What factors impact on technological traceability systems diffusion in the agrifood industry? An Italian survey

Since the 1990s, governments look to traceability as a part of their safety and quality assurance strategies. This study aims to analyse the diffusion levels of the traceability systems in the Italian agrifood industry. A theoretical framework was developed considering the meaning of traceability as well as the drivers, benefits, barriers and intentions of a company that adopts a traceability system. Nineteen hypotheses were defined and tested through correlation and empirical analysis. Data was obtained through a survey conducted on a sample of Italian agrifood companies. The results showed that variables like what role, educational level and company size affect an agrifood company's propensity to adopt a traceability system. •Traceability is part of safety and quality assurance strategy in the Food Industry.•A technological traceability system permits to share different food information.•A survey on an Italian Agrifood businesses sample was conducted using questionnaire.•19 hypotheses were defined and tested through correlation and regression analysis.•Role, educational level and company-size impact on traceability system adoption.