Blockchain will be front and center at the Northwest Food and Beverage World 2019 show.

Set for Jan. 14-16 in Portland, Oregon’s Oregon Convention Center, the show will include a presentation on blockchain and its impact on food processors by Drew Zabrocki, CEO of Centricity Global.

Zabrocki is working closely with Walmart and IBM in the development and execution of Walmart’s blockchain program. The retail giant has mandated that its fresh produce suppliers have blockchain implemented by September.

“Sanitary design can help prevent the needle from falling into the haystack, but when the needle does fall, blockchain technology can help locate it in the haystack, from farm to store,” says David McGiverin, president of Food Northwest.