Use of information technology for traceability and quality control: Case study in a Brazilian winery

¹ Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS), Postgraduate Program in Viticulture and Oenology, Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brazil
² Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS), Food Department, Erechim, RS, Brazil

Abstract

Food safety and quality are current demands from consumers and markets, which ends up being reflected in the wine sector and throughout its chain. However, they can pose operational challenges, especially for small or medium-sized wineries. This study aims to develop the traceability of the grape used in wine production supported by information technology in a winery situated in Garibaldi, RS, Brazil. The study was carried out in three phases: protocol development, implementation of an information system and evaluation of the results, identifying opportunities and barriers. A standard protocol for the grapes traceability was developed, considering data from grape cultivation, delivered grape quality assessment and grape processing control parameters until bottling. Demetra software was deployed, developed by Elysios. The implementation of traceability and the information system will be a step towards obtaining international certifications. The study contributes to bringing international standards of food safety and quality to the Brazilian context. In this sense, the study contributes to expanding the applied knowledge on the field and to support professionals and wineries in the development of strategies for the implementation of traceability systems.