Building Trust in Global Food Systems: Gary Loh on DiMuto’s Journey

Few figures in agri-food technology embody both experience and innovation like Gary Loh, CEO and founder of DiMuto. He transitioned from his role at SunMoon Food Company, a global distributor of fresh produce. He decided to address the critical challenges of visibility and transparency within the agri-food supply chain. 

Loh’s experiences at SunMoon offered firsthand insights into the perils of compartmentalized operations and a lack of holistic oversight—factors he identified as contributing to the downfall of many businesses. Inspired by this need, Loh launched DiMuto. This platform integrates blockchain and AI technology to provide end-to-end traceability for agribusinesses, helping them manage goods, payments, and services with unparalleled clarity.

DiMuto addresses critical issues like food resilience and supply chain inefficiencies by making every trading process visible and connected. Built around three core pillars—marketplace, Trade Management, and Trade Financing—the platform empowers agri-food businesses to seamlessly manage their goods from farm to table, fostering trust between buyers and sellers. 

In this exclusive interview with AsiaTechDaily, Gary Loh delves into the story behind DiMuto and shares how the platform is designed to solve the very issues he witnessed in the market.

By enabling agribusinesses to “see” each transaction, DiMuto empowers organizations to operate with greater efficiency, sustainability, and collaboration. Here, Loh shares more about the philosophy of “Demystifying Global Trade” and the impact of digital transformation in building trust within global food systems.

Gary, could you share what motivated you to shift from running a global fruit and vegetable company to founding DiMuto? What key challenges in agri-food trade inspired this transition? 

The impetus to start DiMuto happened way earlier when I was running SunMoon Food Company  (SM). The inspiration for DiMuto is based on SunMoon’s story about a small fruit store seller who became one of the largest growers, packers and distributors of Fuji Apples in Asia, only to see its business collapse tragically. My part of the story in SM was how I saved it from the brink of death and turned it into a surviving and operational company again. 

It was from SunMoon that I realized that this story is familiar — businesses rise, and businesses fall. Just like many of the great empires in history. What is the biggest pain point of these failures?  A common theme centered around the lack of visibility — we cannot manage well what we cannot see. As businesses expand, the organization begins to be compartmentalized; people start working in silos and thinking in silos. Without the ability to appraise situations in a holistic manner,  many business leaders and team members are just like “frogs in a well.” It describes a situation or individual who cannot or refuses to see the big picture because of being sheltered and/or closed-minded. Many times, it is not because the business leaders and their team members want that to happen; it’s just that they lack the tools to see the truth from a single source.  

DiMuto was started to be that tool, providing the organization the ability to “SEE” their operations  right down to the granular detail of the box (goods), payment and receipt flow (money), as well as  all the auxiliary service providers who support the organization (services). 

While it seems like a lofty goal and poses a very difficult problem to solve, DiMuto’s approach to  ‘Demystifying Global Trade’ is to break down each trade into having the ability to trace and track each and every transaction within the trade. A transaction is always about a buyer and seller or a provider and a user. Being able to capture and have visual confirmation of this data on a single platform or their existing operational platform (ERP) will then help Business Leaders run the organization better — with more efficiency, more sustainability and less waste. When an organization has visibility and transparency, collaborative commerce can then be built based on  Trust. These interactions of such organizations will be far more productive in generating and focusing on the good and its impact on the environment and the world. 

With DiMuto’s AI-powered Marketplace Assistant simplifying the procurement process, how do you foresee it affecting buyer-supplier relationships in the agri-food sector, especially in terms of trust and long-term partnership stability? 

DiMuto’s AI-powered Marketplace Assistant significantly improves buyer-supplier relationships by streamlining the sharing of critical procurement information through our Trade Management system. This system not only allows for the easy uploading and tracking of essential trade documents, photos, and information on an immutable blockchain timeline but also enhances transparency and accountability across all transactions. Such comprehensive visibility builds trust, as every stakeholder can verify the integrity and accuracy of the data in real-time. 

Our innovative digitization solution further supports this by scanning QR labels to create digital  twins of each carton, enabling businesses to continuously monitor the status, location, and quality  of products, even in areas with limited internet connectivity. This feature ensures that all parties  have access to the same real-time, accurate information, fostering a mutual understanding and  reducing the potential for disputes. 

Additionally, DiMuto captures and shares quality control information from both before and after shipping, making it possible for all parties to observe and assess product quality throughout the supply chain. By facilitating the effortless exchange of procurement data and integrating seamlessly with existing workflows, DiMuto not only simplifies operations but also bolsters the foundation for strong, long-term partnerships. This level of operational efficiency and data accessibility empowers businesses to make informed decisions quickly, enhancing the overall stability and trust in buyer-supplier relationships within the agri-food sector. 

How has being part of the Google for Startups Accelerator program impacted DiMuto’s AI  initiatives?

Participating in the Google for Startups Accelerator has been a transformative experience for our  AI-driven initiatives. Google’s provision of state-of-the-art AI technologies and expert guidance has not only elevated our capabilities in data analytics and machine learning but has also significantly enhanced the sophistication and efficacy of our solutions. Furthermore, Google’s support has expanded our exposure to new ideas and global best practices, amplifying both the visibility and impact of our work on a broader scale. Trade and Supply Chain Visibility 

Traceability and data visibility are central to DiMuto’s mission. Could you elaborate on how  DiMuto’s platform ensures visibility and authenticity across the supply chain? 

Our platform ensures end-to-end visibility by assigning a unique QR code to every carton or  product, which is tracked through each stage of the supply chain—from the farm to the retailer.  This data is captured in real-time through our Trade Management System (TMS), which records  critical information like product quality, shipping conditions, and origin details. 

Using technologies like AI and blockchain, we not only provides visibility but also ensure the  authenticity of the data, as blockchain offers immutable records that can’t be altered. This  guarantees that all stakeholders—buyers, suppliers, and retailers—can trust the information on  the platform, helping to reduce disputes and enhance transparency. 

With the Marketplace Assistant’s AI-driven insights into seasonal availability, supplier recommendations, and storage tips, how do you envision it impacting decision-making for procurement teams, particularly in sustainability practices? 

The Marketplace Assistant profoundly transforms procurement processes by providing AI-driven insights that significantly boost efficiency and sustainability. It furnishes real-time data on  seasonal availability, allowing procurement teams to plan purchases that align with the natural  growing seasons, thereby reducing the need for costly and environmentally detrimental off season shipping. Furthermore, it prioritizes suppliers who are rated highly on environmental,  social, and governance (ESG) metrics, enabling procurement teams to make decisions that are not only economically savvy but also environmentally responsible. 

By recommending suppliers from DiMuto’s network, which are vetted for their sustainability practices and traceable through our platform, the Assistant ensures that retailers can transparently view and assess upstream sustainability metrics. This visibility empowers procurement teams to choose suppliers that truly embody their sustainability values, thereby fostering a supply chain that is both efficient and aligned with global sustainability standards. 

What are some of the biggest obstacles you foresee for agribusinesses in the coming years, and how is DiMuto positioning itself to tackle these?

One significant challenge in the agri-food industry is the limited awareness among stakeholders about the benefits of traceability in their supply chains. DiMuto addresses this by actively demonstrating the value of our platform, focusing on key influencers within the supply chain to foster wider adoption. By showcasing tangible benefits—such as decreased claims, accelerated dispute resolution, and enhanced operational efficiency—we aim to encourage broader uptake among suppliers, traders, and buyers. 

Furthermore, managing the complexity of global operations presents another hurdle, especially with clients from various regions facing unique logistical and operational challenges. To navigate this, DiMuto has established a geographically diverse team with a strong presence in key areas such as LATAM, APAC, and the US. This strategic placement allows us to provide localized support, ensuring efficient system implementation and maintaining round-the-clock customer service. Our platform is also designed for high adaptability, functioning seamlessly in environments with low internet connectivity and accommodating both high and low-volume production needs. Moreover, leveraging proven technologies like blockchain, we build trust through guaranteed data integrity, positioning DiMuto as a resilient and versatile partner in the evolving AgriFood landscape. 

Reflecting on DiMuto’s journey since its founding in 2019, what are some of the milestones or achievements that you’re most proud of? 

Since 2019, we’ve tracked over USD 148 million in produce volume globally, with 9.5 million cartons and 791 unique SKU categories across our platform, partnering with clients across five continents. We also successfully completed our Series A funding round. Now, as we prepare for  Series B, we continue to scale and innovate. One of our proudest achievements is being selected to showcase our technology at multiple Google Startup events, underscoring our commitment to innovation on a global stage. 

As someone who’s navigated both financial services and agribusiness, how have you adapted your leadership approach to foster innovation within DiMuto? 

My experience across financial services and agribusiness has been instrumental in shaping a leadership approach that embraces resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the industry. This understanding allows us to pinpoint real pain points in the global food trade, paving the way for innovative solutions that enhance transparency and build trust. By ensuring that our technological innovations directly address these challenges, we add tangible value to the industry. 

At DiMuto, we leverage cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, AI, and IoT to continuously push the boundaries of transparency, traceability, and operational efficiency across the supply chain. For instance, IoT devices like DACKY automate data capture, reducing manual errors and streamlining processes, while blockchain technology guarantees data immutability and security.  Our AI-driven tools, including the Product Quality AI system and the Financial Health AI model,  ensure real-time quality control and accurate trade financing assessments.

Recognized for our leadership in AI, DiMuto was honored to be selected for Google Singapore’s inaugural Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program. This acknowledgment not only underscores our innovative capabilities but also enhances our visibility and collaborative potential.  Furthermore, strategic partnerships with fintech and payment companies like Aleta Planet enable us to deliver integrated solutions for global trade, ensuring we stay ahead of market trends and set new standards in the agri-food industry. 

Our commitment to innovation is supported by a culture that values dynamic leadership and a  skilled team dedicated to long-term impact, ensuring DiMuto remains at the forefront of industry  advancements. 

DiMuto has a strong international client portfolio. Could you share any recent success stories or notable partnerships that highlight DiMuto’s global impact? 

Our recent successes include a partnership with La Viña Mexico to track avocados to markets in  Japan, Korea, and China, ensuring full traceability and quality control. We’ve also recently  partnered up with a top US distributor, wherein we’ll be digitizing and tracking over US$3 million  worth of fresh strawberries, cucumbers, and bell peppers from Mexico into the United States. 

What are DiMuto’s expansion goals moving forward, and how do you plan to scale both your technology and market presence in key regions? 

DiMuto is committed to transforming the global food trade into a fully transparent, efficient, and sustainable ecosystem. Our vision extends to digitizing every step from farm to table, replacing outdated, siloed systems with advanced digital solutions that enhance visibility and accountability across the entire supply chain. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, AI,  and IoT, we aim to make food trade not only more efficient but also inherently trustworthy, thereby reducing disputes, enhancing food safety, and minimizing waste. 

Moving forward, our expansion strategy is centered on growing our technological capabilities and extending our market presence. We plan to enhance our platform by incorporating more sophisticated data analytics and expanding our global footprint. Strategic partnerships with fintech, payment, and insurance firms, such as Aleta Planet, will continue to play a pivotal role by integrating digital wallets and streamlined payment solutions for global trade. Additionally, we are dedicated to continuous innovation in response to regulatory developments like the FDA’s FSMA. We are committed to equipping businesses with advanced tools to track and improve their ESG  metrics. 

Our targeted growth areas include key regions such as APAC, Latin America, and the US, which are vital hubs for the fresh produce trade. We will scale our technology to manage larger volumes and more complex supply chains by enhancing our AI capabilities and data integration tools.  Moreover, we aim to broaden our network through strategic alliances, increasing our reach to more buyers and suppliers and fostering wider adoption in these critical markets.

Since its launch in 2019, DiMuto has tracked millions of produce items and trade dollars across ten countries, maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. By providing comprehensive visibility, DiMuto aims to help agribusiness owners optimize their operations sustainably, offering a solution “by traders, for traders” that changes the standards of global AgriTrade.

Its planned expansion into major global markets has shown a growing demand for greater accountability and trust in food systems worldwide. This has shown the potential for technology-driven solutions to make a meaningful impact on the industry.