Full Case Study
Project breakdown
Key Takeaway
A specialty coffee roaster implemented QR-code + blockchain origin registry on Polygon PoS. Each coffee lot receives a unique batch NFT: GPS coordinates, farm name, elevation, process method, harvest date. 52% consumer scan rate. Wholesale price premium: +$3-5/lb. Annual additional revenue: $175,000. Development cost: $45,000. 3.9× ROI in first year.
Client:
Specialty coffee roaster, Pacific Northwest (confidential)
Problem:
Premium single-origin coffees commanding $25–$40/lb retail have no verifiable origin proof. Buyers rely on paper certificates that are routinely forged.
Solution:
QR-code + blockchain origin registry from farm to roast
Timeline:
14 weeks
Investment:
$45,000
Results
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Origin claims verifiable | 0% | 100% |
| Consumer scans (3 months) | — | 4,200 |
| Wholesale price premium achieved | $0 extra | +$3–5/lb (12–20%) |
| Counterfeit concerns by wholesale buyers | 'High concern' | 'Resolved' |
| New wholesale accounts citing blockchain | — | 7 new accounts |
The wholesale price premium alone — $3.50/lb average × 50,000 lbs/year = $175,000/year in additional revenue — represented a 3.9× ROI on the first year.
