Blockchain is a driver for digitalization in the fresh industry, but the resulting improvements in each supply chain member’s performance are difficult to predict. In this study, we examine the effects of blockchain-based digital transition in a cold supply chain with a manufacturer, a retailer, and a third-party logistics service provider (3PL). Our study provides several managerial implications. First, blockchain adoption would lead to a preservation service level increase if the 3PL charges a low transportation fee, but a preservation service level decrease if the 3PL charges a high one. Second, the blockchain adoption may induce the manufacturer to increase its wholesale price, which does not cause the retailer to cut the order quantity but instead sets a lager one. Third, our results indicate that simply relying on the market mechanism may not enable the cold supply chain to make the optimal decision; thus, government intervention or an exogenous coordination mechanism must be introduced to drive the cold supply chain members to reach a consensus on blockchain-based digital transition. Finally, the main results in the basic model are proven to remain robust. Managerial implications are discussed and provided.

区块链是生鲜行业数字化的驱动力，但由此带来的每个供应链成员绩效的提升却难以预测。在本研究中，我们研究了基于区块链的数字化转型在冷供应链中对制造商、零售商和第三方物流服务提供商 (3PL) 的影响。我们的研究提供了一些管理启示。首先，如果 3PL 收取低运输费用，采用区块链将导致保存服务水平提高，但如果 3PL 收取高运输费用，则保存服务水平会降低。其次，区块链的采用可能会促使制造商提高批发价，这不会导致零售商减少订货量，反而会增加订货量。第三，我们的结果表明，仅仅依靠市场机制可能无法使冷链做出最优决策；因此，必须引入政府干预或外生协调机制来驱动冷供应链成员就基于区块链的数字化转型达成共识。最后，基本模型的主要结果被证明是稳健的。讨论并提供了对管理的影响。