The impact of blockchain technology on the tea supply chain and its sustainable performance

Blockchain technology (BCT) has recently attracted interest from academics and practitioners. However, little is known about the benefits and impact of BCT on the tea supply chain and its sustainable performance. To bridge this gap, this study extends the resource-based view (RBV) and network theory (NT) by integrating BCT into the tea supply chain. We develop a conceptual model of a BCT-driven tea supply chain, which we analyse using a partial least squares regression-based structural equation modelling method with data collected from 305 experts in India. The findings show that the use of BCT has a significant positive effect on the tea supply chain; in particular, transparency and reliability are shown as the sustainable performance parameters. The implementation of BCT is a progressive paradigm shift that encourages actors to change their attitudes and become more competent in the tea sector. This study is the first report on integrating BCT into supply chains, contributing to the scant literature on this subject. Furthermore, our conceptual framework could help develop a more sustainable supply chain for the global tea industry.