The data-driven, consumer-centric supply chain transparency pilot follows the successful trial of a similar project in France, which traced the journey – from field to shelf – of the Harmony wheat used in its LU biscuits.
The initiative reinforces the global CPG giant’s commitments to ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), including expanded insight into the provenance of essential ingredients.
Since its creation in 2012, Mondelēz has committed to transparency to report its progress on sustainability and nutrition criteria. The company achieved all but one of its 2020 goals, most ahead of schedule. It has reported to be on track against its 2025 goals.
“We are committed to understanding and meeting the growing needs and preferences of our consumers, and those needs are evolving to a more holistic sense of well-being and value-oriented purchase decisions,” said Jay Cooper, president, North America Biscuits, Mondelēz International.
“Consumers are demanding more transparency about their food, and are keen to have access to information about where their food comes from and how it is grown.
“This project is an important step forward in our journey to continue providing our stakeholders – and importantly, our consumers – an accessible window into that process.”
“We’re excited to test these capabilities with the Triscuit brand here in the U.S. and look forward to expanding our transparency efforts.”
The LU and Triscuit programmes were created in partnership with Connecting Food, a leading blockchain technology provider founded in 2016 by agrifood experts to provide third-party traceability advisement and technology services. The French company’s digital quality and audit module, LiveAudit, enables clients to prove their commitments and create value for the consumer.
Smartphone meets snack box
Consumers can use their smartphone to follow Triscuit’s Unity Gold Farmer Programme from farm to factory.
The interactive web app experience can be accessed by scanning the QR code printed on the brand’s Original 8.5 ounce and Original Family Size boxes.
After entering the product’s ‘best by’ date, consumers can learn more about the 127 farmers who participate in the programme, and trace the wheat from the farms to the Co-op Elevator, mill and bakery. They can also access information specific to their particular batch of product, including the wheat harvest year and the baked-on date.
Specially-marked Triscuit boxes have begun rolling out in retail stores across the US, and will be available until the fall.