessible data within our highly complex supply chains and enable us to deliver increased value to our clients and supply chain. Implementation will begin in early 2024, initially in one coffee- and one cocoa-producing country, before being introduced to other territories.