When does blockchain create value premium in organic food supply chains? Game-theoretic modeling and experimental evidence

Purpose This study aims to investigate the conditions and key factors influencing the adoption of blockchain technology in the organic food supply chain, where adoption remains limited despite the technology's potential benefits. Design/methodology/approach Drawing upon the Technology Acceptance Model, this study develops a mixed-methods approach combining game-theoretic modeling and scenario-based experiments to analyze the enablers of blockchain adoption from the perspectives of technology investment cost, survival rate of fresh products, accuracy of information disclosed by blockchain, and consumer perceived freshness uncertainty. Findings Equilibrium results from the game-theoretic model indicate that technology investment cost is the most critical factor affecting firms' blockchain adoption decisions. When investment cost is low, firms are likely to adopt blockchain regardless of other factors. When investment cost is high, adoption only occurs if either (1) the improvement in product survival rate is substantial, or (2) the improvement is moderate, but both perceived freshness uncertainty and information accuracy exceed certain thresholds. Scenario-based experiments confirm the negative impact of investment cost on adoption willingness, and the moderating effects of perceived freshness uncertainty and information accuracy. Originality/value This study advances the literature by combining analytical modeling with empirical experimentation to uncover the strategic considerations that shape blockchain adoption in organic food supply chains. These findings help to clarify the decision rules for organic food firms and further enrich the understanding of why and when to introduce blockchain in the supply chain.