Written by: Clara Olave Sobrón
From: CNTA
Last year, the WASTELESS project focused on testing innovative tools and methodologies developed designed to tackle key challenges in the food industry. In previous articles, we explored, how Apincampo implemented tools to measure food loss and waste in their farm, how Salumificio Mottolini Srl applied blockchain technology within their operations and how Gaby’s restaurant in Hungary trialed a system for measuring and managing surplus stock measurement and management tool in the hospitality industry.
In this article, we explore the experience of GVTARRA, a leader in canned vegetables production, who applied both solutions, blockchain technology and surplus stock monitoring, in real production environments.
The progress made through this real-world pilot, led by CNTA, is highly relevant for the food industry. These advancements are focused on increasing efficiency, enhancing traceability, and advancing sustainability. These developments directly address common challenges in the food supply chain and help remove barriers to innovation. In doing so, the WASTELESS project contributes to building a more sustainable and efficient food system – one that reduces waste, meets consumer demands for transparency, and supports long-term industry resilience.
Enhancing efficiency and sustainability
GVTARRA has been using blockchain technology and a stock monitoring system to better manage their production processes. These tools help track and control inventory more accurately, ensuring that products are used before reaching expiration. This reduces product and contributes to sustainability by minimizing food waste and its environmental impact.
The GVTARRA team reported improvements in their ability to monitor stock levels and avoid overproduction, which ultimately lowers waste. Specifically, using blockchain to manage mass balances during their artichoke campaigns allowed them to optimize production and minimize waste throughout the supply chain.
Improving traceability and transparency
Blockchain also plays a critical role in enhancing traceability from farm to fork. It allows food businesses to verify the origin, handling, and safety of their products. With consumers increasingly demanding clear and trustworthy information, traceability is becoming essential.
For GVTARRA, these gains in transparency are especially valuable. It allows food businesses to verify the origin, handling, and safety of their products. With consumers increasingly demanding clear and trustworthy information, traceability is becoming essential.
Addressing industry challenges
These types of digital solutions are particularly valuable in managing complex supply chains, where perishable products are sensitive to time and conditions. Improved tracking and monitoring help ensure goods are stored and transported correctly, reducing spoilage risks and losses.
GVTARRA’s participation in the WASTELESS project demonstrates how these technologies can help solve systemic challenges in the food sector. By adopting blockchain and surplus stock management systems, they’ve been able to optimize storage and distribution processes, lowering the risk of waste throughout their operations.
GVTARRA’s takeaways from real-world testing
GVTARRA’s involvement has yielded valuable insights into how these innovations perform in a real production setting. While the technologies largely confirmed what the team already knew about their operational inefficiencies, they did help sharpen forecasting, improve flow management, and reduce overproduction.
Using blockchain to track product volumes—such as for artichokes—gave GVTARRA better control over how resources are used. At the same time, enhanced traceability allowed them to provide more transparent and accountable information to consumers.
What’s next?
Following the success of this initial implementation, GVTARRA plans to roll out these digital solutions to other production lines. Their goal is to continue improving inventory management, expand traceability across more products, and reduce food waste even further.
In summary, GVTARRA’s real-world application of these WASTELESS innovations highlights the power of technology and collaboration in addressing food industry challenges. By adopting advanced digital tools, they are moving toward more efficient, sustainable, and transparent operations. As the WASTELESS project advances, additional real-life applications will continue to reveal how these solutions can transform the food supply chain for the better.