scholarly journals Resilience and Digitalization in Short Food Supply Chains: A Case Study Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 5913
Author(s):  
Rosario Michel-Villarreal ◽  
Eliseo Luis Vilalta-Perdomo ◽  
Maurizio Canavari ◽  
Martin Hingley

The interest in short food supply chains (SFSCs) has grown significantly in the last decade, notably in respect of their potential role to achieve more sustainable food chains. However, a major barrier to achieving sustainable supply chains is the uncertainty associated with supply chain activities. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the different resilience capabilities that SFSCs possess and the potential role of digital technologies as enablers of SFSCs’ resilience. Using a case study research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted in two SFSCs in Mexico. Collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings suggest that SFSCs possess the supply chain resilience (SC resilience) capabilities investigated here, namely flexibility, redundancy, collaboration, visibility and agility. A key finding is the importance of low-cost digital technologies (including freeware and social media) that can support flexibility, collaboration, visibility and agility. These findings raise important implications for SFSCs actors exploring opportunities to improve their collective resilience. This study expands the current literature by proposing a conceptual framework that summarizes a wide variety of strategies that support SC resilience capabilities in the context of SFSCs.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanka Tundys ◽  
Tomasz Wiśniewski

Creating alternative supply chains can help increase economic and social benefits for all beneficiaries of the supply chain. Alternative short supply chains for organic products are considered when seeking optimal scenarios to obtain the highest profit for producers, with maximizing profit being one of the main reasons for taking up business within this type of supply chain strategy. The aim of this study was to clarify the ideas of short food supply chains (SFSCs) and the organic production of food products and to indicate how economic benefits can be achieved in individual markets. The identified research gaps include the lack of a strong theoretical basis, as well as the lack of empirical studies concerning the multi-objective optimization of the economic effects of producers using computer simulation methods. However, the aim of this research was to identify the activities within such structures that can produce economic effects and influence the competences and soft relationships between the organizations participating in the chains. The adopted research methods included a critical analysis of the literature and the use of information technology tools and computer simulation. We found that computer simulation methods can lead to better decisions (to increase manufacturer benefits) regarding how to service selected markets within the SFSC. The most important limitations are the small territorial scope of the research and the consideration of only three of the most frequently purchased and manufactured products in Poland. This study was a pilot study, which will be developed further by the authors, from both a territorial and product point of view.


Author(s):  
Y. M. P. Samarasinghe ◽  
B. A. M. S. Kumara ◽  
Asela K. Kulatunga

The necessity for food traceability has been increased over the years with the expansion of food supply chains globally over these years due to stringent of food safety regulations. Enhancing the access to quality food safely is one of the essential requirements of food supply chain traceability. Conversely, significant percentages of postharvest losses available especially in developing countries due to poor supply chain and logistics practices thereby threatening food security. Unless there is a possibility to trace the Supply chain, it is difficult to take remedial actions. When it comes to Sri Lanka, currently it is harder to have the traceability in most of the foods supply chains commonly on most of the elementary supply chains such as fruits and vegetables. This has led to postharvest losses since it is harder to identify when and where damages occur, who are accountable, harvested and transient times, supply demand mismatch too. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the feasibility of tracing of fruit and vegetable supply chain in Sri Lanka and contribute theoretically to facilitate authorities and decision makers for future traceability improvement. Availability of secondary information on fruits and vegetables traceability was examined referring to government agencies. Basic structure of supply chain was identified based on secondary data and a case study was conducted based on supply chains linked to Thambuththegama and Keppetipola Dedicated Economic Centers to gather primary data. To quantify the feasibility of tracing, a feasibility index was developed. Developed index was used to assess the feasibility towards improved traceability of selected chains where it can be applied for other food and non-food supply chains as well. The feasibility index can be used for other fruits and vegetables supply chains too to assess the feasibility prior to implementation of a traceability system. Furthermore, it can be used for non-food supply chains with some modifications. Analysis revealed that poor feasibility of wholesalers compared to farmers and retailers. Product identification technologies, awareness and willingness for traceability improvement were ranged low to fair for all the entity categories. Hence, enhancement of record-keeping and information sharing, adopting product identification and quality measurement technologies, and strengthening of legislation were identified as key improvements for enhanced fruits and vegetable traceability and efficient postharvest management of studied supply chains


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-466
Author(s):  
Annemarie Groot-Kormelinck ◽  
Jacques Trienekens ◽  
Jos Bijman

Purpose The aim of this paper is to study the influence of quality standards on contract arrangements in food supply chains. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative double case study was conducted on the dairy and citrus sectors in Uruguay. A transaction cost theoretical framework was used. All current public and private quality standards applied by processors were studied in relation to contract arrangements between processors and upstream producers as well as downstream buyers for each sector. Findings Quality standards complement contract arrangements for upstream transactions, leading to hierarchy-type contract arrangements. Quality standards substitute contract arrangements for downstream transactions, leading to market- or hybrid-type contract arrangements. Research limitations/implications Longitudinal studies that measure changes in contract arrangements over time are recommended. Practical implications Supply chain actors can reduce transaction costs by aligning quality standards with appropriate contract arrangements – further supported by public instruments. Originality/value Quality standards have differential influence on underlying transaction characteristics, and therefore on contract arrangements, depending on the location of the transaction in the supply chain.


2016 ◽  
Vol 78 (5-3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroki Kumashiro ◽  
Mikhael Tjhi ◽  
Gatot Yudoko ◽  
Kiyoshi Dowaki

This article presents the results from a viability analysis of geothermal energy-based cold storage for food supply chains inIndonesia. In this study, it was assumed that middlemen used cold storage as part of the supply chain. Gatekeepers were chosen based on three criteria: place, people, and prospect; and the gatekeepers, thus chosen from different societal groups, were then interviewed to validate outsiders’ assumptions. Finally, results were categorized into four interest classifications: technical, economic, environmental, and social. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Mancini ◽  
Davide Menozzi ◽  
Michele Donati ◽  
Beatrice Biasini ◽  
Mario Veneziani ◽  
...  

Recent literature has highlighted the importance of testing the sustainability performances of supply chains. Nevertheless, this field of research is still in its early stages, in particular with reference to short food supply chains (SFSCs). This research analyzed producers’ and consumers’ perception of the economic, social and environmental sustainability of two SFSCs of a specific quality of cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano PDO) placed in two different contexts: the first is a rural area in the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park mountains and the second is a peri-urban area in Parma surroundings, both in Italy. The case study also analyzed the carbon emissions of shopping for Parmigiano Reggiano at dairy shops. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were employed to achieve the aims of the present study. For producers in both areas, the SFSC is a successful strategy to sell a part of their output in their own outlets, gain reputation, reduce costs and at the same time increase their levels of self-esteem. Product quality is the biggest factor attracting consumers to the outlet; moreover, it is associated with trust in the producers and the idea of combining “leisure with pleasure”. However, the environmental impact of the consumers’ purchase activities is a drawback.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 806-816
Author(s):  
Maria Lúcia Pato

AbstractIn spite of the increasing attention being paid to short food supply chains (SFSCs), research in the area is still scarce, particularly in Portugal. Thus, based on a case study in Viseu Dão Lafões Region (VDLR), we intend to identify and discuss (emphasizing potentialities and constraints) the movement of SFSCs in the region. This case study is based on document analysis and interviews with agrifood baskets’ promotors. On the one hand, the results show the wide variety of SFSCs that exist in the region and the emergence of new forms of SFSCs like the agrifood baskets. On the other hand, the empirical research also emphasizes the environmental, economic, and sociocultural benefits of SFSCs that will have a positive impact on the well-being of producers, consumers, and/or on the whole region. However, the interviews have also exposed a (certain) limitation in terms of communication and marketing that may constraint these initiatives. From a practical point of view, it became clear that producers must do their best to develop their communication and marketing strategies; from a political point of view, local authorities should provide the necessary assistance to help implement training programmes and develop suitable communication and marketing skills.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document