Digital technologies and food supply chain: a scoping view from 2010 to 2024

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to deepen the understanding of robust food supply chains (FSC) in SMEs by exploring and analyzing the literature through the lenses of digital technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from Scopus spanning from 2010 to 2024, employing selected keywords, and processed it using VOS-viewer and Biblioshiny to derive valid inferences and theoretical arguments.

Findings

The review paper identified several key themes shaping the future of supply chain management – Sustainability in SCM, Industry 4.0, Digitalization with FSCM, Circular Economy, Food Waste with Supply Chain, Food Security and Climate Change. These themes collectively bring transformative opportunities for both the adoption of digital technologies and sustainable practices in food supply chains.

Research limitations/implications

The review found limitations are rooted in financial constraints, institutional barriers and expertise-related challenges encountered within the realm of Digitalization and FSC. Government and corporate houses should focus on these limitations as well as convert them to strengthen the SMEs of FSC.

Originality/value

The study stands out as a pioneering review that not only explores Digitalization in FSC but also explores the link and evidence of SMEs in the unorganized sector, providing unique insights into a previously underexplored area.

Citation

Panigrahi, R.R., Singh, N. and Muduli, K. (2024), "Digital technologies and food supply chain: a scoping view from 2010 to 2024", International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIEOM-05-2024-0030

1. Introduction

As of 2023, achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) remains significantly off track, with over 250 million people facing food crises (World Bank, 2024). High transport costs are a major factor affecting food prices and food security, particularly in the poorest countries where food expenses can consume up to 70% of household budgets (Palladino et al., 2024). In some African regions, transport costs can account for as much as 50% of the food price (World Bank, 2024). Inadequate infrastructure and inefficient transport services in many developing countries exacerbate these issues, leading to food price volatility, shortages, and post-harvest losses (Rahut et al., 2022).

Supply chain disruptions from COVID-19, as well as post-pandemic conflicts and Climate Change, have increased food transport costs globally Blessley and Mudambi (2022), Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine worsened these pressures by halting Ukraine’s grain exports, necessitating alternative global market connections (Rudloff et al., 2023). These combined disruptions caused the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Price Index to spike by 56% between February 2020 and March 2022. Here, it is important to acknowledge how supply chain disruptions, such as the ripple effect, hinder the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 (Fenner and Cernev, 2021). Unlike the bullwhip effect, which deals with operational risks, the ripple effect involves low-frequency, high-impact disruptions, impacting both developed and developing countries. Supply and demand shocks can be micro (affecting one company or region) or macro (impacting an entire industry or global market). Supply chain turbulence, such as shifts in customer demand, geopolitical disruptions, natural disasters, and pandemics, is increasingly concerning.

In the post-COVID-19 era, food businesses that embraced the global food supply chain (GFSC) innovation, collaboration, diversification, and sustainability will emerge stronger (Alabi and Ngwenyama, 2023; Jagt, 2024). The pandemic has disrupted all pillars of food security—availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability, worsening global food insecurity (Alabi and Ngwenyama, 2023). Two side effects of global trade contractions have emerged: longer invoice settlement times and exposed vulnerabilities in complex supply chains. COVID-19 highlighted these weaknesses, especially in healthcare and food supply (OECD, 2020), where the rush for protective equipment revealed the risks of lean manufacturing, inventory, and single-sourcing models focused solely on cost control. Mantravadi and Srai (2023) stressed that Food supply chain (FSC) inefficiencies harm food systems, necessitating improvements. Food Waste undermines urban food security and damages the environment. The capacity of small- and medium-sized enterprises in the food industry to build resilience against the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial for food security (Alabi and Ngwenyama, 2023).

After natural disasters or deliberate disturbances such as strikes or terrorism, supply chains are expected to swiftly return to normalcy. Anticipating and planning for restoration after such disruptions is crucial for success. Employing digital technologies is recommended for achieving this flexible SCM (Ning et al., 2023). These technologies enable companies to embrace new ideas, operate in an eco-friendly manner, and adapt quickly to disruptions. Essentially, enhancing resilience in FSC involves integrating smart, digital tools at each stage of the food journey (Burgos and Ivanov, 2021). This ensures a swift response to changes and challenges, ultimately boosting efficiency and resilience across the entire FSC.

Improving FSC resilience entails leveraging digital technologies to enhance visibility, facilitate informed decision-making, and foster reliance among supply chain stakeholders (Beveridge et al., 2024). Research establishes that Industry 4.0 will drive rapid technological changes, decentralization, and Digitalization, enhancing e-commerce and GFSC efficiency (Lin and Lanng, 2020). By implementing digital technologies like IoT, Blockchain, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML), stakeholders can make informed decisions and adapt more effectively to changing circumstances (Njomane and Telukdarie, 2022). These technologies offer capabilities such as real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and automated decision-making, which enhance the agility and adaptability of FSCs (Hassoun et al., 2023a, b).

However, there is a lack of literature on supply chain resilience to assist FSMEs in navigating disruptions caused by the pandemic. A recent study by Sutar et al. (2024) identifies numerous gaps in the existing literature; this study aims to explore the area of food supply chains (FSC) during disruptions and enhance their resilience. It identifies emerging areas and proposes a framework for SME sustainability in FSC. Research on food supply chain resilience through the lens of digital technology typically focuses on developing strategies to cope with unexpected supply shortages or demand spikes (Mantravadi and Srai, 2023).

Incorporating IoT sensors into transportation vehicles, for instance, allows for real-time monitoring of product conditions, ensuring timely intervention in case of any deviations from desired parameters. Similarly, Blockchain technology enhances transparency and traceability in the supply chain, mitigating risks associated with food safety and authenticity (Varriale et al., 2023). Cloud computing enables seamless data sharing and collaboration among supply chain partners, facilitating coordinated responses to disruptions (Chauhan et al., 2022; Gammelgaard and Nowicka, 2023; Maddikunta et al., 2022). AI and ML algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to predict potential disruptions and optimize supply chain operations accordingly (Tirkolaee et al., 2021).

By embracing these digital technologies across the FSC, the entire system becomes more resilient and adaptable to unforeseen challenges. This proactive approach not only minimizes the impact of disruptions but also enhances overall efficiency and sustainability in the food supply chain. Food companies must integrate digital technology into their food supply chains (FSC) to enhance visibility and connectivity throughout the entire process, from farm to table, using real-time data monitoring for informed decision-making (Alabi and Ngwenyama, 2023). Given the vulnerability of FSCs to disruptions, it is crucial for them to bolster their resilience through the adoption of digital technologies (Carmela Annosi et al., 2020; Kumar et al., 2023a). Particularly during disruptive times, the adoption of digital technologies becomes even more imperative to mitigate issues in FSCs (Heydari, 2024).

Given the importance of Digitalization in FSCs, particularly involving SMEs, it is important to identify key research areas and knowledge gaps in the domain. To address these issues, the study formulates two specific research questions.

RQ1.

What are the current research trends in the field of Digitalization and the food supply chain (FSC)?

RQ2.

What are the emerging themes related to technological practices in the food supply chain?

The motivation for this study is rooted in a recent report from the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University, highlighted by Forbes, underscoring the close relationship between logistics and product pricing. Transportation accounts for over 26% of the cost of perishable food products for wholesalers, such as fruits and vegetables. By digitizing their processes, the food industry can leverage reliable tools like machinery and “digital product passports” to validate food safety and ensure environmental, social, and governance compliance. Digital product passports provide comprehensive information about a product, ensuring long-term control and transparency. Utilizing blockchain-powered solutions, food manufacturers can map their supply chain data and provide it as needed. Blockchain technology significantly enhances supply chain management by offering a shared system of record to manage data flow and improve traceability across a secure network, particularly when multiple companies are involved. This study conducts a scoping review from 2010 to 2024 to chart the progress and identify key trends, gaps, and future research directions, ultimately contributing to more resilient and efficient food systems.

This study utilized a systematic literature review (SLR) with bibliometric analysis to investigate specific research inquiries. Six hundred forty-seven documents were selected from Scopus databases based on relevant keywords “Digital Technologies”, AND “Food Supply Chain”, AND “Efficiency” contribution to the resilience of food supply chains (FSC). This study provides evidence supporting the role of digital technologies in enhancing resilience within FSCs. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that it addresses a relatively underexplored area, offering new insights into how digital advancements can solve challenges in food production, distribution, and sustainability.

Section 2 of the article outlines the literature on the evolution of concept and development in broad areas. Section 3 delves into the research methods adopted to address research objectives and questions. In Section 4, the study findings of the bibliometric analysis and discussion are presented, followed by discussion and implications in Section 5. Section 6 outlines the conclusion and future research directions.

2. Evolutions of literature

2.1 Food supply chain

The food supply chain (FSC) begins with acquiring raw materials and spans multiple phases of production and distribution until the final product reaches the consumer. This intricate process involves numerous intermediaries and the movement of information, finances, and coordination among different entities (Kayikci et al., 2022). Unlike other supply chains, FSCs are uniquely complex, linking diverse sectors like agriculture, food processing, and distribution, all while adapting to rapidly changing consumer demands (Sharma et al., 2024). Effective supply chain management is crucial for ensuring seamless operations overseeing the flow of finance, materials, and information throughout the chain (Nazir and Fan, 2024).

2.1.1 Stages of FSC

The food supply chain is a complex, interconnected system that transforms raw materials into the food products consumed, encompassing stages from production to consumption. Beginning with the sourcing of food through farming or development in facilities, it adheres to stringent quality and safety standards (Li et al., 2014). Post-harvest handling and storage ensure product integrity before processing and packaging convert food into an edible form, meeting all safety requirements. Distribution then efficiently transports these products to retailers (Chauhan, 2020), where logistics manage the transition from suppliers to shelves, culminating in consumer purchase and consumption. Recent growth in food supply chains has expanded product availability but also introduced fragmentation, complicating traceability and increasing risks of inefficiencies (Sibomana et al., 2016). To optimize costs and enhance efficiency, streamlining the entire supply chain is crucial, leveraging technology and robust safety measures to ensure a seamless flow from farm to fork. All three stages of production, distribution and consumption are interrelated and need to be made efficient to reduce losses (Figure 1) (Jeswani et al., 2021; Kafetzopoulos et al., 2013).

2.2 Food supply chain in the post-pandemic era

In the intricate dance of global food supply chains, where each step from farm to fork intertwines like the threads of a complex tapestry, resilience has emerged as the keystone to stability (Jagt, 2024). The COVID-19 pandemic starkly illuminated the vulnerabilities within these networks, exposing inefficiencies, limited traceability, and the pressing need for greater transparency (Hassoun et al., 2023a). Traditional FSCs have long grappled with challenges such as transportation issues, quality concerns, and environmental impacts, all of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic (Karmaker et al., 2023). As Climate Change and unforeseen global disruptions become the new norm, FSCs must evolve, embracing digital technologies to enhance their adaptability and efficiency (Chandan et al., 2023; Kumar et al., 2023a, b). The journey of perishable goods, reliant on cold storage, adds layers of complexity to this evolution. Long-distance transportation, essential for delivering fresh produce, carries inherent risks of contamination and quality degradation (Njomane and Telukdarie, 2022). Companies now stand at a crossroads where their capability to anticipate and swiftly recover from disruptions—be they natural disasters like floods and droughts or deliberate disturbances such as strikes and acts of terrorism—defines their operational strength (Nabipour and Ülkü, 2021).

In this context, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for a balanced approach of innovation and readiness. These goals emphasize the necessity for sustainable practices within FSCs to mitigate the impacts of Climate Change and ensure long-term food security (Chandan et al., 2023; Harahap et al., 2023). Continuous research and development are crucial, as they fuel this transformation, offering new insights and strategies to build FSCs that are not just resilient but robust and agile (Kumar et al., 2023a, b).

The post-pandemic world has made it clear that having backup plans and flexible strategies is no longer optional but essential (Shi et al., 2023). Companies are compelled to manage their supply chains more effectively, focusing on resilience to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. This includes implementing advanced technologies for better traceability, improving efficiency, and ensuring the safety and quality of food supplies (Shi et al., 2023). Ultimately, the resilience of food supply chains is a critical factor in ensuring a reliable and safe food supply (Li et al., 2017). This involves addressing existing vulnerabilities through improved transparency, efficiency, and traceability, leveraging digital technologies, and developing robust contingency plans. As global uncertainties continue to loom, the ability to build and maintain resilient FSCs will be pivotal in securing food supplies and meeting the challenges of the future (Kumar et al., 2022).

2.3 Food supply chain in emerging economies

There is an increasing need to address food supply chain management in the context of emerging economies. This focus is needed to highlight and investigate the interconnections between the supply chain dimensions and establish a truly sustainable balance in emerging economies (Sánchez-Flores et al., 2020). FSCs in emerging economies face challenges like low adoption capabilities and a lack of standardized policy framework (Joshi et al., 2023a, b). Herein, innovations in business strategy and technology can bring resiliency to the FSC (Joshi et al., 2023a, b). The role of digital technology is significant here. Though adoption is low in these countries, it holds immense potential for the future (Akbari and Hopkins, 2022). The impact of human capital is also significant here in accelerating the Digitalization process and thus needs significant attention (Nguyen van et al., 2023).

2.4 Digitalization techniques in the food supply chain

Digitalization techniques in the food supply chain are aimed at enhancing efficiency, traceability, and responsiveness from farm to fork. (Abid et al., 2024). Digital or web-based technological platforms in food supply chains encompass a wide array of tools, including cloud computing, blockchain, the Internet of Things, big data analytics, and sensor technologies, which collectively enhance supply chain performance (Kumar et al., 2022). Büyüközkan and Göçer (2018) highlighted that digitally connected supply chains focus not on whether the products or services are physical or digital, but on how the supply chain is managed. Some key technologies used in FSCs are outlined below:

Internet of Things (IoT) and FSC: The food industry significantly contributes to global economic and social development but faces challenges like food safety, security, traceability, and quality (Khan et al., 2023a, b). These issues can be addressed by smart technologies, notably the Internet of Things. In Industry 4.0, smart technologies are revolutionizing supply chain management. IoT enhances food authentication, boosting consumer trust and willingness to buy (Piramuthu and Zhou, 2016). The food industry is now prioritizing IoT deployment to track and store information throughout production, processing, distribution, and consumption (Singh et al., 2023).

Smart Farming and Food: IoT applications in agriculture (e.g. soil sensors and weather stations) help optimize farming practices, leading to better yields and resource management (Akkem et al., 2023). Smart farming with advanced machine learning offers better crop selection, potentially reducing farmer suicides due to its robust and fast learning capabilities. AI provides efficient solutions to agricultural sustainability challenges (Akkem et al., 2023). Key technologies include machine learning, deep learning, and time series analysis, aiding in crop selection, yield prediction, soil compatibility, and water management. India’s agriculture is influenced by various factors such as climate, topography, and political and institutional elements, which increase risk (Liu et al., 2023). To meet the growing demand for higher production, applying machine learning is essential for predicting crop yield, enabling timely interventions to boost yield. Additionally, using statistical methods for climate forecasting and rainfall prediction (Hansen and Indeje, 2004) can further improve crop yield.

3. Research methodology

The paper follows the systematic literature review steps to identify key thematic areas and possible future research directions. A systematic approach to review establishes a clear scope for selecting and analyzing the documents and, hence, offers credibility to the study. This methodology involves a structured process that includes defining research questions, setting inclusion and exclusion criteria, and conducting a comprehensive search of relevant literature. By meticulously categorizing and synthesizing the findings, the review highlights significant patterns and trends within the existing body of knowledge (Kumar et al., 2024a, b; Sharma et al., 2021).

3.1 Bibliometric analysis

A bibliometric analysis was conducted on the selected documents from the Scopus database. The process of selecting the relevant literature through the PRISMA framework is listed in Figure 2. The PRISMA framework has been chosen to select documents to ensure the transparency and credibility of the process, including search strategies and inclusion criteria, thus increasing the reliability of the review findings. The detailed steps are narrated below:

• Step 1. Description of the study’s aim and scope

The first step is to define the scope of the study. Herein, the scope of the study is set by the research questions. Identifying the scope helps identify the suitable literature that can be analyzed to recognize the work done in the domain area.

• Step 2. Choosing the right technique for the study

The bibliometric studies have been done in literature review papers for performance mapping in the domain. It involves analyzing the number of publications over the year and contributions by the authors, countries, and journals. However, science mapping in the reviews has increased. It means identifying networks through techniques such as co-occurrences, co-citations, and bibliographic coupling analysis to visualize and understand the network and interconnection within the research. This study uses a combination of performance and science mapping methods to understand the existing work holistically.

• Step 3. Data collection

The data was collected through a systematic process using the PRISMA technique, as detailed in Figure 2. The selection was made from the SCOPUS database, as it is the largest database of quality publications and is widely valued in the academic community. The process of selecting documents was done in four stages: identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion. The keywords were selected using “Digital Technologies”, AND “Food Supply Chain”, AND “Efficiency” for the period 2010 to 2024. After removing the duplicate documents, the remaining were confined to the business and management domain. This was done to confine the documents as per the scope of this study. In the final screening stage, all articles were carefully reviewed on the basis of their quality and relevance to the study. Finally, 647 articles were included in the study.

• Step 4. Data analysis

The selected literature has been analyzed using MS Excel, R Software (Biblioshiny), and VOSviewer applications. These applications were used to bring more clarity to the analysis and presentation of the findings. The biblioshiny application was used for frequency analysis, trend analysis, word cloud, three-field plot analysis, thematic evolution, and keyword dynamics. The themes were identified with the help of the VOSviewer application, while MS Excel was used to analyze the main details and production over the year.

4. Findings of the bibliometric analysis

This section presents the interpretation and analysis of the data obtained from the bibliometric analysis using the R program-based biblioshiny app. The analysis is pertinent to the research questions, as discussed in the sub-sections below.

4.1 Key information

The critical information pertaining to the selected documents is discussed in Table 1. The 647 documents consist of articles (488), books (24), book chapters (45), conference papers (14) and review papers (76). The average number of citations per document is 22.25. Out of 1871 authors, single-authored documents are 47, while multi-authored documents are 1824. As of authors’ collaboration, co-authors per document are 3.58 with a collaboration index of 3.07.

4.2 Annual scientific production

Figure 3 shows the year-wise trend in publication. The year-wise publication in digital technologies and supply chain has substantially increased over the last five years. With 29 documents in 2020, it has increased almost ten-fold in 2023 and is projected to grow even higher by the end of 2024. It underscores the significance of the domain and, hence, the need to address its research gaps.

4.3 Most frequent words

Based on the authors' keywords, a summary of the top ten keywords is presented in Figure 4. It is to highlight the significant areas of interest in the current research. The chart shows that sustainability is the most frequently used keyword with 95 occurrences, followed by Industry 4.0, Circular Economy, blockchain, supply chain, and digital transformation. The focus on resilience has increased during the pandemic due to its increasing relevance in the supply chain. Apart from the top 10 keywords shown in Figure 4, food security and supply chain, IoT (internet of things), and artificial intelligence are the other frequently used keywords. It underscores the increasing research focus on digital technology avenues to bring food security and resilience to the supply chain.

4.4 Word cloud

Further, to enhance our understanding of key focus areas in existing research, Figure 5 shows the word cloud based on the Keywords Plus parameter to complement the findings from Section 4.3. While the earlier section lists the top 10 frequently occurring keywords, this section provides an overview of all significant keywords in the extant literature. A word cloud visually represents word frequency in a text, with more frequent terms appearing more prominent in the image. By quickly highlighting key themes and topics, word clouds help researchers identify the main focus of a written work. Their use in literature reviews can uncover patterns and trends that might be overlooked in traditional analysis, providing a clear overview of prevalent concepts (Atenstaedt, 2012; Cui et al., 2010; Filatova, 2016). In this study, the word cloud analysis highlights that supply chain, sustainability, food supply, and Circular Economy are highly researched themes. Also, literature reviews as methodological choices have been used more to understand and explore this domain. The emphasis on data analytics and conceptual frameworks is developing and needs to be focussed on in further research.

4.5 Three field plot

The three-field plot of the extant literature is shown in Figure 6 for 20 items. The left field shows keywords, the middle field is countries, and sources, i.e. journals, are shown on the right side of the diagram. The three field plot analysis helps understand the global distribution of research topics while identifying the key topics, countries and journals that have immensely contributed to the food supply chain and Digitalization domain. By visualizing these connections, researchers can pinpoint which countries are leading in innovation and research output in these areas. Additionally, the diagram highlights influential journals that frequently publish significant studies, guiding researchers to the most impactful sources for literature review and publication. This insight also allows for strategic networking and collaboration opportunities with leading institutions and researchers from top-contributing countries. This analysis is significant as it provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape, helping to identify trends, gaps, and potential areas for future investigation.

The visualization helps in understanding the interplay between the three fields. “Sustainability” journal has published the most articles (193), followed by “Journal of Cleaner Production” (102). The publications from the top countries are not concentrated in any specific journals, and the flowlines' thickness shows their spread across journals. Most studies are concentrated in India, followed by Italy, China, and the UK While research in India and Italy is more focused on sustainability, Industry 4., Circular Economy, and blockchain, it is more spread out in the context of other countries.

4.6 Word dynamics

The year-wise evolution of keywords, as highlighted in Figure 7, highlights essential trends in the research. Research on sustainability, Circular Economy, supply chain, and digital transformation has significantly increased over the years. However, the research centered around Industry 4.0 and COVID-19 has declined, possibly due to the focus shifting to Industry 5.0 and the slowing down of COVID-related complexities. It signifies the stagnation in these research areas and the scope of shifting research towards novel concepts.

4.7 Thematic evolution

The thematic evolution of the research over the last decade is presented in Figure 8. Sustainability has been a critical focus area throughout; however, its focus has significantly increased in recent years. Recent research in food supply has focused more on stakeholders and environmental impact, including Climate Change. The food industry is intricately related to Climate Change and the environment, and the focus of this research area is of immense importance. More than studying consumer behavior, the focus has shifted toward decision-making. A major takeaway from this section is that, increasingly, research is not only focused on standalone topics but is more focused on understanding the interlinkages between the concepts.

4.8 Topic dendrogram

The hierarchical clustering of the topics is shown in the form of a dendrogram in Figure 9. It shows the topics are majorly clustered in two groups (shown in red and blue). The analysis is based on the multiple correspondence analysis method. In the larger red cluster, two smaller clusters focus on supply chain management and Digitalization in food supply. The blue cluster is centered around the application of IoT and blockchain in food supply and food security.

4.9 Conceptual structure map

The conceptual structural map, as shown in Figure 10, further builds our understanding of the research topic. The map’s central region represents the research’s focal point. In our study, environmental technology and impact, supply chain, and information management are closer to the focal area, underlying their importance in the domain. The proximity of the keywords shows their usage frequency in more number of articles.

5. Discussion

Comparing the findings of the study, the authors address the objectives by justifying the two proposed research questions. Regarding the first research question (RQ1), the study found that current trends in the digital age are increasingly leaning towards cloud-based platforms and blockchain technology in FSCs. These technologies enable continuous stakeholder connectivity and real-time supply chain monitoring, thereby enhancing the efficiency of FSCs (Jose and Shanmugam, 2019; Mogale et al., 2023). The integration of these technologies improves recall speed, reduces costs, and boosts consumer trust by minimizing contamination risks (Bosona and Gebresenbet, 2023). Blockchain for food traceability serves as a fraud-fighting, efficiency-boosting, cost-saving, trust-building superhero for stakeholders (Chandan et al., 2023; Kumar et al., 2023a, b; Munir et al., 2022). Present issues of FSC can be addressed by smart technologies, notably the Internet of Things (IoT). In Industry 4.0, smart technologies are revolutionizing supply chain management. IoT enhances food authentication, boosts consumer trust, protects the environment, adds economic value, and creates social impacts that influence purchase decisions (Carmela annosi et al., 2020; Hassoun et al., 2023b; Othman and Yang, 2023). These studies show that by integrating various digital technologies into supply chains, they can become more resilient, efficient, and trustworthy. Thus, digital adoption in FSCs effectively addresses and overcomes the challenges posed by modern disruptions.

In the same direction, the study answers RQ2 by presenting emerging themes identified through keyword co-occurrence analysis using the VOSviewer application (see Figure 11). The analysis revealed overlapping themes and intricate interconnections within clusters. The analysis identified several key themes shaping the future of FSC. Theme Proposition 1: Sustainability and Supply Chain Management emphasizes integrating sustainable practices to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Theme Proposition 2: Industry 4.0, Digitalization, and FSCM highlights how smart technologies like IoT and blockchain are revolutionizing supply chain management, improving food authentication, and fostering consumer trust. Theme Proposition 3: Circular Economy (CE), Food Waste (FW), and Supply Chain (SC) focuses on adopting Circular Economy principles to minimize Food Waste and optimize resource use throughout the supply chain. Lastly, Theme Proposition 4: Food Security and Climate Change addresses the critical need to ensure food security amidst changing climate conditions, leveraging advanced technologies better yield prediction and resource management. These themes collectively underscore the transformative potential of digital technologies and sustainable practices in modernizing and securing food supply chains.

Theme Proposition 1.

Sustainability and supply chain management.

In the current dynamic market, supply chain disruptions have increasingly become a common phenomenon. In addition to macroeconomic factors, the shifting digital landscape, adoption of technologies across industries and consumers alike, and changing customer demand have disrupted the supply chain ecosystems across industries. Thus, sustainability has been a significant theme of research in extant literature (Letnik et al., 2023; Lopez-Torres et al., 2024; Puma-Flores and Rosa-Díaz, 2024). It has been studied in terms of building sustainability within organizations (Nazir and Fan, 2024) and logistics and the usage of Digitalization to attain it (Hassoun et al., 2023a, b). Research identifies the emphasis on designing business models on the basis of shared value creation and long-term efficiency to ensure sustainable operations (Abbate et al., 2023; Jesujoba and Adenike, 2021). Several research studies have identified models to remove sustainability within food supply chains. Among them, few are focusing on a mathematical model for a sustainable food supply chain. Verma et al. (2023) focussed on 3D printing for removing barriers to food printing-based supply chains. These studies underscore the critical importance of integrating sustainability into supply chain management, leveraging digital technologies and innovative models to address disruptions and ensure long-term efficiency in food supply chains.

Theme Proposition 2.

Industry 4.0, Digitalizations and FSCM.

The performance and efficiency of an Industry 4.0-enabled supply chain management system underscore the transformative potential of adopting Industry 4.0 technologies in business processes (Kumar et al., 2024a, b; Piccarozzi et al., 2024). These technologies enhance operational transparency, trust, and collaboration within supply chains, which are critical for optimizing performance and achieving strategic business goals (Hrouga, 2023; Wei et al., 2023). Industry 4.0 facilitates real-time data sharing and advanced analytics (Batra et al., 2024), leading to more informed decision-making and streamlined operations. By integrating digital technology like IoT, AI, and advanced robotics, businesses can significantly improve their supply chain responsiveness and resilience (Van Nguyen et al., 2023). Gholipour et al. (2023) stressed that sustainable closed-loop supply chains (SCLSCs) offer strategic advantages by incorporating artificial intelligence into the supply chain, particularly in the reverse logistics segment, including waste recycling.

Few studies also explored the challenges associated with implementing Industry 4.0 in supply chain management (Hassoun et al., 2023a; Shakur et al., 2024; Yap and Al-Mutairi, 2024). These challenges include high initial investment costs, cybersecurity concerns, and the need to upskill the workforce to handle advanced technologies. Additionally, organizational resistance to change and the complexity of integrating new systems (Fadilasari et al., 2024) with legacy infrastructure pose significant hurdles. Pfaff (2023) highlights the importance of building strategic agility and fostering trust and flexibility within an organization to mitigate these challenges. Building collaboration among the stakeholders can further build resilience within the system (Huang et al., 2023). Among the novel technologies, blockchain has emerged as a critical focus area, particularly in addressing challenges within the agri-food ecosystem. Blockchain technology offers robust solutions for enhancing traceability, security, and efficiency in supply chains (Bosona and Gebresenbet, 2023; Li et al., 2023). By providing a decentralized and immutable ledger, blockchain can ensure the authenticity and integrity of supply chain data, thereby reducing fraud and improving consumer trust. Studies have demonstrated its potential in streamlining processes, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, making it an indispensable tool for FSCM. Despite these obstacles, researchers have identified key enablers, i.e. strong leadership, comprehensive training programs, and supportive government policies that can facilitate efficient adoption of Industry 4.0 (Elnadi and Abdallah, 2024; Yadav et al., 2024).

Theme Proposition 3.

Circular Economy (CE), Food Waste (FW) and supply chain (SC).

The Circular Economy as a research area is being explored not only in the supply chain but in other sectors as well. Designing a sustainable supply chain to transition to a Circular Economy while leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies involves integrating various strategies, technologies, and principles (Kazancoglu et al., 2023). Extant research has stressed prioritizing managing existing waste over preventing it and urges future research to integrate Circular Economy (CE) and Industry 4.0, aiming to better address Food Waste and support sustainable development (Chandan et al., 2023). A recent study by Lopes de Sousa Jabbour et al. (2023) explores CE business models to tackle food supply chain waste. Regenerate and Loop models are also being studied for Food Waste reuse and recycling and issues with local companies and customers.

Emerging themes are focusing on challenges in adopting CE in the FSC for sustainable development (Kumar et al., 2023a, b; Nascimento et al., 2019). Prior research suggests that government policies, incentives, and strict environmental regulations are crucial for adopting CE principles. Addressing these challenges also enhances corporate social responsibility (Jena et al., 2020a, b). The study offers recommendations for practitioners to adopt CE for sustainable development (Dzhunushalieva and Teuber, 2024).

In an emerging country like India, Ardra and Barua (2023) focus on the inclusion of Circular Economy practices in the food supply chain, highlighting challenges and possibilities for reducing food wastage. The existing research identifies traceability issues (Kumar et al., 2023a, b; Panigrahi et al., 2023a, b), limited IT expertise, poor logistics design (Khan et al., 2023a, b), and high costs as key challenges of FSC. This identification will help managers take cognizance of these factors and guide policy formation. It also aids in modeling improvements to close the loop and supports government efforts to set regulations for cleaner practices.

Theme Proposition 4.

Food security and Climate Change

Recent research has increasingly delved into the intersection of food security and Climate Change, underscoring the urgency of addressing environmental challenges (Alam et al., 2024; Moreno-Pérez et al., 2024). Vărzaru (2024) emphasized the intricate relationship between Digitalization and food security, noting technology’s potential to alleviate inequalities. Additionally, the significance of robust policy frameworks and environmental regulations has been underscored in existing research (Kyzyurov et al., 2023; Yao and Fu, 2023).

Exploring the impact of Digitalization on supply chains reveals solutions to logistical hurdles (Nguyen et al., 2024; Salamah et al., 2023). Additionally, research emerging in response to the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the imperative of enhancing resilience within these systems (Panigrahi et al., 2022). However, apart from identifying the existing research clusters, the current literature review also identifies a gap in longitudinal studies necessary to gauge the efficacy of proposed strategies.

5.1 Theoretical implications

This SLR illustrates the pivotal role of digital technologies in enhancing resilience within the FSCs from 2010 to 2024. The incorporation of digital technology has significant theoretical implications for the FSC, suggesting that improved visibility through digital tools enables better risk detection and prediction. This aligns with theories of risk management in FSC literature, which emphasize the importance of information flow and transparency in mitigating risks (Nayal et al., 2022). Digitalization allows real-time data access, enabling stakeholders to adapt quickly to market changes and become more resilient (Kumar et al., 2022). Researchers and industry leaders of FSC can leverage advanced digital technologies like Neural Networks and Machine Learning to gain insights into complex systems (Seyedan and Mafakheri, 2020). By developing decision support systems, they can reduce Food Waste, optimize routes, enhance transparency, and increase flexibility, ultimately reducing fuel usage and lowering carbon emissions. Digital technologies not only improve FSC efficiency but also bolster its resilience (Carmela et al., 2020; Swart et al., 2020).

5.2 Practical implications

Integrating digital technologies into the FSC has significant practical implications for investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and governments (Bosona and Gebresenbet, 2023; Vărzaru, 2024). The study underscores the importance of investing in digital technologies to ensure the resilience of the FSC, which provides a competitive edge and enhances overall business operations. FSC stakeholders can proactively manage risks by anticipating potential disruptions, leading to cost savings and improved efficiency by avoiding costly recalls and FSC failures (Gao et al., 2023). These technologies facilitate seamless communication, better resource utilization, efficient route planning, and enhanced coordination across the supply chain. The practical implications highlight the tangible benefits and outcomes of introducing digital technologies into the FSC.

5.3 Policy implications

To effectively integrate digital technology into agricultural policy and the food supply chain, addressing the digital divide affecting farms' ability to adopt outcome-based designs is essential. Policies should support public and private sector collaboration to enhance digital transformation by facilitating private investment, developing infrastructure, and fostering innovation ecosystems while safeguarding against market power concentration. Investments in digital literacy and management training for stakeholders, as well as integrating digital technology into agricultural education, are crucial. Additionally, supporting entrepreneurs with business development and finance skills will drive innovation and ensure the creation of locally relevant technologies, ultimately strengthening the entire food supply chain. Policymakers are encouraged to broaden their traditional, production-centric perspectives of the agri-food sector to incorporate social and environmental considerations. By doing so, they can work towards a digital future where the agri-food sector enhances productivity and promotes social and environmental sustainability.

6. Conclusion, limitations and future research work

This study systematically reviewed literature from the SCOPUS database to explore the role of digital technologies in enhancing food supply chain (FSC) efficiency from 2010 to 2024. Using the keywords “Digital Technologies”, “Food Supply Chain”, and “Efficiency”, we identified and analyzed 647 relevant articles. The analysis used MS Excel, R Software (Biblioshiny), and VOSviewer applications to ensure comprehensive and clear findings. It highlights the significant impact of digital technologies on FSC resilience and efficiency. Improved visibility through digital tools enhances risk detection and prediction, aligning with established risk management theories. Digitalization, particularly IoT and blockchain, revolutionizes supply chain management, boosts consumer trust, and improves food authentication. Advanced technologies like Neural Networks and Machine Learning help reduce Food Waste and optimize routes.

Our review has systematically explored the current state of Digitalization in the agri-food industry, highlighting both the advancements and the barriers to widespread adoption of digital technologies. We identified key challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient incentives, lack of knowledge, and issues related to costs, language, and Internet quality. While some obstacles can be mitigated through targeted government interventions and private sector investments, others necessitate profound, transformative shifts within the industry. To achieve meaningful progress, firms must adopt a long-term, collaborative, and sustainable approach that not only transforms their business models but also enhances both economic performance and social-environmental outcomes. Embracing this comprehensive perspective will enable the agri-food industry to leverage digital technologies effectively, benefiting all stakeholders and fostering a more resilient and inclusive food supply chain. Digitalization is set to revolutionize the food and farming industry by enhancing precision agriculture, online trade, and traceability systems. These technologies offer substantial practical benefits, including cost savings, enhanced efficiency, and improved customer satisfaction with fresher products, emphasizing the importance of investing in digital solutions for a resilient and efficient FSC.

The limitations of this study are based on three factors: financial, institutional, and expertise-related challenges. For SMEs operating in the FSC, financial constraints pose significant challenges in both conceptualization and growth funding. Institutional limitations arise from the fact that many firms in emerging countries are largely unorganized, making the adoption of blockchain technology or process automation difficult. Additionally, a lack of technical and technological know-how or skill sets further hampers these businesses' ability to adapt to recent changes. These limitations often restrict SMEs to small geographical areas, preventing them from expanding and fully leveraging digital technologies in FSC.

Future studies could further explore these institutional and technical expertise challenges. Empirical investigations into the impact of technical know-how on the success of FSC enterprises could provide valuable insights for both researchers and industry experts, potentially leading to strategies that better support SMEs in overcoming these limitations.

Figures

Figure 1

Stages in the food supply chain

Figure 2

Methodology of literature review

Figure 3

Annual publication of articles

Figure 4

Keyword occurrences

Figure 5

Word cloud

Figure 6

Three-field plot diagram

Figure 7

Keyword dynamics

Figure 8

Thematic evolution

Figure 9

Topic dendogram

Figure 10

Conceptual structure map

Figure 11

Keyword co-occurrence analysis: major themes

Table 1

Key details

Description	Results
Timespan	2010–2024
Documents	647
Average citations per document	22.25
Average citations per year per doc	6.281
References	63,259
Keywords plus (ID)	1715
Authors	1871
Collaboration index	3.07

Source(s): Author