Sustainable food supply chains: overcoming key challenges through digital technologies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamran Mahroof ◽  
Amizan Omar ◽  
Berk Kucukaltan
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Critical Success

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer a consolidative approach in exploring the potential contribution of digital technologies in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) for the sustainable performance of food supply chain business, through the circular economy concepts.Design/methodology/approachAs a single case study, this qualitative, interpretivist research was based on one of the largest food producers in the United Kingdom. The research utilises semi-structured interviews and applies thematic analysis to offer rich insights into SSCM challenges and their relationship with the business performance, through ten in-depth interviews.FindingsFindings derived from thematic analysis of the interview transcripts suggest four main critical success factors underpinning SSCM practices and businesses performance – i.e. business continuity, waste reduction, performance measurement approach, and organisational learning, which could use the help of digital technologies to improve. This led to seven propositions to be addressed in the future research.Originality/valueThis research offers real, practical insights into SSCM challenges, within the context of food supply chain and explores the potential of digital technologies in overcoming them. Accordingly, the primary contribution of this work is grounded in the identification of critical success factors in SSCM for food supply chains (FSC). Hence, this work contributes further to the literature on SSCM, as well as circular economy, by providing a study of a business in the context of the highly pertinent and valuable food industry.

scholarly journals Barriers to circular food supply chains in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 677-696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Farooque ◽  
Abraham Zhang ◽  
Yanping Liu
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Causal Effect ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Organizational Theories ◽  
Chinese Food

Purpose This paper aims to identify and systematically analyze the causal-effect relationships among barriers to circular food supply chains in China. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in multiple organizational theories, this paper develops a theoretical framework for identifying relevant barriers to integrating circular economy philosophy in food supply chain management. The study uses 105 responses from Chinese food supply chain stakeholders including food processors, sales and distribution channels, consumers and government officials. It applies a fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to examine the causal-effect relationships among the identified barriers. Findings Overall, the results suggest two key cause barriers: first, weak environmental regulations and enforcement, and second, lack of market preference/pressure. Meanwhile, lack of collaboration/support from supply chain actors is the most prominent barrier. The key cause and prominent barriers are also identified for each of the supply chain stakeholder involved. Research implications The study offers practical insights for overcoming barriers to integrating circular economy philosophy in the management of supply chains in the Chinese food sector, as well as in other contexts where similar challenges are faced. It also sheds light on which organizational theories are most suitable for guiding similar studies. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first barrier study on circular food supply chains. The use of multiple organizational theories for the development of the theoretical framework is unique in barrier studies. The study offers insights from multiple stakeholders in the Chinese food supply chains.

scholarly journals Agri-Food 4.0 and Innovations: Revamping the Supply Chain Operations

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-89
Author(s):  
Vasavi Dadi ◽  
Suryadevara Ram Nikhil ◽  
Rahul S Mor ◽  
Tripti Agarwal ◽  
Sapna Arora
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Demand And Supply ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Block Chain ◽  
Different Sources ◽  
Food Wastage

Abstract The agri-food sector contributes significantly to economic and social advancements globally despite numerous challenges such as food safety and security, demand and supply gaps, product quality, traceability, etc. Digital technologies offer effective and sustainable ways to these challenges through reduced human interference and improved data-accuracy. Innovations led by digital transformations in the agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) are the main aim of ‘Agri-Food 4.0’. This brings significant transformations in the agri-food sector by reducing food wastage, real-time product monitoring, reducing scalability issues, etc. This paper presents a systematic review of the innovations in the agri-food for digital technologies such as internet-of-things, artificial intelligence, big data, RFID, robotics, block-chain technology, etc. The employment of these technologies from the ‘farm to fork’ along AFSC emphasizes a review of 159 articles solicited from different sources. This paper also highlights digitization in developing smart, sensible, and sustainable agri-food supply chain systems.

scholarly journals Improving the sustainability of food supply chains through circular economy practices – a qualitative mapping approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciano Batista ◽  
Manoj Dora ◽  
Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes ◽  
Vikas Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Industrial Ecology ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Future Scenarios ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a methodological approach to support qualitative analysis of waste flows in food supply chains. The methodological framework introduced allows the identification of circular food waste flows that can maximise the sustainability of food supply chains.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a qualitative approach, circular economy perspectives are combined with core industrial ecology concepts in the specification of a standardised analytical method to map food waste flows and industrial synergies across a supply chain.FindingsThe mapped waste flows and industrial linkages depict two time-related scenarios: (1) current scenarios showing the status quo of existing food waste flows, and (2) future scenarios pointing out circular flows along the supply chain. The future scenarios inform potential alternatives to take waste flows up the food waste hierarchy.Research limitations/implicationsThe qualitative approach does not allow generalisations of findings out of the scope of the study. The framework is intended for providing focussed analysis, case by case. Future research involving mixed methods where quantitative approaches complement the qualitative perspectives of the framework would expand the analytical perspective.Originality/valueThe framework provides a relatively low-cost and pragmatic method to identify alternatives to minimise landfill disposals and improve the sustainability of food supply chains. Its phased methodology and standardised outcomes serve as a referential basis to inform not only comparative analysis, but also policymaking and strategic decisions aimed at transforming linear food supply chains into circular economy ecosystems.

Technological innovation in food supply chains: systematic literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giselle Cappellesso ◽  
Karim Marini Thomé
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Technological Innovation ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
High Level ◽  
Multiple Obstacles

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the literature on innovation and the food supply chain to synthesise and explore their interactions, determining what it is known and what gaps there are in the knowledge regarding these subjects. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of technological innovation and the food supply chain was conducted based on the Methodi Ordinatio protocol. This method seeks to select and rank papers according to their scientific relevance. Findings This study has highlighted the importance of research focused on specific matters, such as food packaging, integration, Big Data and bio-economy. Considering the stages of innovation, the portfolio has focused mainly on innovations’ generation. As for adoption, the multiple obstacles responsible for the few successful innovations were highlighted. Adopting these innovations has become complex, with a high level of failure and several critical points, ranging from the level of research to acceptance and purchase, with consumer indifference and even negative positions towards innovation. Originality/value This paper contributes to the debate about innovations in the food supply chain, providing a research agenda.

scholarly journals Circular and Lean Food Supply Chains

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stella Despoudi
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Food System ◽  
Supply Chain Design ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Industrial Economy ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Lean Practices ◽  
Lean Operations

Circular economy (CE) refers to the industrial economy that aims to achieve enriched sustainability through restorative objects and supply chain design. Many governments have put in place different initiatives in line with the CE. On the other hand, the term Lean operations refers to the reduction of the non-value adding activities and waste in a supply chain. The food sector has been criticized for its sustainability and circularity due to the high levels of food and packaging waste and at the same time the increasing costs. Although food supply chain entities have started to implement circular economy and lean practices, the current efforts do not seem to be sufficient to achieve a circular and lean food system. The aim of this chapter is to explore the possibility of a circular and at the same lean food supply chain.

scholarly journals Sustainable food security futures

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahir Irani ◽  
Amir M Sharif
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Enterprise Level

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to signpost the genesis of food security and associated factors such that organisations, enterprises, policy makers and interested stakeholders can seek to explore and understand this important societal issue. The challenges that food security poses are eclectic in nature and cut through country, society, organisation and individual boundaries. Only through identifying these factors – hence identifying underlying factors of food waste and usage of information within food supply chains to untangle them – can we adopt enterprise interventions in order to initiate and mitigate food security risk. Design/methodology/approach – As a viewpoint piece, there is no empirical work to report in this paper. An exploratory review of the literature has allowed for the extraction of food security concerns that need the attention of stakeholders across the enterprise to ensure robust food supply chains can be are created, maintained and sustained through a better understanding and usage of information, knowledge and data. Findings – This paper articulates six constructs that underpin the challenges of establishing food security. It is suggested that information relating to factors may support decision-makers within communities, organisations and enterprises to better understand these factors that then contribute towards enhanced food security. Relevant strategies or policies can then emerge and be developed such that strategic as well as operational interventions can be prioritised across national, regional or industry level. Underpinning the above, the waste within and across the food supply chain contributes to the six factors, also highlighting where additional focus may need to be applied to sustain food supply chains. Research limitations/implications – This paper is a position paper that does not offer factual insight but rather highlights a direction of thought that others can consider exploring as part of wider research agendas in the topical area where enterprise, organisational, and information-based contributions may support the development of strategy-led food security policy. Practical implications – This paper provides reassuring insights that will help decision and policy makers assemble their thoughts when it comes to prioritising their communications and interventions amongst organisational/enterprise-level stakeholder groups involved in food security and food supply chain contexts. Social implications – This paper has highlighted the need for more research around the human and organisational factors that are identified as both underpinning the need for food security and, as drivers of waste throughout the food supply chain. Indeed, there is further work needed to highlight the inter-relationships that exist and, which then feed into resulting interventions. Originality/value – To raise the importance of food security amongst differing stakeholder community groups at the organisational and enterprise level.

scholarly journals The linkages between leadership approaches and coordination effectiveness

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 443-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pervaiz Akhtar ◽  
Zaheer Khan
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Supply Chain Coordination ◽  
Participative Leadership ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Multiple Dimensions

Purpose – A suitable leadership approach and multiple dimensions of performance (operational and social dimensions contributing to financial performance – the effectiveness of international agri-food supply chain coordination) are important because of significant linkages between them. However, there has been no such empirical research to explore the linkages in five selected New Zealand-UK international agri-food supply chains (dairy, meat, vegetables and fruits). Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to address this knowledge gap. Design/methodology/approach – Before applying covariance-based structural equation modelling (a path analysis) on the data collected from 112 chain coordinators (CCs) (chief executive officers, managing directors and head of departments) of the selected agri-food supply chains, a comprehensive process of exploratory factor analysis, reliability and validity tests is used to develop the constructs. Findings – The findings suggest that CCs’ participative leadership approach is highly significantly (β=0.60; p=0.00) associated with the effectiveness of international agri-food supply chain coordination. Directive leadership does not have a significant relationship and its interaction effect with participative leadership resulted in a significant negative relationship with the effectiveness of agri-food supply chain coordination. Moreover, social (satisfaction with and trust in supply chain partners) and operational (service and product quality) dimensions are the major determinants of financial performance (profit, sales and market share) with β=0.44 (p=0.00) and β=0.44 (p=0.05), respectively. These variables jointly explain 70 per cent of the variance in financial performance, and leadership explains 36 per cent of the variance in coordination effectiveness. Practical implications – In order to understand the multiple dimensions of performance and their linkages, the study enhances the understanding of CCs and contributes to determine the best practices for modern agri-food supply chains. Originality/value – This study is the first step in developing and confirming complicated linkages with the specific characteristics of selected international agri-food supply chains. As a result, the empirical evidence also clarifies the earlier ambiguous results on the topic raised from other industries or countries.

scholarly journals Assessment of traditional food supply chain performance using triadic approach: the role of relationships quality

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 396-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Željka Mesic ◽  
Adrienn Molnár ◽  
Marija Cerjak
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Traditional Food ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
Empirical Contribution

Purpose The objectives of this paper were twofold: to explore if there are differences in the perceptions about supply chain performance (SCP) and relationship quality (RQ) among traditional food supply chain members, and to examine the influence of individual relationship variables and aggregated relationship quality on SCP in the traditional food sector. Design/methodology/approach The survey was conducted in a triadic context with 189 supply chain members (62 suppliers, 65 focal companies and 62 customers) of 65 traditional food supply chains (cheese, olive oil, meat products, brandies and liqueurs, wine and honey) in Croatia. The influence of individual relationship variables and aggregated RQ on perceived SCP was tested using regression analysis. Findings It was found that there were no significant differences in the perception of overall SCP and RQ among supply chain members. It was identified that aggregated RQ and all individual relationship variables (trust, commitment, economic satisfaction, non-coercive and coercive power, reputation and conflict) have a significant influence on perceived SCP of the traditional food supply chains. Practical implication This study provides a systematic approach to investigate the SCP and supply chain RQ in the traditional food sector. The findings suggest that managers should not neglect any aspect of supply chain relationship to keep high SCP and to be competitive on the market. Originality/value This multiple supply chain study makes an original empirical contribution to the supply chain and network management literature by using a triadic approach to investigate RQ and SCP. The influence of individual RQ constructs and aggregated RQ on traditional food SCP examined in this study has not been explored thus far. This study also makes an original empirical contribution by investigating RQ and SCP in the traditional food sector, which has received little attention recently.

scholarly journals Key factors of carbon footprint in the UK food supply chains: a new perspective of life cycle assessment

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 945-970
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Ferguson Aikins ◽  
Usha Ramanathan
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Food Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Supply Chains ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically identify key factors of UK food supply chains (SCs) that significantly contribute to CO2 emissions (CO2e) taking into account the life cycle assessment (LCA). The UK food supply chain includes imports from other countries.Design/methodology/approachThis research develops a conceptual framework from extant literature. Secondary data obtained from ONS and FAOSTAT covering from 1990 to 2014 are analysed using Multilinear Regression (MLR) and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) to identify the factors relating to CO2 emissions significance, and the efficient contributions that are being made to their reduction in the UK food supply chains.FindingsThe study results suggest that Transportation and Sales/Distribution are the two key factors of CO2 emissions in UK food supply chains. This is confirmed by two multivariate methods, MLR and SFA. MLR results show that transportation increases UK CO2 emissions by 10 tonnes of CO2 emissions from one tonne of fruits and vegetables imports from overseas to the UK Sales and Distribution reduces the UK CO2 emissions by 1.3 tonnes of CO2 emissions due to improved, technological operation activities in the UK. In addition, the SFA results confirm that the key factors are sufficient to predict an increase or decrease in CO2 emissions in the UK food supply chains.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has focused on the LCA of the UK food supply chain from limited data. Future studies should consider Sustainability Impact Assessment of the UK food supply chain, identifying the social, economic, regulatory and environmental impacts of the food supply chain using a re-defined LCA (all-inclusive assessment) tool.Practical implicationsThis research suggests that food supply chain professionals should improve efficiency, e.g. the use of solar energy and biogas, and also integrate low-carbon policies and practices in food supply chain operations. Furthermore, governments should encourage policies such as mobility management programmes, urban redevelopment and privatisation to enhance better transportation systems and infrastructure to continuously reduce CO2e from the food trade.Originality/valueAlthough logistics play a major role in CO2 emissions, all logistics CO2 emissions for other countries are not included in the ONS data. This research reveals some important insights into the UK food supply chains. Logistics and other food supply chain processes of importing countries significantly contribute to CO2 emissions which are yet to be considered in the UK food SCs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document