Challenges in implementing traceability of fishery products. An empirical application for the freezer and canning industry

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to identify the main challenges that arise when implementing a traceability system for fishery products. This overall objective has been divided into two more specific goals. First, get an overview of the transfer of information throughout the value chain of fisheries products. In order to give a response, it has conducted a literature review of major studies that have addressed this phenomenon. Second, analyse the main difficulties to which industry players face when implementing a traceability system. To this end, it has conducted a questionnaire aimed at technicians from the freezer and Galician canning sector. Previous research has identified that the implementation of traceability systems improves the management of the value chain and competitiveness of the company. Particularly, it allows to offer products with greater assurance of quality, greater product differentiation and improved risk management for alarms and food crises. The empirical study has concluded that there is a good documentary support of information concerning traceability of the different actors in the value chain of the Galician freezer and canning industry. Looking ahead, technicians have identified as major challenges the training, internal traceability of raw materials and especially enhanced cooperation with suppliers and the implementation of automatic data processing systems. Therefore, it is necessary to share information, enhance internal communication between actors of the chain and provide systems which allow information sharing.