Demand management in fresh food value chains: a framework for analysis and improvement
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the problems with demand management in fresh food value chains and to propose a framework for demand analysis and improved demand management.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws on empirical evidence from multiple case studies undertaken in the UK food industry.
Findings
Evidence from the case studies indicates a consistent misalignment of demand and supply, due to demand amplification, poor production systems and inconsistencies with information and data handling procedures.
Research limitations/implications
The case study evidence is limited to the UK context and is therefore unlikely to be representative of the global situation in fresh food value chains. The proposed framework is based on the case study evidence but has not been formally tested.
Practical implications
More collaboration, information sharing and joint planning from primary production through to retailing is critical if fresh food value chains are to function efficiently and effectively in retail environments where promotional activity creates significant uncertainty.
Originality/value
Demand management has received little attention to date, outside the industry framework of ECR. This paper is the first to propose a framework for improvement based on greater collaboration and joint planning that extends beyond the retailer‐manufacturer interface
Keywords
Citation
Taylor, D.H. and Fearne, A. (2009), "Demand management in fresh food value chains: a framework for analysis and improvement", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 14 No. 5, pp. 379-392. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540910980297
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited