Factors affecting the diffusion of traceability practices in an imported fresh produce supply chain in China
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 13 September 2021
Issue publication date: 23 February 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to facilitate the successful adoption of traceability technologies, such as blockchain, into food supply chains and facilitate the understanding of the barriers and enablers to their uptake by channel members' needs so that appropriate enabling strategy can be put in place.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, an integrated framework involving five components was used as the methodology: (1) diffusion of innovation theory, (2) the innovation concept, (3) the business structure-conduct-performance paradigm, (4) legitimacy and (5) trust was developed and assessed for validity through interviewing 21 channel members, including distributors, wholesalers, Internet retailers and traditional retailers associated with a global fresh produce company's supply chain in China.
Findings
Barriers negatively framing channel members' attitudes and decisions included a perceived lack of need owing to fresh produce having a short shelf life and being of low value and risk. However, the importance of traceability and the need for effective food recalls were not always understood among channel members, and distributed trust innovations were also suppressed by their lack of compatibility with the Chinese hierarchical culture.
Originality/value
To date, channel members' perception of innovations in food supply chains has not been considered in light of the components proposed in the integrated framework. The adapted framework used in this study ensured a comprehensive assessment of channel members' attitude and motivations toward traceability practices.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was partially funded by the New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre [grant number 3000032994].
Citation
Yi, Y., Bremer, P., Mather, D. and Mirosa, M. (2022), "Factors affecting the diffusion of traceability practices in an imported fresh produce supply chain in China", British Food Journal, Vol. 124 No. 4, pp. 1350-1364. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-03-2021-0227
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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